EC women singers outshine men
PORT Elizabeth-born sisters Lulu and Zonke Dikana are among the five female Eastern Cape singers nominated in this year’s MTN South African Music Awards.
Only one male from the province, Loyiso Bala originally of Uitenhage, is in the running in the best contemporary faith music album category. Lulu is nominated in two categories – best R&B, soul or reggae album and female artist of the year for her album, This is the Life. Zonke is nominated in the MTN Sama record of the year category, voted for by fans.
The other Eastern Cape females are Zahara, who is nominated in the best live DVD, best collaboration and MTN Sama record of the year; Camagwini who is nominated in the best African adult album for ReBirth and Nomfusi, whose second album Take me Home has also been nominated in the best African adult album category.
Zahara, who scooped eight awards last year said she was excited about being nominated again.
“I feel so blessed and it will not be bad to win in all the categories just like did last year,” she said. She added that she was working on new material that would be ready by August.
Lulu said: “I’m very happy with these nominations. The Samas are the biggest in the country. I am also happy for my sister Zonke, I believe that God has truly blessed us with
Isuch great talent,” she said. Lulu said the album, released in December 2011, was her best work to date. “It has elements of jazz, soulful and reggae sounds on it. The lyrics are motivational and I talk a lot about love,” she said.
The public can vote for their favourites in the MTN Sama record of the year category, by SMS.
An initial round of voting for 20 nominees opened at 1pm yesterday.
The winner will be announced during the live broadcast of the awards on SABC1 on May 11.
The ceremony will be held at Sun City’s Superbowl.