Samas set to reward new talent of SA music
Nasty C leads young Turks with six nods
Rapper Nasty C is leading the pack with the most nominations at this year’s South African Music Awards (Samas).
Nasty C, whose real name is David Ngcobo, 20, has been nominated six times, making him the only artist with that many nominations at South Africa’s biggest awards show.
Nominees were revealed at an event at the Destiny Exclusive Hotel in Kempton Park last night, with a number of industry giants in attendance.
Nasty C, who has been having a good year, got the nods for tracks on his Bad Hair Extensions album.
He received nominations in the best newcomer, best male artist, best album, best rap album categories and for two of his videos – Don’t Do It and Good Girls.
Nasty C’s rise to the top has been smeared by some controversy.
He is fresh from a battle to defend himself against an outcry after he collected the most awards at the Metro FM Awards in February.
His record label Mabala Noise was accused of rigging the awards in his favour.
He has also recorded a number of songs with big names abroad, including American rapper French Montana.
Fellow rapper Kwesta, whose real name is Senzo Vilakazi, scooped five nods for best rap album, best male album, album of the year and two nominations in the best collaboration category.
Afro-pop sensation Amanda Black is also holding her own with four nods, including the album of the year and female artist of the year, while gqom music’s first lady Babes Wodumo got three nods for her album Gqom Queen, Vol 1.
Other artists such as Thandiswa Mazwai, Black Motion and former Idols contestant Musa Sukwene were also nominated in various categories.
But overall the nomination event revealed a new direction for the South African pop scene with the emergence of new talent.
Recording Industry of SA (RiSA) CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said: “This is the year newcomers take most of the limelight undoubtedly. It is truly encouraging to see so many young and new artists dominate the list.
“It can only bode well for the industry.
“The future is bright and we couldn’t be happier for them.”
The ceremony will be held at Sun City on May 27.