2021 is set to play host to the 27th South African Music Awards and as the Kwaito, Amapiano and Gqom genres continue to develop locally, a decision has been made to expand the awards to honour gamechangers in all three genres equally.
The Best Kwaito/Amapiano/Gqom Album has been discontinued and in its place, albums from the genres will be honoured separately. This comes after the Best Kwaito Album category was bundled up with Amapiano and Gqom back in 2017.
“This move is a reflection of the changing local music landscape as seen in the rise in popularity of these three genres,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi says. “The consistent number of entries and the competitiveness of the music justified the unbundling of the old Best Kwaito/Amapiano/Gqom Album category. The SAMAs remain relevant and responsive to the trends in the music industry. We look forward to a great run in the new categories. I also wish to encourage our musicians to submit entries for SAMA consideration before the deadline of midnight on 31 January 2021.”