Renowned musician Kelly Khumalo expressed her dismay after leaving the 29th South African Music Awards (SAMAs) empty-handed. The event took place at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria on Saturday, November 18.
Kelly’s Social Media Rant
Despite the Best Afropop Album category not being televised, Kelly Khumalo took to social media platform X to voice her frustration at not winning the highly contested Female Artist of the Year award. Watching the event from home, she accused the SAMAs of rigging the votes.
“You guys know the truth. Numbers never lie. Call me Emaweni,” Kelly Khumalo exclaimed, expressing her disappointment. She went on to use strong language, dismissing the legitimacy of the arranged winnings and fearlessly asserting, “I’m not scared of all of you.”
When reminded that the judges determine the winners, Kelly defiantly replied, “Tell them I’m not scared of them.” She further used an IsiZulu expletive, making her sentiments clear.
Additionally, Kelly criticized Ntokozo Mbambo for winning Female Artist of the Year with her gospel album, Lavish Worship, claiming that even Ntokozo knows “numbers don’t lie.”
Biggest Winners of the Night
While Kelly Khumalo dealt with her disappointment, other musicians celebrated their victories at the 29th SAMAs:
- Kabza De Small secured four awards, including Best Duo/Group of The Year, Best Produced Album, Best Amapiano Album, and Best Kwaito Album.
- Ntokozo Mbambo, considered Kelly’s rival, took home three awards: Female Artist of The Year, Album of the Year, and Best Contemporary Faith Album.
- The late AKA posthumously won Male Artist of The Year and Best Collaboration for Lemons (Lemonade).
- K.O received the SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award and CAPASSO Most Streamed Song Award for SETE.
- Makhadzi won Best Traditional Album for African Queen 2.0.
- Myztro, DJ Maphorisa’s brother, was named Newcomer of the Year for his amapiano album, 2.0 Nkwari.
- Lloyiso secured Best Pop Album for Seasons.
- Former Black Motion member, Mörda, won Best Dance Album and Remix of the Year for Ndinovalo, jointly with Yallunder.