And The Winner Is.....

Last night (21-05-2011) the 17th MTN South African Music Awards took place at Montecasino in Johannesburg and was broadcast live to millions of viewers in South Africa.

It seems a lot of people were not impressed with the over-all quality of the show. But it has to be said that MTN, this time around, did up their game by having two stages and three hosts (Bonang, Phat Joe & Sizwe Dhlomo). And the over-all presentation was about a million times better than the last Channel O awards, which left a lot to be desired.

There were many memorable performances from South African artists of all genre's (including break-out artist Professor, Gospel legend Rebecca Malope, Hip-Hop artist Tumi from The Volume, and icon Vusi Mahlasela). But the most unexpected performance came from Die Antwoord (who won Best International Achievement). They surprised us with a well-developed collaboration with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and singer Yolandi Vi$$er flying onto the stage mid-performance. Whatever your opinion of Die Antwoord, it can not be denied that they are serious entertainers with an obviously acute business sense.

Other highlightes:
-Host Bonang's several outfit changes. Each one a show-stopper.
-Choreographer Somizi's Gaga-esque outfit. Judging by his brief presentation, one can assume he is trying to get the gig of host for next years' awards?
-Comic Joey Rasdien making references to political party Cope and getting silence from the audience.
-Host Phat Joe saying that ANC Youth League President Julius Malema ought to win the award for 'Song of the Year' (he is currently be sued for hate speech for singing a struggle song that has become controversial amongst white South Africans).
-Socialite and tabloid diva Khanyi Mbau was fully-clothed. 'Nuffsaid.
-Club 808 host Dineo Ranaka rocking a dress made out of CD's.


And now for the business of the evening...who won what?
-Best Urban Dance Album: DJ Kent for 'I Can't Survive.'
-Best English Pop Album: Jax Panik for 'I Am Jax Panik.'
-Best Urban Pop Album: Kwela Tebza for 'Gauteng Made in South Africa/Mzansi.'
-Best African Pop Album: Theo Kgosinkwe for 'Grateful'.
-Best Rock Album: Prime Circle.
-Best Kwaito Album: Professor for 'University of Kalawa Jazzmee.'
-Best Selling Mobile Music: DJ Mzi ft. DJ Cleo for 'Nababantwana.'
-Best Rap Album: Amu for 'The Principal.'
-Music Video of The Year: The Parlotones for 'Stars Fall Down.'
-Best Selling Album: Locnville for 'Sun In My Pocket.'
-Newcomer of the Year: Locnville
-Duo/Group of the Year: Liquideep
-International Achievement: Die Antwoord

And the most exciting awards of the evening were:
-Female Artist of the Year: Thandiswa
-Male Artist of the Year: Professor
-Record of the Year: Professor for 'Imoto.'
-Album of the Year: Liquideep 'Fabrics of The Heart.'