By Vusi Kama
The North West romped home with three victories at the South African Traditional Music Achievement (Satma) awards held in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, last weekend.
The awards pit the finest in the South African traditional music scene against each other, with the most popular by sms votes winning the coveted awards.
The North West winners were the Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation (Acsr) for Best Arts and Culture department, Motsweding FM’s Tom Perez for Best Traditional Music SABC radio presenter and Dikwena tsa Matlosana for Best Setswana Artist/Group.
In the glitz and glamour of the awards evening, the North West held its own among the best in the country, including a crowd-pleasing performance by Bagaka Youth Combination, a traditional music and dance outfit from Mamusa.
Acsr has expressed gratitude to the public for voting for the North West.
“Before the awards we made a call to the public to vote for our artists, and the response was pleasing,’’ said Acsr spokesperson, Shuping Sebolecwe. “Our artists are worthy of the recognition among the best in the country.”
All the nominees were supported by Acsr, through promotion, transportation and accommodation in the low veld city.
In his acceptance speech, Motsweding FM’s Tom Perez dedicated his award to “my supporters, voters and Acsr’.
In previous editions of the awards, Acsr walked home with the “Best Department of Arts and Culture” in East London (2013), and “Best Arts and Culture Directorate” in Mbombela last year.
Artists from the Province have traditionally done well at the Awards, bagging numerous trophies.
Previously, the North West hosted the Satmas for three consecutive years in Mahikeng. The awards will be hosted by KwaZulu-Natal for the next three years.
