Musician Zakes Bantwini has sharply criticized the South African Music Awards, claiming they have lost all relevance. He wrote an open letter stating that the recent ceremony passed with little notice from artists, fans, or social media. Bantwini argued this shows a deep disconnect, especially while local artists like Tyla achieve major global recognition.
He blamed years of questionable judging decisions for eroding trust. Winners often did not align with popular taste, leading to widespread public apathy. Bantwini emphasized that artists themselves share responsibility by not supporting the event, sending a negative message to their audience.
The artist called on the overseeing body, RiSA, to enact urgent reforms. He demanded transparent judging panels with diverse, genre-aware members to restore credibility. Bantwini warned that letting the awards fade would rob future generations of a crucial career milestone, urging a necessary overhaul to match international standards.
He blamed years of questionable judging decisions for eroding trust. Winners often did not align with popular taste, leading to widespread public apathy. Bantwini emphasized that artists themselves share responsibility by not supporting the event, sending a negative message to their audience.
The artist called on the overseeing body, RiSA, to enact urgent reforms. He demanded transparent judging panels with diverse, genre-aware members to restore credibility. Bantwini warned that letting the awards fade would rob future generations of a crucial career milestone, urging a necessary overhaul to match international standards.
