Despite the detours en route to its 29th edition, the South African Music Awards (Samas) have secured a partnership and venue.
The awards show will now be staged on November 18 at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine in Pretoria.
KwaZulu-Natal pulls the plug
This after the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government withdrew as the financial backer and host of the Samas following growing concerns that the budget had ballooned.
On Monday Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), said it took some nifty footwork and agility to ensure that Sama29 is saved and staged on the set date following a partnership with Africa Fest.
Africa Fest is a celebration of African talent, culture and the unifying power of music. It is often described as one of the most spectacular African concert experience that South Africa has ever seen.
“We are humbled by the receptive and sympathetic nature of our partners at Africa Fest, who showed that the industry can be stronger when we are together,” said Sibisi.
“This is a display of the Sesotho adage kopano ke matla [unity is strength].
“They have generously accommodated our programme and will be assisting in ensuring that the awards run as smoothly as possible with the highest production values befitting the calibre of our musicians.
“I have no doubt that it will be a memorable one.”
Partnership celebrated
Arnold Coleske of Africa Fest celebrated the partnership with the Samas, saying they are delighted to be working together as part of the Africa Fest inaugural offering.
“When RiSA approached us for this collaboration, we saw it as an opportunity for the industry to work together,” said Coleske.
“Our dealings with each other have been seamless, we found a lot of common ground and synergies. This is a big win for South African music.”
The awards show will be beamed live from the Arena on SABC1 from at 8pm courtesy of Africa Fest, and the after-party is expected to commence at the end of the show.
Stronger together, #SAMA29 joins forces with Africa Fest#SAMA29 will be staged on 18 November 2023 (one day only) at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine.
It’s all about being United in music!#Musichasitall pic.twitter.com/OnMNWVkvZb
— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) November 6, 2023
