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Nightmare on SAMA street

Johannesburg - What was supposed to be a weekend to celebrate the local music industry has left a sour taste in the mouths of some of the country's musicians and glitterati.

Many involved with the 17th annual MTN South African Music Awards complained bitterly over the shoddy treatment they received.

Famous motormouth radio DJ Phat Joe was fuming after his plans for the awards were canned at the last minute.

The visibly distressed Real Gobhoza host, who had been roped in to co-host the Saturday show with Bonang Matheba, said he and his team were told seven hours before the event that their plans were not going to be.

"I put in more than 50 hours and all they did was leave me a voicemail at the last minute. Nobody was calling me back as we were preparing for it and I had to chase after them," he fumed.

Partner's tickets

Phat Joe said he and Matheba had planned to stage one of the best Sama events ever.

"We had planned so much for the show, including sushi girls with Kenneth Kunene, comedians and drills. And Kagiso Lediga was also working on the script."

The Friday night show was a nightmare, with invited guests not getting their tickets on time and some not even finding their names on the list.

The cream of South Africa's music industry was fuming when they were instructed to buy their partner's tickets, something unheard of before. And former nominees and other artists did not even crack an invitation.

"This year, don't expect to see Malaika. Bongani and I were not invited to the awards," said an annoyed Tshedi Mholo from Malaika on Friday night.

Familiar faces

The singer attended Gauteng MEC of Sports and Recreation Lebogang Maile's soirée at Cantera to welcome Sama nominees to the province.

The Friday night event, which is hardly ever attended by the "in your face" celebrities, lacked the star power one expects to see at an award ceremony.

It was a struggle spotting familiar faces, but Ray Phiri from Stimela was delighted when Black Coffee scooped the best remix award for a Stimela song.

Rising star Nothende looked resplendent in a figure-hugging David Tlale gown, which she later changed for a short sexy black number for her live performance at Maile's party.

The event’s MC was Loyiso Bala, who did a great job at the event.

 
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