The disc jockey’s and music producers, Dlala Thukzin and Kabza De Small are leading the South African Dance Music Awards nominations for 2023.
Real name Thuthuka Zindlovu, Dlala Thukzin is leading the pack this year with four nominations, the prestigious Best Gqom Record, Best Dance Album, Best Producer and Best Male DJ.
Not so far behind him is Kabelo Motha, aka Kabza De Small, with the Best Dance Album, Best Producer and Best Male DJ.
The main aim for the SA Dance Music Awards is to recognize and celebrate the artists who have pushed boundaries, broken barriers, and brought about new standards of innovation and creativity in the dance music industry.
The platform is dedicated to honouring the exceptional talents and achievements of artists, producers, DJs and industry professionals in the realm of dance music, they strive to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions made to the local and the music scene globally.
Voting is open for all South Africans and will close at midnight on the 28th of August, and the awards ceremony will take place on September 2 at The Durban Playhouse Company.
Below is the list of nominations:
Dance Music Rising Star
- FlexAudionative
- Thabisoul
- Senjay
- Ndloh Jnr
- Funkysoul
Best Male DJ
- Kabza De Small
- SOA Matrix
- Oscar Mbo
- Dlala Thukzin
- DJ Terance
Best Female Vocalist
- Nkosazana Daughter
- Ami Faku
- Mawhoo
- Mashudu
- Skye Wanda
Best Male Vocalist
- Sir Trill
- Daliwonga
- Young Stunna
- Sino Msolo
- Russell Zuma
Best Live Act
- Young Stunna
- Black Motion
- Pabi Cooper
- Mawhoo
- Russell Zuma
Best Producer
- Dlala Thukzin
- Drega
- SOA Matrix
- Sam Deep
- Kabza De Small
Best Dance Album
- Oscar Mbo – Groovy Since 90 Sumthin
- Morda – Asante
- Kabza De Small – KOA II
- Pabi Cooper – Cooperville
- Dlala Thukzin – Finally Famous
Best House Record
- Skye Wanda – Amazwi
- Oscar Mbo & C-Black feat. Mawhoo – Umoya Wami
- Morda & Oscar Mbo feat. Murumba Pitch – Mohigan Sun
- Maline Aura feat. Drega – Mabebuza
Best Female DJ
- DJ Lesoul
- Lerato Kganyago
- Thandi Draai
- Ayanda MVP
- Sedii Moshounyane
Best Gqom Record
- Que DJ & DJ Lag – Where’s your father
- Dlala Thukzin feat. MK Productions, Sykes & Sfundo – Mina
- DJ FunkyQla & DJ Lab – Lift Club
- Ndloh Jnr feat. Dreamteam & Daliwonga – Obay’zolo
Best Radio DJ
- Ayanda MVP
- DJ Lesoul
- DJ Sonic
Best Photographer
- Starlight Pictures
- OK Majozi
- Sphesihle Sogoni
- Blacksheep
- Bathathe Photography
Best Compilation Album
- Dogg Dbn – Sounds of Wine Wednesday
- Thandi Draai – Africa Gets Physical, Vol, 4
Main Image: IOL
