SAMA 30: Introducing Best Reggae Album Nominees.
14 October 2024
The South African Music Awards or the SAMAs, as they are popularly known, is an annual event showcasing the multifaceted and colorful music of South Africa. Among the categories at the SAMAs is that of the Best Reggae Album of the Year which showcases reggae talents in the country. It is a stage dedicated to honoring exceptionally talented musicians who have made a significant impact in the reggae industry.
And the SAMA 30 nominees for Best Reggae Album of the Year are:
1. Dimahr - Proof Of Life
Dimakatso, popularly known in the music scene as Dimahr, has had an incredible and successful year, filled with recognition in the music sector. She was nominated for Best Reggae Artist at the respected 3rd Annual BASADI IN MUSIC AWARDS and has now proudly reached another milestone by securing her first nomination for Best Reggae Album at the South African Music Awards #SAMA30.
Her second studio album, titled "Proof of Life", was produced by Concrete Jungle Studios and Publishing. This album is an interesting exploration into the personal and the collective experience, perfectly fusing traditional reggae rhythms with contemporary themes and further sealing her place among the rising stars of the reggae genre.
She had this to say about her nomination
"This nomination for Best Reggae Album of the year at the SAMA30 is an incredible honor and humbling experience. It validates my dedication to sharing the message of love, unity, and positivity through reggae music.
"This recognition not only acknowledges my work but also highlights the thriving reggae scene in South Africa. It showcases the genre's growth and acceptance, demonstrating that reggae's universal language resonates with South African audiences.
This moment is a testament to the tireless efforts of fellow reggae female artists, and fans who've contributed to the genre's proliferation. I'm proud to be part of this movement, pushing boundaries and inspiring a new generation of reggae enthusiasts.
Thank you to the SAMA30 my team, my partner and producer Botanist Mr Lamington and most importantly, my fans, for believing in me and this music. Let's continue spreading love and vibes!"
Watch : Dimahr alongside Black Labone House Band
2. Undefynd - Musinion
Undefynd has been hot with her new sound, rich melodies, and touching lyrics that strike a chord with listeners. Recently, this talented artist received a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 3rd Basadi In Music Awards-a testament to her different approach to creating music.
Un-bound by the chains of genres, Undefynd breaks boundaries to bring about a new wave of musical expression. She was successful in combining and coming up with a sound that really strikes close to the heart of her audiences-a factor that separates her from the rest in the industry.
The recognition doesn't stop there for Undefynd, as she clinched her first Best Reggae Album nomination at the prestigious 30th South African Music Awards. This achievement comes as no surprise to those familiar with her work, as she continues to captivate fans with her distinct style and artistic vision.
With every release, Undefynd creates proof that she is a force to be dealt with. Her commitment to creating meaningful and evocative music can surely brand her as one of the up-and-coming stars of the horizon.
She had this to say about her nomination
"This recognition marks the beginning of an exciting, educational, inspiring yet difficult musical journey. Its a challenge and opportunity that has presented itself which will only be victoried by consistency, creativity and dedication.
Seeing that the category has nominees every year it shows that reggae artists are now being more am consistent in terms of creating content/music to keep the genre alive and mark our territory. That is one step ahead to growth and we celebrate it, though we still have a long way to go in terms of broadening our audience , spreading the message and monetizing the genre at the same time."
Watch: Her Latest Video "Danceholic"
3. Skeleton Blazer: Give Praises
Man Of A Battle, famously known as Skeleton Blazer, third studio album "Give Praises" has sealed his position as one of the outstanding reggae artist in the country. The album's release in April 2024 has garnered Skeleton Blazer an impressive third nomination for Best Reggae Album at the prestigious 30th South African Music Awards (SAMA), proof that he is talented and committed to work.
"Give Praises", with 15 tracks, is he, his style, and full commitment to being real and deep spiritually. From classic roots reggae influences to more modern tones, Skeleton Blazer's music has a tendency to strike a chord deep within the listener, thus creating some sort of fusion between addictive rhythms and lyrics speaking to both heart and soul.
The album was immaculately mixed by Strenzo, mastered by Born Tight, and recorded at the Frontline Studios under the production label of Frontline Productions. This is Skeleton Blazer, a nominee for Best Reggae Album, #SAMA30-known to give any performance the spirit of reggae. With soulful melodies, he narrates messages of love, unity, and social consciousness. His connection with his audience through his songs is remarkable; in fact, live shows are a testimony of passion and charisma on stage.
He had this to say about his nomination
"I am truly honored and humbled to be nominated. This recognition is a clear sign that Reggae is growing and thriving in South Africa. It's inspiring to see how the genre continues to resonate with more people, and I am grateful to be a part of this movement."
Video: Pressure Busspipe sending love to Skeleton Blazer
Watch: Skeleton Blazer live at Mzansi Reggae Summer Festival Against GBV
4. Ras Vuyo - Love and Unity
Cape Town based producer, composer, songwriter and Sound Engineer, Ras Vuyo released his sophomore album "Love & Unity" on November 30, 2023. This is the second installation of the Roots and Culture Series from Ras Vuyo following the Debut Album: Diversion. Diversion, a heavy roots reggae album with melodic, hypnotic and meditative sound was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 25th South African Music Awards and also scooped The Best African Reggae Album nomination at the French Reggae Magazine, Reggae France. It boasted features from Mutabaruka, Wild Life, Vivian Jones and Dean Fraser, and Dawit Menelik Tafari on production.
In this follow up project, Ras Vuyo continues to feature International names including Dean Fraser, Nazamba and Jack Radics,. It also features some heavy weight names in the South African Reggae scene that includes Crosby Bolani, The Meditators Band and Cape Town based promising artist Bulelani Black Bee. The music is played by Azania Band (SA) featuring Dean Fraser (JA), Manjul (FR), Odel Johnson and Saymon Roger.
Ras Vuyo has composed music that has been voiced by a number of South African and international Reggae artists including King Kong, Prince Malachi, Peter Spence, Jimmy Riley, Yellowman, C-Sharp Band, Laza Morgan, Freddie McGregor and many more. "The Love & Unity" album was written with the hope to touch the human Spirit in all its diverse expressions and interests, that is both musically and lyrically." Ras Vuyo
This album emphasizes the importance of togetherness and peace, combining classic reggae influences with a modern twist.
5. Two Point Ow - Love Expressions
Two Point Ow brings a fresh perspective to the genre, focusing on love and relationships, and showcasing their unique sound.
Two Point Ow (2.0) is a South African pop-reggae duo formed in 2021, consisting of songwriters Lunga Hercules Wela AKA Luwe Da Lion and Grace Kelahlegile Thethela AKA Empress Maffie Gee. The duo started working on their debut project, an album titled "Another Love Situation", in 2022. Two Point Ow (2.0) was created when these two well-known reggae artists came together under the Blackness Blue Productions label owned by Sammy Royal, combining their talents to bring a fresh and unique sound to the South African reggae scene.
He had this to say about the Nomination.
"The TWO POINT OW project came accidentally, the plan was to do a feature between Luwe and Maffie, it was suppose to be the two featuring each other but it ended up been an album. so in terms of the sound we wanted to commercialize the sound to make it accommodative to the masses. So for me, I wanted to build a reggae/afro soul reggae. e.g. a Mafikizolo, Malaikas in a reggae style. At the end we ended up having to record the album twice as the sound was not coming out the way we wanted it. The recognition gives us courage and strength to work more. We are already preparing beats for the follow up project. Regarding the Label, we are investing a lot in the genre so there is no turning back, we keep working. like our slogan say. WE RUN TINGS. Peace"
Watch: Luwe Da Lion alongside Maffie Gee at Mzansie Reggae Summer Fest Against GBV
As the music community eagerly anticipates the announcement of the winner, these albums highlight the richness and diversity of South African reggae, ultimately celebrating the genre's cultural impact and artistic expression.
SAMA 30 will be held on the 2nd of November 2024.
Best of Luck to all the Nominees.
