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Johannesburg - Idols judge Randall Abrahams is the new CEO of the South African Music Awards (Samas), reports Times Live.
Abrahams already started preparing for the 18th instalment of the Samas during the final weeks of Idols 7, which came to an end two weeks ago.
Former Samas CEO Jandre Louw was reportedly fired after the 17th instalment of the music spectacular turned into a farce earlier this year.
VIP guests like Absa Group chief executive Maria Ramos were turned away and even singer Lira, who was to present an award, was among those who did not receive their invitations.
Music industry guru Antos Stella was left fuming after she had to intervene to assist invited artists who were being refused access into the 5000-seater Montecasino dome.
The event was so dismal that head sponsor MTN sent a letter of apology to all its VIP guests.
The public relations company that was blasted for the ticket catastrophe, Red Flag, has also been replaced by Speakers Corner, the company that previously handled the account.
Sun City
David Du Plessis, operating director of the Recording Industry of South Africa, which owns the Samas, said Louw's contract was "terminated" two months ago.
"We can't go into reasons of Jandre's termination of contract because we want to look to the future and make the event a positive one again," he said.
Louw said he had moved on since leaving the Samas.
"I can't really comment much about the reasons of my termination as it is a confidential matter," he said.
"Randall brings a lot of music and media knowledge to this challenge because he's been around both industries for so long."
Abrahams told Times Live that it is not his place to dicuss last year's Samas and he's "looking ahead".
Abrahams also announced planned changes such as more live stage performances and less categories for the 18th annual Sama awards.
Sama fans will be happy to know that the awards are going back to their spiritual home at Sun City in the North West.
Abrahams already started preparing for the 18th instalment of the Samas during the final weeks of Idols 7, which came to an end two weeks ago.
Former Samas CEO Jandre Louw was reportedly fired after the 17th instalment of the music spectacular turned into a farce earlier this year.
VIP guests like Absa Group chief executive Maria Ramos were turned away and even singer Lira, who was to present an award, was among those who did not receive their invitations.
Music industry guru Antos Stella was left fuming after she had to intervene to assist invited artists who were being refused access into the 5000-seater Montecasino dome.
The event was so dismal that head sponsor MTN sent a letter of apology to all its VIP guests.
The public relations company that was blasted for the ticket catastrophe, Red Flag, has also been replaced by Speakers Corner, the company that previously handled the account.
Sun City
David Du Plessis, operating director of the Recording Industry of South Africa, which owns the Samas, said Louw's contract was "terminated" two months ago.
"We can't go into reasons of Jandre's termination of contract because we want to look to the future and make the event a positive one again," he said.
Louw said he had moved on since leaving the Samas.
"I can't really comment much about the reasons of my termination as it is a confidential matter," he said.
"Randall brings a lot of music and media knowledge to this challenge because he's been around both industries for so long."
Abrahams told Times Live that it is not his place to dicuss last year's Samas and he's "looking ahead".
Abrahams also announced planned changes such as more live stage performances and less categories for the 18th annual Sama awards.
Sama fans will be happy to know that the awards are going back to their spiritual home at Sun City in the North West.
