2016 Wawela Music Awards winners

10 Oct 2016

The 2016 Wawela Music Awards (WMAs) winners were announced by the Southern African Music Rights Organisation NPC (SAMRO) on 7 October. The awards celebrate music composers and songwriters.

Held at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg, this year’s winners included Beatenberg who took home Best South African Duo or Group award while afro-pop songwriter/singer Maleh scooped Best Creative Album of the Year. Best Song or Composition in a Television Commercial was taken by the popular acapella group, The Soil, for their song ‘Joy’.

SAMRO marketing general manager, Tiyani Maluleke said this year’s awards have surpassed standards set in the previous years - something she attributed to the quality of entries submitted and also venue change. “This year’s awards were a showcase of various music creators known by people and those that are not in the public eye. With the 2016 Wawelas, we were once again able to put a spotlight on some of the best talents we have in the South African music industry.”

Marking its fourth year running, the awards were a true demonstration of how local sound has matured, with the new generation of music composers, lyricists and songwriters proving that they are ready to carry on the legacy that is being left behind by industry legends.

Special Awards

Recipients of the Special Awards were announced during the launch of the awards and nominees announcement ceremony in August. Winners for the 2016 Special Awards are music legend, Abigail Kubeka who took the Lifetime Achievement award, while veteran producer, Gabi Le Roux was honoured with the Prolific Catalogue of Works and international renowned musician Oliver Mtukudzi walked away with Breaking Through the Borders award.

Other winners on the night included Nick Sakellarides who took Best Soundtrack in a Feature Film or Theatric Documentary and Best Song or Composition in a Radio Commercial. Benjamin William Jephta was also awarded two trophies for Best Male Artist and Composer/Co-Composer, and Songwriter of the Year. Benjamin Willem won Best Song or Composition in a Television Production while Best Female Artist and Composer went to Lindiwe Maxolo.