There’s no doubt that South African music is on a mission. Never before have we had so many of our own composers, songwriters and performers making their mark as loud and proud South African music ambassadors all over the world. SAMRO believes in the importance of recognising and rewarding these musicians with as much applause from South Africa as they receive all over the globe.
The fourth annual Wawela Music Awards (WMAs) ceremony will take place at a prestigious gala event in Johannesburg on Friday, 24 June 2016. These awards are inspired by South African music creators’ accomplishments in South Africa and on the international stage. They also pay homage to the legends of local music who have paved the way to this point through their extraordinary lifetime achievements.
So how does it work? The awards are open to SAMRO members only, and only those whose music was active from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014. Composers will be selected across a range of genres, styles and categories. The judging panel will also hand out a number of special awards.
The winners of the 2016 WMAs will be those musicians who have truly reached ‘the new beyond’ – whose music has broken through and made an impact. Entries will be judged on merit, based on the quality of composing and songwriting, by a panel of respected and experienced industry professionals.
Do you fit the bill? SAMRO members who would like to submit their entries for the 2016 WMAs should visit the new and improved Wawela website www.wawelamusicawards.co.za and submit the simple online entry form. Entry is free, and entrants are required to have certain content available (MP3 files of the song, 3 hi resolution photos and a profile) and must be available to attend the awards, if nominated.
As the excitement ramps up, SAMRO will be releasing more details about the event, the performing artists, nominees and finalists.
The awards are a gesture from SAMRO to thank the country’s creative trailblazers who have flown the South African music flag high and have made us proud of our vibrant, diverse and ever-evolving musical heritage.
Entries are open from 9 February 2016 to 16 March 2016. So join us as we celebrate South Africa’s songwriting and composing talent that have reached the new beyond. To enter today please click here
For media related queries and interview requests please contact Phash Ratshilumela on 011 712 8511 or email: phash.ratshilumela@samro.org.za.
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