South African Music Awards attracts a record number of entries

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Danette Breitenbach

The South African Music Awards (Sama) has attracted a record number of entries in the 28 years of its existence. Some 1,395 submissions were received by the close of the call for entries at midnight on Thursday, 3 February 2022. Last year, the Samas earned 1,163 entries, which marks an increase of over 230 this year.

This exponential growth augurs well for the future of the music industry and the role Sama continues to play.

ENTRIES ARE OFFICIALLY CLOSED! �� Stay tuned to our pages for the announcement of this year’s #SAMA28 nominees. pic.twitter.com/VGSZaJs4Aq
— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) February 4, 2022

Most categories received record entries, and below are the categories that received the most entries:

Best Collaboration – 180
Best Hip Hop Album – 179
Best Produced Music Video – 149
Best Dance Album – 73
Best Amapiano Album – 68

The next stage of the Sama process is vetting presided by committees comprised of industry practitioners, which will be followed by judging by panels of experts which will be followed by the announcement of nominees in April.

CEO of the Recording Industry of South Africa, Nhlanhla Sibis, commented:

This is incredible news worth celebrating. The Samas continue to grow from strength to strength with the buy-in and support of the music industry practitioners and fans of the Sama.

“I’m proud that we managed to build on last year's gains, and the upward trajectory continues. Congratulations to all who were involved in running a slick campaign to attract this record number of entries. I wish all the entrants the best of luck.”