Friday the 16th of April saw Sun City’s Royal Ballroom play host to some of South Africa’s most slick and glamorous artists, producers and record industry reps for the MTN Gala Awards. The categories ranged from Best R&B Neo-Soul album, to Best Producer, to Remix of the Year, to Best Venda Music amongst others. Showcasing the broad depth of talent, across an unparalleled vastness of categories, that makes our local music industry world class and exceptional.
In the same vain, the array of guest presenters did a stellar job of taking the audience through the incredible nominees. The presenting honours went to the likes of Kutlwano Masote, Brenda Sisane, Johnny Davids, Goitsemodimo Seleka, Melinda Shaw and Jerry Mofokeng, again showcasing our proud cultural heritage across the board.
And the performers on the night did the same, CH2 & Jason Hartman both got the crowd going, then Phuzekhemisi was handed the torch of entertainment. The sweet as honey vocals of Loyiso & Axene combined for an unforgettable experience. And Rhythmic Elements & Adam Glasser closed off the show in slick style perfectly.
And in between all of this there were the winners. Here they are:
Best Popular Classic Album
Daniel Rowland & the Stellenbosch University Camerata – Vivaldi / Piazzolla Seasons
Best Instrumental Album
Guy Buttery – Fox Hill Lane
Best Traditional Jazz Album
Tutu Puoane – Quiet Now
Best Jazz/Instrumental/Populr Classical DVD
Wouter Kellerman – Colour Live In Concert
Best Urban Gospel
Bongi & Collin – Makadunyisue
Best Neo-Soul Album
Brian Temba – Something Better
Best Producer
Brian O’Shea – Fruitbats & Crows by Farryl Purkiss
Best Engineer
Ishmael Morabe & DJ Swami – On The Edge by Ishmael
Remix of The Year
DJ Nutty Nys – K’zogo K’zogozogo (Summer Anthem – Nutty Nys Summer Anthem ) – Nutty Nyce Remix
Best Album Packaging
Craig Wells – Who Do You Trust by Cassette
Best Afrikaans Traditional Music Album
Klipwerf Orkes – Hantam Carnival
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Afrikaans
Chris Chameleon K – yk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou
Best Afrikaans Gospel Album
Retief Burger – Luidkeels Oorgegee
Best Kiddies Album:Afrikaans
Nedine Blom – Supercool vir Jesus
Best Country Music:Album
Ray Dylan – Goeie Ou Country
Best Rock Album:Afrikaans
Jan Blohm – 7 Jaar
Best Alternative Music Album:Afrikaans
Die Heuwels Fantasties – Die Heuwels Fantasties
Best Afrikaans DVD
Juanita du Plessis – 10 Jaar Platinum Treffers Live
Best Adult Contemporary Album:English
Dear Reader – Replace Why With Funny
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
Proxy – The Call
Best Kiddies Album
Gcina Mhlophe – Songs and Stories of Africa
Best Alternative Music Album
BLK JKS – After Robots
Best Global Chart DVD
Lira – Live in Concert: A Celebration
Best Selling True Tone
Kurt Darren Kaptein
Best Selling Ring Back Tone
DJ Cleo Hands Up
Best Selling Full Track Download
Kurt Darren Af En Af
Best Selling DVD
Various Artists Huisgenoot Skouspel 10 (2009)
Best South Sotho Music (seSotho) Album
Koete Tharisa Ea Matsoado 4
Best Tsonga Music (XiTsonga) Album
Thomas Chauke Shimatsatsa No 29
Best Venda Album
Ntshengedzeni Malignana Mathada Vol. 2
Best Mbhaqanga
Oflende Pajero
Best Traditional Acapella Album
African Cream Freedom Choir Freedom Songs
Best Adult Contemporary Album
Bhudaza Likhomo
Best African Contemporary Gospel
Jay Hlungwani Worship Unlimited Vol. 1
Best Traditional African Acapella Gospel Album
Amadodana Ase Wesile Jesu Wena Ungu Mhlobo
Best Alternative Music Album
Joe Nina Unchanged
Best Traditional/African Adult Contemporary DVD
Solly Mahlangu Obrigado