Image: Facebook.com/satmaawards.
The winners for the 18th South African Traditional Music Achievement (SATMA) Awards have finally been announced. This year, the awards, which featured 27 categories, took place at the DCC Jesus Dome in Durban on the 15th of December.
Inkabi Zezwe, a Bergville duo composed of Sjava and Big Zulu, won the Most Voted Song of the Year award with their popular song Umbayimbayi, beating seven other nominees in their category.
The Best Traditional Music SABC Radio Presenter of Year award was won by Mawaza Kabini of Kwekwezi FM. Under this category, Kabini was competing with presenters from eleven other SABC radio stations, including Bheka Mchunu & Bingelela Mpanza of Ukhozi FM and Gudl’abatshakazi (Gudla) of Umhlobo Wenene FM.
Popular maskandi singer/comedian King Nuba, who hails from Harding in KwaZulu-Natal, took home the Best Traditional Social Media Influencer award, for which he was competing with Londiwe Sishi, Philile Lethokuhle, Nelisiwe Faith Sibiya and Tinyiko ‘Miss Hilary’ Khoza.
Below is a full list of winners:
| Category | Winner |
| Best Afro Soul Song | Ukukhanya by Eves Manxeba |
| Best African Jazz Artist/Group | Sandile Masilela |
| Best Reggae Artist/Group | Phumi Maduna |
| Best Praise Singer | Lizo Ndobe |
| Best Indigenous Poet | Msa Lomshiyo |
| Best Upcoming Artist/Group | Mamakie Motlogelwa |
| Best Mbhaqang Artist/Group | Impumelelo |
| Best Traditional Acapella Artist/Group | Bergville Green Lovers |
| Best Traditional Collaboration | MC Records KZN ft. Mduduzi Ncube & Musiholiq |
| Best Traditional Music Community Radio Presenter | Silulami Dumza (Nkqubela Fm) |
| Best Department of Art & Culture | Free State |
| Best Department of Cultural Affairs Chief Director | Sibongile Nkosi |
| Best Traditional Outfit | Maggymargs Designs |
| Best Traditional Social Media Influencer | King Nuba |
| Best SePedi Artist/Group | Seremi Crew |
| Best Xitsonga Artist/Group | Mr Post |
| Best Ndebele Artist/Group | Isumi Lamadoda |
| Best IsiXhosa Artist/Group | Balungile Shezi |
| Best SeTswana Artist/Group | Nomtiti 9 |
| Best SiSwati Artist/Group | Msa Lomshiyo |
| Best TshiVenda Artist/Group | Vhudie |
| Best Indian Artist/Group | Yoji Cee |
| Best Sesotho Artist /Group | Choko |
| Best Boeremusiek Artist/Group | Donovan de Buys |
| Best Maskandi (T&D) Artist/Group | Inkos’yamagcokama |
| Most Voted Song of the Year | Umbayimbayi by Inkabi Zezwe |
| Best Traditional Music SABC Radio Presenter of Year | Mawaza Kabini (Kwekwezi FM) |
