Limpopo’s A-listers at Sepedi Music Awards
All roads led to the University of Limpopo's Great Tiro Hall last Sunday for the first annual Sepedi Music Awards (Sema).
POLOKWANE – Limpopo’s A-listers pulled out all the stops on the red-carpet, while many fans used the ceremony as an opportunity to dress in traditional attire, walk the red carpet and be photographed with their favourite stars.
The awards were graced by local celebrities which included, the Zebediela born advocate Steve Kekana, queen of Manyalo Pleasure (Peta) who also won best Sepedi artist of the year, and best Sepedi Tsa Manyalo group, King Monada, who won song of the year, and Sewela Kobola, Miss Heritage South Africa 2018. Polokwane big names such as Mopedy was nominated in three categories.
The new kid on the block, Sir Jovial, won best Sepedi comedian, while Mookgopong residents Baldwin Kay won best Sepedi Afro-pop, and Shibu Molomo won best Sepedi artist or group.
The first installment of the awards celebrated artists, producers, songwriters and cultural dancers who create music and art in Sepedi.
Pleasure thanked her fans for their consistent support as she won two awards. “I thank everyone who supported me through my musical journey. I am made by fans and I appreciate the love that I have received over the years. This award cements my continued talent and support,” said Peta. Sema CEO, Matodzi Makananisa, has called on Sepedi music creators to rally behind the initiative, highlighting that it should be seen as a lasting legacy which must be preserved for future generations.
“We are delighted about the awards and are positive that they will indeed serve as a game changer by encouraging more artists to produce music in Sepedi, and further recognise those who work tirelessly to promote the music,” said Makananisa.
Winners:
• Best Sepedi hip-hop artist/group: Papzito- warra.
• Best Sepedi kiba group: Mafoloshankwe Thabeng.
• Makgakgasa/dipepetlwana group (females): Ipopeng Cultural Group.
• Best Sepedi dinaka group (males): Mafolosha Nkwe Thabeng.
• Best Sepedi afro pop artist/group: Baldwin Kay.
• Best Sepedi house music: DJ Letlaka.
• Best khelobedu music: King Monada.
• Best Sepedi Afro-soul: Teba.
• Best Sepedi tsa manyalo artist/group: Pleasure.
• Best Sepedi reggae artist/group: Rasta BJ.
• Best Sepedi gospel artist/group: Shibu Molomo.
• Best Sepedi kwaito artist/group: Dr Molewa.
• Best Sepedi comedian: Sir Jovial.
• Best Sepedi Afro-jazz: Seboba.
• Best Sepedi collabo (any genre): Psalmist Kagiso
• Best Sepedi malopo: Tlou Letebele.
• Best Sepedi poet: Kganya.
• Sepedi legend (lifetime achievement award): Steve Kekana.
• Best Sepedi album: Bana ba nkwe masesana.
• Sepedi artist of the year: Pleasure.
• Sepedi song of the year: King Monada.
