The 2023 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) have been cancelled following public outcry over the R20 million budget allocated for the event, the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) government confirmed.
UPDATE: On Monday, the 29th SAMAs announced a strategic partnership to host the awards ceremony in collaboration with Africa Fest on Saturday, 18 November 2023. Read the full story here.
2023 SAMAs cancelled: Here’s everything you must know
MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Affairs, Siboniso Duma, announced the cancellation during a media briefing on Wednesday, emphasising that the three-year sponsorship deal for the SAMAs remains intact despite the cancellation.
The R20 million budget became a point of contention, especially among unemployed people, according to Duma. The backlash was immediate and widespread, casting the event in a “polarising” light.
The 2023 SAMAs were initially slated for 17 and 18 November 2023 at the Durban International Convention Centre.
Report: Ramaphosa could have influenced the decision
Known for celebrating South Africa’s top musical talent, the SAMAs had artists like AKA, posthumously nominated for seven awards, looking forward to the event.
Duma expressed sympathy for artists who had viewed the SAMAs as a source of income, especially given the financial setbacks caused by COVID-19. He reiterated that while the 2023 SAMAs are cancelled, the sponsorship deal remains in effect, leaving room for future events.
Vincent Magwenya, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, initially said the president “may have” advised Duma on the SAMAs. However, he later clarified that the president did advise against such spending to maintain fiscal discipline, per News24.
