Three artists to fly Bay flag at East Cape awards

[caption id="attachment_37533" align="alignright" width="400"] Asanda Bam, left and DJ Sebenzile Zalabe[/caption]

NELSON Mandela Bay has at least three representatives at this year's BEATMagazineSA Awards, being held in East London next month.

On the Rise Productions has been nominated in the Promoter of the Year category, Asanda Bam in the Best Female Artist category and KQfm's DJ Sebenzile Zalabe is a finalist in the Best Radio Personality category.

Sonwabiso Nompunga, 29, who owns On the Rise Productions – a Motherwell company that offers services including music promotion, brand marketing, publicity and special events – said being nominated was a pat on the back.

"It means we are doing something right. This propels us to do even better as the entertainment industry grows in the Eastern Cape. We have been fortunate enough to work with immensely talented artists and bands from the Eastern Cape."

Bam, who has just released singles Andikhathali (I Don't Care) and Onje ngawe (Someone Like You) from her upcoming album, recently had two sold-out shows in Mozambique.

"Finally I'm recognised where I come from, the Eastern Cape. It feels good to know that my work and efforts are not in vain," she said.

Zalabe said he was thrilled to be nominated.

"There were 36 people in this category and I have made it to the top three. This is very good for the band, Sebz, that I am trying to build."

The awards, on July 12, will showcase the wealth of creativity and talent in the Eastern Cape. - Yoliswa Sobuwa