By Vusi Kama
With the extension of the deadline for nominations for the 17th South African Traditional Music Achievement (Satma) Awards, the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation (Acsr) has called on the North West citizens to accelerate the number of nominations for local artists.
The new closing date for nominations is July 22. The awards ceremony will be held in Mbombela, Mpumalanga on October 1.
“The only way our artists can win awards is if we nominate them in their numbers, and in their relevant categories,’’ says Acsr spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe. “Winning awards is a booster not only for the artists, but also for the arts in our Province.
‘’In a real sense, nominating our artists is like cheering for your favourite sports team at a game. You are giving them that extra edge that they badly need. So, let’s go ahead and give our artists the wings to fly. Whether the artist is from an urban or rural background, if they are good, nominate them. Leave the rest to the judges.’’
Nomination forms are available at www.satmaawards.co.za.
The Satmas have, over the years, been a popular stomping ground for N
orth West artists, with many an artist collecting awards at virtually all the awards ceremonies.
At last year’s awards, legendary Mafikeng outfit Nomtiti Cultural Ensemble won the main prize for Best Traditional Music Artist/Group of the Year against such stern competition as Candy Tsamandebele, Vendaboy Poet and Roots2000.
The group made history as the first group/artist from North West to be crowned the winners in that category. The three-time Satma winners have featured in seven performances at the Satmas since 2014. At last year’s edition in Mbombela they performed Sieleng from their Motlhala Wa Rona album.
With that tune, they wowed the crowd, receiving a long standing ovation from an appreciative audience that comprised all colours of the South African rainbow.
Local songwriter, singer and bass player, Tebogo Sedumedi, popularly known as AusTebza, won Best African Jazz Artist/Group with her latest offering titled “Motheo”. The all-Setswana album comprises songs like Re Thuse, Ba ile, Le Phirimile, Dumelang and Re Tshabele Kae.
AusTebza nurtured her talent in Mmabana Arts, Culture & Sports Foundation in Mahikeng. She also played for the late Jabulani “HHP’’ Tsambo.
Chomza won Best Reggae Artist/Group and Legora La Mmino walked away with Best Setswana Artist/Group.
Chief Director for Arts, Culture, Libraries and Archives, Thabo Mabe from North West Acsr romped home with Best Provincial Cultural Affairs Chief Director for a sterling job at the Department.
Previously, under Mabe’s guidance, the Satmas had a highly-successful three-year run in Mahikeng, earning the Province praise from the organisers of the yearly extravaganza.
The Satmas are aired on SABC 1.
Issued by: Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation.
Enquiries: Shuping Sebolecwe (083 302 6318)
For Satma enquiries: Keletso Dlamini (084 980 6691)