Zakes Bantwini Calls for Urgent Reform of South African Music Awards
GRAMMY Award-winning musician Zakhele Madida, widely known as Zakes Bantwini, has raised concerns about the declining relevance of the South African Music Awards (Samas). In a candid open letter following this year’s ceremony, he warned that the awards risk losing credibility if urgent reforms are not implemented.
“Yesterday, [Sunday, 14 December] the South African Music Awards happened. I’m a musician, and I barely knew about it,” Zakes wrote. “That’s not me being careless. That’s where we are now.”
The 44-year-old artist reflected on a time when the Samas were a national event, drawing the attention of artists, fans, and media alike. He highlighted that this excitement has largely vanished. “There was a time when the Samas meant the whole country stopped. Yesterday came and went. Barely a mention on social media. Artists weren’t there. Fans didn’t care,” he added.
Zakes emphasized that the decline is not due to a lack of talent in the country. He pointed to South African artists gaining international recognition, citing Tyla’s global success as an example of Mzansi music reaching new audiences. He argued that the disconnect lies partly in the judging process, which he believes has eroded trust over the years. “Year after year, artists and fans complained about winners who didn’t make sense. Albums of the Year that nobody heard, Songs of the Year that weren’t playing anywhere. That’s not okay,” he said.
While calling out organisers, Zakes also acknowledged that artists share responsibility for the awards’ decline. “When we don’t show up, we’re part of the problem. These are our awards. They belong to us. If we don’t fight for them, who will?”
Zakes Bantwini’s statement has sparked discussion within the South African music community about the future of the Samas. Industry insiders suggest that transparent judging, increased artist engagement, and broader fan participation could be key to restoring the awards’ credibility and relevance.
With South African music continuing to gain international attention, artists and organisers alike are being challenged to ensure that the Samas reflect the achievements of the country’s vibrant music scene. Without swift action, the awards risk fading into the background while Mzansi artists thrive on the global stage.
