SA in huge haul of gongs at Afrima
Shekhinah best female in SADC
South African music won big at the All Africa Music Awards (Afrima) that took place in Accra, Ghana. Singer Shekhinah walked away with two awards for the best Southern African female vocalist and songwriter of the year .
Rap star Nasty C was named the best male artist in Southern Africa, while Nigerian pop star Davido was named artist of the year.
Davido became the second Nigerian to win the award in succession following Wizkid’s triumph in 2017.
Davido also won best male artist in Western Africa. Music diva Tiwa Savage got the female artist in Western Africa award. Fally Ipupa won the best male artist in Central Africa.
South Africa’s Master KG won the best duo or group in African electro with Skeleton Move featuring Zanda Zakuza.
“All thanks to God. I still can’t believe it, but it happened, everything is possible when you believe,” he said. “I feel on top of the world. I am grateful for the support from where I was born in Limpopo, South Africa, all over the continent and the world.
“I love you, please keep supporting me, without you I’m nothing. I’m also indebted to Zanda Zakuza for her contribution in making Skeleton Move such a successful record,” Master KG said.
“To Open Mic, my record company and my team, I’m thankful for helping make my dream of taking my music to the world come true.”
Jazz pianist Sibusiso Mashiloane got the nod in the best artist in African jazz category.
Mashiloane said in a statement: “I recognise myself and my music as embedded in the society that I call home and would not be able to compose the music I do without the influence of my country and the city I live in. This makes me proud to represent my culture through music and be recognised for the creation of it.”
Meanwhile, Princess of Africa Yvonne Chaka Chaka, together with Ugandan music activist Bobi Wine and Kenny Ogungbe of Nigeria, spoke at the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) in Ghana.
The Afrima’s Africa Music Business Summit took place ahead of the awards.