For a short while it seemed like Metro FM were pouring water on a duck’s back when they set out to bring back their Awards programme they’ve been organising for the past 9 years. Well, 10 when counting last year when the show was canned because of the alleged lack of sponsorship. Last night proved another successful step in the direction for the return of what is dubbed the Metro FM Music Awards. However, mixed feelings are expressed by many regarding the nominations that were announced at Randlords in Braamfontein to an assorted audience ranging from musicians, media, record companies and VIP‘s from the hosting city.

Amon Mokoena & Unathi Msengana as MC's.

Firstly, one has to comment on the actual production on the nominee announcement event. Although the running order of things, albeit the late start, seemed well organised, it was the technical glitches that left a sour taste in the mouths of the guests. The sound was not up to scratch. During Lulu Dikana‘s performance, the sound acted up with the annoying and scritching noises. Some of the microphones did not work properly. At one point Mr Selwyn had to alternate the use of the microphone with Professor as they were performed on the same stage. And the fact that the performers for the night did at least 3 songs each, which I thought was unnecessary.

Lulo Cafe. Nominated for Best Compilation Album.

Speaking of the performances, Lulu Dikana was amazing. She’s got a powerful voice. Khuli China did his thing as well, also roping in his boys Morafe for some of the tracks. Theo Kgosinkwe sizzled with not just his voice, but his dance moves, supported by 3 dancers. To end the performances segment of the evening was Professor. I swear his DJ may be related to him because of the cunning resemblance they share. He was joined on stage by Mr Selwyn (as I have mentioned above) and Speedy in some of the tracks from his album they are respectively featured in. Just as Professor started his final song, the popular Jezebel, Khanyi Mbawu jumped on stage to dance and act out some scenarios with him as well as Speedy. It was a circus, I tell you.

Metro FM's Ismail Ebrahims with DJ Black coffee looking all GQ'ed up.

Enough of the drama, let’s get into a different type by sharing some of our opinions as far as the nominations go. Leading the pack is DJ Black Coffee ,who is nominated 5 times in categories that include Best Produced Album, Song Of The Year and Best Dance Album. His album Home Brewed is a quality product, so the respect he gets is well-deserved. Where I get lost though is, why is he not running for the Best Male Artist gong? Anyway, equaly deserving is Deep Level for their hard work and talent. The duo is nominated in 4 categories, amongst them Best Hip Hop Album and Best Group.

Lulu Dikana performing.

Regarding my gripes about some of the moninations, I can’t fathom how Teargas didn’t feature in at least one of the categories? More than any of them, the Best Hip Hop Album category. Their latest album Dark Or Blue is a solid effor from the trio. Another non-feature is the talented Brian Temba. I would have thought he would at least be vying for the Best R&B Album prize. Instead I saw Verd‘s name, whom I’ve never heard any song by him being played on the station. And a Chad Saaiman who I’ve never even heard of, also made it to the list. It’s amazing because I’ve heard so many songs from Brian Temba‘s album Something Better being played on Metro FM. Or maybe I need to listen to the station more?

Theo Kgosinkwe performing.

Back to the positives, it’s great seeing more Durban representatation by the likes of Professor and DJ Fisherman who both have 5 nominations between the two of them. Other noteworthy mentions include Lulo Cafe, Culoe De Song and Phila. A lot of people were shocked to hear about Phila‘s nominations, but the boy is actually talented.

Khuli Chana performing with Morafe. He's nominated for Best Hip Hop album.

The voting began at 12 midnight to narrow down the lists to 3 in each category, so get voting to see your favourites in the finalists. These will be announced in another event on the 12th of November, with the main event where the winners in each category will be awarded the statuettes taking place in Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on the 27th of November 2010. Let’s see how the public feels when the trophies are handed out at the end of this race.

Professor performing Jezebel. Khanyi Mbaue on stage dancing.

Please see some of the pictures taken from last night at the Metro FM Music Awards nominee announcement event below.

Be Sociable, Share!

•