SAMRO is raising the curtain on the first
annual Wawela Music Awards, putting the best of South Africa’s global
breakthrough acts on show.
Wawela is a Zulu word that means “go
beyond”, and no phrase could be more fitting for the inaugural Wawela Music
Awards, proudly presented by SAMRO, which celebrate South African music that
has done just that: gone beyond our borders and put our tunes on the
international agenda.
There’s no doubt 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 it’s time these musicians are
rewarded with as much applause from South Africa as they receive
internationally.
The first annual Wawela Music Awards
ceremony will take place in Johannesburg on June 28. These awards are inspired
by South African music creators’ accomplishments on the international stage.
They will also pay homage to the legends of local music who have paved the way
to this point through their extraordinary lifetime achievements.
The awards are open to SAMRO members only,
and only those who have had their works featured outside the borders of South
Africa for the period January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011. 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 inaugural Wawela Music
Awards will be those musicians who have truly “gone beyond” – whose music has
broken through and made an impact internationally. Certain categories will be
judged on statistical performance, based on sales and radio play in
international markets, while other awards will be decided on merit by a panel
of respected and experienced industry professionals.
Do you fit the bill? Has your music flown
the SA flag internationally? SAMRO members who would like to submit their
entries for the Wawela Music Awards should visit www.wawelamusicawards.co.za and
register. Entry is free, but all entrants 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 acts, 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 abroad and have made us proud of our vibrant, diverse and
ever-evolving musical heritage.
Go beyond, with the Wawela Music Awards:
Internationally embraced, locally awarded! For further information on SAMRO,
please visit www.samro.org.za
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