South African News: Big Winners at the MTN South African Music Awards

The 18th annual South African Grammy’s recently took place. This year, many of the big winners were new comers to the music game. Here’s the list of the top winners:

• Zahara, pictured above, won 8 awards, a first for any artist in the country! She is dubbed as the new kid on the block. Zahara has only been in the industry for 8 months! Her album, “Loliwe,” won in the Best Smooth Urban Music Album, Best Selling Album, Album of the Year, and Record of the Year, amongst others.

• Hip-Hop artist Aka won Best Urban/Male Artist of the Year

• House trio, Mi Casa won Record of the Year/ Group of the Year/Best Dance Album.

• House and kwaito producer DJ Cleo also won 3 awards including Best Download.

Stimela’s Ray Phiri and Vusi Mahlasela were presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contribution to local and world music.

Other notable wins:

• Best African Adult Album
  Zonke for Ina Ethe

• Best Jazz Album
  Jimmy Dludlu for Tonota

• Best Kwaito Album
  Big Nuz for Pound for Pound
• Best Pop Album
  Lloyd Cele for One

–Philatyekana