Wawela Music Awards

LCentre to attend the first ever Wawela Music Awards courtesy of Southern African Music Rights Organization (SAMRO). I did not know what to expect considering the ‘drama’ that previously surrounded SAMRO.
ast Friday we headed to Sandton Convention
Wawela is a Zulu word meaning ‘to go beyond’. These awards are mainly to honour the talented individuals behind the music (the composers) in different platforms including Film, Radio and Television. Which I think is a great idea because we hardly pay attention to the songwriters/composers, who when you look at it, I think they are the most important.
When we arrived, the venue was already getting packed. I don’t like complaining so I am going to look past all the technical faults and time wasting that took place there because it was their first time hosting these awards, we hope next year all will be on point. It was a nice dinner gala set up, I loved it. However I was not impressed with the fact that before we went inside we were told that we can sit anywhere. Well, we followed instructions and just sat at a table that we chose and the next minute we were told ‘Sorry, you have to move because this table is reserved’. Why wasn’t there a Reserved sign on the table beats me.
Anyway, we got up and started looking for another table. So annoying because it’s really not cool to be walking around looking lost, all eyes come on to you. Thank goodness actress Thandy Matlaila who I think was part of the event organizers, came to our rescue and gave us a table.
Funny enough the table that she told us to occupy, had a huge reserved sign on it, and guess what? the high school naughty kid in me stepped out and took off the sign and threw it under the table. Haai shem there was no way I was going to be ordered to move again. Hehehehehehe. Here are the pictures that our photographer Picay managed to get for us.

Our Hosts for the evening, Azania Mosaka and Gareth Cliff. They did very well, funny but very classy. They knew what type of crowd they were dealing with.

Nick Motsatse, Chief Executive Officer of SAMRO. That day was his last as CEO of SAMRO. He has moved on to other avenues. He is posing here with his wife.

I met the legendary Sizwe Zako for the first time. He is such a humble man la tata. No wonder he is successful.

Another legend that was present and also got to perform for us is Johnny Glegg.

When Lebo M went up to collect his award, he name dropped shem. Yhuuuuuuuuuu!!! The emphasis on ‘My Grammy Award’ to working with ‘Quincy Jones’ hehehehehe.

Actor Luthuli Dlamini also came through looking hot as usual.

Still on the Dlamini’s, I saw singer LeAnne Dlamini as well.

Eish, I’m sorry but I don’t know who this lady is guys. Is it Khanyo Maphumulo? They look alike. If it’s not her then haaai I don’t know.

I was impressed by Daniel Baron’s performance. It kinda reminded me of Westlife.

Solomon Subz Sebothoma and Thandy Matlaila were both there to work. They were all over the place making sure all goes well.

Guys, I am still shocked by Guffy hey. This guy is practically saying NO to aging yazi? He looks very young and fresh. Wow!!!

Reverend Abe Sibiya, he is the Chairman of the SAMRO Board Of Directors.

Mam’ Dorothy Masuka’s acceptance speech for her Lifetime Achievement Award was full of words of wisdom. She gave advise to SA singers and said ‘God gave you the talent to sing. Use it wisely. Stop drinking and smoking that talent away’

Nominee, singer Nothende with her friend and fellow musician Ahmed Sirour. They are working together on tracks for Nothende’s next album.

I still need to know where Black Porcelain has been hiding all along. I never heard of her before these awards. This lady can sing.

Miss Lira’s acceptance speech was just too honest. She said 10years ago when things were tough for her, she survived through SAMRO money. She just couldn’t hide how thankful she was.

When it comes to music events like these then you know Lindelani Mkhize and Zwai Bala will be there.

Best performance of the night for me was by Phuzekhemisi. He delivered ubaba stru. With so much passion even. Look at that kick. Doctor Malinga who?? Lol

The Soil also performed well. Pure, fresh voices.

Mafikizolo did what they do best on stage.

Theo Kgosinkwe’s dance moves, that guy can move. Nhlanhla Nciza’s pants seem to be the IN thing at the moment. Toya DeLazy even rocked them at the BET Awards.

They also joined Mam’ Dorothy. It was amazing to watch.

There was an emotional and teary moment when they played a composition/video of uTata Nelson Mandela showing us his journey and all the work he has done throughout his life. The entire house went silent. I was even shocked by Gareth Cliff who couldn’t speak after watching it because it was that deep. When you look at people like Gareth you wouldn’t think they have feelings. Aza seemed stronger than him after that.
Gareth announced an After Party but I couldn’t attend it. I was too tired. I know some of you will say ‘Kiki you should have attended because we want umgosi’, but trust me when I tell you that there was no chance of umgosi there because of the crowd. What mgosi can one get from legends like Johnny Glegg and Mam’ Dorothy? Lutho shem. Lol!!
A big Thank you to Nosipho Ginindza and the Soul Providers team for inviting us. We had a great time. To the SAMRO family, we appreciate your initiative guys, keep it up.
Just some advise for the next awards. Please give us more entertainment. Those long breaks and silence during the serving of Dinner were not on. That is what kinda spoiled the night a little. Give us a comedian nje to keep us company. Otherwise you guys did very well for first timers. The Nominees were announced on the 21st May 2013 but unfortunately we couldn’t attend.
Here is the list of all the winners.
THE 2013 WAWELA MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS

• Best soundtrack in a feature film or theatric documentary: Philip Miller for Leaving Father
• Best song or composition in a Television Production: Gregory Reveret for Loxion Kulca Roots Best song or composition in a television commercial: Jeramy James Barnard for the Bells commercial
• Best song or composition in a radio commercial: Rene Veldsman for the Shoprite commercial
• Best creative album of the year: Black Porcelain for Invincible Summer
• Songwriter of the year: LIRA Best South African duo/group: Tumi and the Volume
• Best female artist & composer/co-composer: Black Porcelain
• Best male artist & composer/co-composer: Daniel Baron
• Statistical Award JB Arthur

Wawela Inaugural Recognition Awards

• -          Alan Lazar
• -          Mbongeni Ngema
• -          Lebo M
• -          Trevor Jones
• -          Sizwe Zako

Breaking Through the Borders Award Trevor Jones Prolific Catalogue of Works Award Johnny Clegg Lifetime Achievement Award Dorothy Masuku