Eastern Cape artists hopeful as Satmas take last leg in province

With 2014 being the last year the South African Music Traditional Music Awards (Satmas) are taking place in the Eastern Cape, local artists hope a number of the awards will remain in the province.

The list of hopefuls vying for recognition include Mdantsane born singer Unathi Njamela, popularly known as Nathi B;  rapper Kweriez; and Mdantsane radio DJ Tanana.

DJ Tanana, who’s real name is Lungile David, has been nominated for the best community radio DJ award.

David said the nomination had proved to him that he was doing the right things.

“I’ve been doing my maskandi show for two and half years now and the response from the people has been amazing. This nomination confirms that for me,” he said.

The 44-year-old Bishop of the Zion Church said he was honoured to have been nominated. “Now I will wait on the people to vote for me,” he said.

Other local DJs in the same category include Songezo Xayimpi from Forte FM, DJ Sizwe from Izwi Lethemba FM, popular Mthatha DJ Gudla from Unitra Community Radio and Sityilelo Bonsti from Nkqubela FM.

The 2012 winner of the best reggae award Nathi B, hopes to scoop the title again this year. Njamele said last year he spent his time performing around the country and festivals and corporate events.

“The competition was tough that year but my people showed me love and support. I hope they will do the same thing this year,” he said, adding that winning the award in 2012 had helped him get national recognition.

“I even got to perform at the national heritage day celebrations last year, people who had never listened to my music were impressed.”

The Cape Town based musician said the hype around the awards had fizzled out this year.

“I did not get any bookings this year especially from back home. What upsets me about the Eastern Cape is that they do not give their own artists a platform to showcase their talents in major events,” he said.

Another Mdantsane artist who will be crossing fingers on the day is Kweriez, real name Siyabulela Rasmeni.

Rasmeni started rapping with his group Rhyme Squad in 2002 but in 2010 went solo and released his first album, Buso Basekasie.

To view the nominees and find out how to vote, visit www.satmaawards.co.za.

•  Daily Dispatch traditional affairs reporter Lulamile Feni has been nominated for the best traditional and cultural news journalist (print media) at this year’s Satmas. To vote for him SMS 34066: Satma, Lulamile Feni, best traditional and cultural news journalist (print media). —poliswap@dispatch.co.za