In our exclusive as we first broke the story, the industry reacted with shock but at the same time, excitement because the choice by the organizers Risa (Recording Industry of SA) to consider Durban as the host
was neither here nor there.
It boils down to rands!
Although disputed by the chairman of SAMAs Refiloe Mogase, a dangling carrot of R46million has been offered by the municipality, although no confirmation on how long is the deal.
“The awards will be televised from Public Viewing areas in and around KZN. Also, there’s going to be a build-up to the awards to conscientious the public, etc,” continued Mogase.
It’s a known fact that SAMAs have been hard hit financially with no title sponsor since the withdrawal of MTN years’ ago, but it seems they’ve been given the lifeline thanks to eThekweni Municipality.
“We have worked hard to position eThekwini as a choice destination for local and international shows and conferences. Hosting the SAMAs is another feather in our cap in this regard.
The awards have a long history of promoting local music and acknowledging the contribution made by music artists to grown the music and entertainment industry.
We salute our musicians and appreciate the role they play in impacting lives as well as showcasing South Africa’s diverse culture and rich history through music.
eThekwini is proud to be partnering with the Recording Industry of South Africa for this year’s SAMAs,” says the eThekweni Mayor James Nxumalo.
Nominees for the SAMAs will be announced in April either 20 or 21, according to Mogase.
Says Mogase:“ We are delighted with our new partnership with the very progressively minded eThekwini Municipality. This marks a fresh chapter in South Africa’s premier music award show!
A chapter in which we shall build on the Annual South African Music Award’s solid, respected heritage and proud legacy with a renewed youthful vibrancy.”
They are scheduled to take place at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Int’l Convention Center Durban on June 4.
Million rand question is: what are other provinces doing with their budgets?
