The South African Traditional Music Achievement (SATMA) Awards launched one of its exceptional 13th Media event under the theme “Embrace Your Heritage” on Saturday 23 June 2018 in Emnotweni Arena, Mpumalanga.
The SATMA awards decided to inaugurate the launch in Mbombela to level the ground as the future plan is to bring the awards to Mpumalanga. The Mpumalanga Provincial government won the Best Arts and Culture department and Ligwalagwala FM walked away with the Best Traditional Music Radio Program of the Year in 2017 during the main event.
Furthermore, the launch officially unveiled SATMA awards programme of the year to the stakeholders and media. It was attended by more than 400 distinguished guests from Mpumalanga and North West Provincial government including celebrities. Amongst the well-known people, Mr Sipho “Hotstix” Mabusa was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to nurturing Traditional music.
During the event, on stage MECs for Culture, Sport and Recreation from Mpumalanga and North West, was joined by Mr “Hotstix” Mabusa and SATMA awards founder, Dr. Dumisani Goba, to officially hand-over the prizes including an overseas trip and four vehicles to 2017 winners. The overseas trip was given to the winners of Best SABC PBS Radio Presenter, Loyal Listener of the Year, Best Electronic Media Journalist, and Best Cultural Print Media Journalist.
Moreover, Vehicles were given to the Best Song of the Year and Lucky Voter. The two vehicles for Best SABC PBS Radio Program and Best Community Radio DJ were awarded to the relevant Radio Station.
As a build-up to reach out as many young people as possible for the main event, SATMA awards kick-started massive roadshows from the 15th to 23rd June around Mpumalanga Regions. The last roadshow was at Kwanyamazane Taxi Rank, where a lot of traditional activities take place, there was a distribution of T-shirts and pamphlets detailing SATMA awards 2018 programmes. To preserve Traditional music, local artists were given a free pass to execute their talent.
The 13th Annual Awards nominations closing date was officially extended to 20 July 2018. Appeal to the public to continue nominating their favorite artist(s) by SMS’ing (SATMA, Name of the Nominee and category) to 33888 was communicated effectively. Each SMS cost R1.50, free SMS do not apply. Citizens were clear instructions of how to SMS.
Members of the community(s) were encouraged to SMS as much as they liked and stand a chance to win a car.
The SATMA awards continue to acknowledge and celebrate diverse cultural music in South Africa, Africa, and its Diaspora. Traditional music plays an important role in human society. There is something deeply human about traditional music. It unites, gives a sense of belonging, and maintain social cohesion within the communities.
2018 SATMA awards programme of the year is as follows:
Announcement of Nominees was hosted on 18 August 2018 in Robben Island, Cape Town. Siyabalanda Campaign for 2018 was at the end of August followed by a Cultural Parade that took place on the 1st of September in Durban. During this parade, the aim was to attract more than 50 000 individuals who will be showcasing their diverse cultures.
Moreover, the 13th SATMA awards main event activities commenced with Golf Day on Friday, 28 September, and followed by Golfers Awards & Red Carpet in Mmabatho Convention Centre Foyer. The SATMA Awards Festival was on Friday, 28 September 2018 at Mmabatho Stadium. Additionally, the 13th SATMA Awards Gala Dinner took place on Saturday, 29 September in Mmabatho Convention Centre, North West.
For Enquiries:
Ms Tebatso Mogaladi
Communications and PR Officer
Tel. 086 1000 513
Issued by: South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards
