Sama awards a letdown
COMEDIAN, REALITY SHOW STARS CAN’T SAVE MONOTONOUS SHOW Ramaphosa’s speech had the masses breaking into struggle songs.
The most anticipated weekend in South African music, the South African Music Awards (Samas), ended up being the biggest letdown. The Samas took place on Saturday at the Sun City Super Bowl and was hosted by comedian Mpho Popps who, despite all the wardrobe changes, flopped. Reality show stars Dineo Ranaka and Somizi Mhlongo only brought their stage smoke to the party.
A R50 000 stage harness was only used in the opening sequence – but had to be installed – proving that what Mhlongo wants, he gets.
Overall, the general consensus among guests was that the show was monotonous, despite efforts by the production team incorporating eTV’s former music show Club 808’s million-rand set, together with state-of-the-art graphics. Celebrating its 24th year running, this year’s awards were dedicated to reliving and commemorating the importance of music in the history of the country. Guest of honour President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a speech which had the audience breaking into struggle songs and raving. On the red carpet, celebrities and musicians pulled out all stops as stars such as Riky Rick remade runway men’s looks by Cape Town designer Chu Suwannapha.
Xhosa female praise singer Jessica Mbangeni pushed the envelope of creativity with her peacock feathered trail dress.
It seems with most women, the memo was a thigh-high side slit, as was evident with Boity Thulo, Luthando Lootlove Shosha and Khanya Mkangisa.
With all that showbiz, glitter and smoke, Pretoria-based musician Dr Malinga showed zero concern and was dedicated to the show – even though his partner, Skolopad, collapsed and had to be pulled out of the auditorium on a paramedic stretcher.
He continued to enjoy the show from start to finish.
With most women the memo was a thigh-high side slit.