On Saturday, a plethora of musicians, young and old, from different sides of the genre spectrum, got together to celebrate and be celebrated for their contribution to South African music at the 22nd South African Music Awards (Samas).

The theme of the event was everything futuristic and the stars took great pains to exhibit their personal flair and the theme as tastefully as they possibly could.

I have been an avid Samas supporter for a few years, and it was only this year that I really enjoyed the two minute long “mash up” performances that we’ve become accustomed to. There were particularly interesting and standout collaborations from Petite Noir, The Muffinz, and Desmond & The Tutus; as well as Nathi and Karlien Van Jaarsveld (who did an excellent job singing in Xhosa! She displayed such passion!); and lastly, Benjamin Jeptha, Nduduzo, and Ricky Rick. The vision of bringing together all genres, cultures, and races is coming together – slowly!

Although onscreen lighting and, in some instances, sound was a dampener to the broadcast, nothing could dampen the moods of the show’s presenters, even the political hijacking that happened. Somizi and Thando Thabethe were the best we’ve had to date with a naturally exciting chemistry, and an extensively beautiful wardrobe. The two both have a fantastic sense of humour and bantered enjoyably (I laughed throughout the evening #WoooooShem), although I could have done without Kiernan Forbes and Bongang Matheba’s new relationship being written into the script (we’ve seen enough humiliating ranting from Kiernan over the past three weeks to last us a lifetime – we don’t need to feed that silliness).

Big winners on the night included:

  • Emtee (who got over 400 000 votes for Record of the Year! Such an achievement for a new artist);
  • Nathi (who told his amazing story of being an ex-con and making something of his life and dream. It’s no wonder he’s so loved – he has a voice like syrup and refuse to answer any of his interviewers in English! Xhosa speakers must have been proud!);
  • Black Coffee (honestly, one of my biggest South African music inspirations);
  • and Big Nuz (who also introduced a new female artist on the night – with some grooming and a good mentor, she has the potential to be great).

Artists like Tresor, Petite Noir, and the Dbn Nyts were interesting and exciting wins!

If we were awarding artists for their acceptance speeches, the top three would undeniably go to Desmond & The Tutus (if I could insert a crying/laughing emoticon here, I would), and Black Coffee’s manager, who accepted the last prize of the night for Black Coffee by saying, “Thanks, this is cool!” – a great break from what we’re used to as an acceptance speech, as well as a nice reality check for some of the younger, less seasoned artists. The last of the best acceptance speeches came from Tresor, who told of his journey that started eight years ago when he arrived in Durban, working as a car guard. What was particularly touching was his sober acknowledgement of God and thankfulness for the journey, and how far he has come since then.

Through it all, one passage from the Bible came to mind:

“Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than work for ordinary people” – Proverbs 22:29

There were many people on that stage who came from nothing, and many people who didn’t get to the stage (but were nominated) that came from the same place as well but have put their heart and soul into being truly competent workers!

It’s the beginning of a new week and so I want to especially encourage everyone who is working towards a dream (in the form of a qualification, work experience, idea, or skill): You can do it, and there’s no one better to do it with than Jesus Christ. He gives us strength to do all things in order to conquer in all circumstances and a valid reason to do whatever we are doing.

“Surely, no matter what you are doing, (speaking, writing, or working), do it all in the name of Jesus our Master, sending thanks through Him to God our Father!”  – Colossians 3:17

If you would like to know more about this Jesus guy, won’t you please click on the banner below!