The Downturn of the SA Music Awards

The Disappointing Display at the SA Music Awards

The SA Music Awards (Samas) held at the Sunbet Arena last weekend presented a scene that could be described as underwhelming and indicative of hasty planning. The appearance of the event sent a clear message: when an event looks like it was put together with limited resources and time, it most likely was. This feeling was palpable among those who attended or followed the proceedings.

Funding Woes and the Question of Sustainability

The cancellation of a R28-million funding promise from the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government dealt a significant blow to the event’s budget, exposing the Samas' heavy dependence on governmental support. This incident raises questions about the long-term viability of the awards show and suggests that the current business model may be flawed.

Credibility Crisis

While not delving into the longstanding debates over the contentious selection of winners—which has damaged the reputation of the awards in the past—it’s clear that the credibility of what should be a prestigious event celebrating South African musicians has been eroding. This latest edition of the Samas may be a sign that it’s time for a complete overhaul.

Event Execution Under Scrutiny

Moving the venue from Durban to Pretoria was a logistical challenge, but the execution left much to be desired. Critics described the event as looking amateurish, more akin to a small-scale, disorganized local function rather than a national award ceremony celebrating the best in music.

Samas, funding, credibility