Hot five hoping for more fame at huge music night

THE Eastern Cape will have five representatives at this year's South African Music Awards (Sama) ceremony.

The five are Xhosa hip-hop artist iFani (best newcomer and best rap album), Zonke Dikana (best African adult album and best live DVD), Vusi Nova (best R&B/soul/reggae album), Zahara (best R&B/soul/reggae album and female artist), and Unathi Msengana (best live DVD).

New Brighton-born iFani said: "Wow, here we go again. This is the first time a Xhosa rap has gone this far. I'm excited to be nominated because the Sama ceremony is one of the biggest events of the year."

Nova, originally from KwaDwesi, believed he was nominated because he made "good music".

He said: "When I heard my name I gave a long sigh. I am on top of the moon. To be nominated has motivated me to go back to the studio."

Zahara, whose latest album Phendula has gone double platinum, said: "These nominations reminded me of my first album Loliwe. I did not think I was going to be nominated but God is great and it shows that people still like my music."

Recording Industry of SA (Risa) chief operating officer David du Plessis said this year's event would be special in more ways than one.

"Not only are we celebrating 20 years of South Africa's premier music awards, we are also commemorating the country's 20th anniversary of democracy," Du Plessis said.

"Just as the country has evolved into a mature democracy over the past two decades, the Samas nominations and ceremony have also developed into the polished, professional and hotly anticipated industry event that is held today."

The Samas will be presented at the Sun City Superbowl in North West on April 28. - Yoliswa Sobuwa