Award-winning musician Zakes Bantwini continues to cement himself as one the best artists that South Africa has to offer.

The talented music producer is leading the pack at this year’s South African Music Awards with seven nominations, which include Record of The Year.

His album Ghetto King which he released last year is in the running for Album Of The Year , Male Artist of the Year, Best Dance Album and Best Engineered Album awards while two of his other songs, Imali with Karyendasoul featuring Nana Atta and Osama with Kasango, are also in the running for Best Collaboration award. 

Hot on Zakes Bantwini’a heels is DJ Maphoriasa who has managed to scoop up six nominations at this year’s awards which include Best Remix of the year nomination for Feel Good. 

While Mobi Dixon and Msaki are not far behind with four nominations each.

Seasoned house DJ Mobi Dixon’s much loved album When House Was House contends for Best Dance Album, Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year awards, while the albums title track featuring Mariechan and JNR SA has booked a spot in the Best Produced Music Video category.
East London-born Msaki is up for Female Artist of the Year, Best Adult Contemporary Album and Best Produced Album of the Year for her Platinumb Heart Open offering. She will also be vying for the Best Collaboration gong for her effort with Da Capo titled No Rainbow.

Brian Temba, Sun-El Musician and Chymamusique earned three nods a-piece and will battle it out for Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year awards.

Khanyisile Mthetwa matches the trio with three nods for White Star Newcomer of the Year and Best Classical/Instrumental Album and Female Artist of the Year. Other nominees for Female Artist of the Year are Msaki, Kamo Mphela, Reign Afrika and Shekhinah.

The awards will be presented at a live event to be broadcast on 31 July 2022 on SABC 1.

Speaking to Nounouche , SABC 1 acting channel head Thulisile Nhlapo said they are excited about this year’s award. 

“SABC1 prides itself on being the platform that unearths and recognises talent. With each year of the partnership, The South African Music Awards and SABC1, as a collective, shines a light on the music industry and the artists in their respective genres. A huge congratulations to all the nominees that have made it through this year, sithi umculo uhamba pambili, ” she said. 

While  RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi congratulated the nominees. 

“A job well done to all #SAMA28 nominees. Each artist has laboured to ensure that they produce exceptional bodies of work which have soothed and united us during particularly challenging times.”

“The standard of this year’s submissions was impressive and presented a tough task for our panel of diligent judges. We wish all nominees good luck and look forward to celebrating them at our gala event,” she said.