By TDN

Mahikeng-The mood was high at Mmabatho Convention Centre over the past weekend during the Official Launch of the South African Traditional Music Achievements Awards (SATMA) 2013 ceremony, with guests from around the country wearing their traditional regalia eager to hear which artists will representing their province at the actual event to be held on the 4th to 5th October 2013 at East London in Eastern Cape Province. 

For the first time in the history of SATMA Awards the launch and nominee announcement was hosted in the North West Province. During her address on behalf of Premier of the North West Province Mme Thandi Modise, MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture in the Province Mme Tebogo Modise welcomed all the esteemed guests and the nominee to the Province. 

“It is an honour for the province to host the prestigious event in our soil”, said MEC Tebogo Modise

The event was graced by amongst others Eastern Cape MEC for Arts and Culture Mme Vuyiswa Tom, Founder of SATMA Awards Mr. Dumisani Goba, SATMA Awards President Vuka Tshabalala, CEO for SATMA Awards Ms Nonyamezelo Sotomela, Kgosi Masibi, Kgosi Montshioa as well as celebrities such as Mike Mvelase “Khaphela Ngobo” from Generations, Mr. Joe Mafela as well as nominees from all over the Country.

“I would like to see more young people participating to this initiative and more benefiting from these awards so that they can make a living out of their talent”, said founder of SATMA Awards Mr. Dumisani Goba. 

He also urged government, business sector as well as private sector to participate in this initiative. Mr. Goba also promised that the launch will be held in the North West Province again for the next two years.  

The SATMA Awards 2013 nominees that will be representing the North West Province at East London from 4th to 5th October 2013 are as follows:

    The Best Arts and Culture Department: North West Province

    The Best Song of the Year: Ngwao ya Tshona- Phou e Tshetlha (Motsweding FM)

    The Best Vernacular Hip Hop: Tuks- Uthando Novuyo

    Best Praise Singer: Botlhale Boikanyo

    Best Poet: Botlhale Boikanyo- Africa My Pride

    Best Traditional Dance Group: Maletangwao Cultural Troupe- Thipa e se Bogale ya loodiwa

    Best Community Radio DJ: Matshidiso Masekwa- Modiri FM

    Best Community Radio DJ: Kearabilwe Sekgetle- Kopanong FM

    Best Video Song: MmaAusi- Khurumetsa Diretlo

    Best Traditional and Cultural News Journalist (Electronic Media): Charles Matlou- Motsweding FM

    Best Traditional Music Radio Programme: Tsaetsho Tsa Setswana- Motsweding FM

    Best Traditional DJ (PBS): Modiko Mothupi- Motsweding FM

This announcement activates the public voting system as of 18 August 2013 at 00h00. To Vote SMS 34066 at R1.50 per SMS (free SMSs do not apply): SATMA Awards- Name of Nominee or Album- Category. The voting line closes at 00h00 4th October 2013. 

The winners of the SATMA Awards will be announced on the 4th and 5th October 2013 at the Buffalo Cricket Stadium in East London.

“I would like to urge all the people of the North West Province to offer support to our local artists and ensure that they all bring the awards back to the Province”, said MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture. 

“This also makes me proud that we have received 13 nominations as a Province”, said Mme Modise. 

“Again, Let us rally behind our artists in the Province and vote for them”, said Mme Tebogo Modise.-TDN

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