Last night Montecasino was abuzz as the music industry and media descended upon La Toscana where the finalists for the 17th Annual South African Music Awards were announced. The whole venue and its surroundings was turned into a heaven of musicians, celebrities, and other stakeholders that form part of this coveted event in the entertainment calender.

When we arrived at the venue, there was a long queue that never seemed to diminish because those in the front decided to get their friends in. Eventually, we got to the front of the registration table. Upon getting our access tags, we got to snapping pictures, only taking few breaks to eat and get drinks in between.

It felt like a re-union of some sorts, one bumped into so many familiar faces one hasn’t seen in a long time. There was food galore and the drinks flowing freely. We mingled and caught up with some people. It wasn’t long before the host for the evening Siya Ngwekazi burst on to the stage to welcome the guests, present the first few major categories and introduce the first act to perform.

That act was Jozi who ignited an amazing energy in the room when they opened their performance with their new song, the Eddie Grant remake, Electric Avenue. After they performed that’s when things got a bit confusing. We never saw Siya on the stage again. The rest of the nominees were displayed on the moniters plastered throughout the venue. It got even worse, during Voodoo Child‘s performance the sound feeds to the microphones and the instruments stopped, dampening the spirits and the mood.

At this point many people were either leaving, getting drunk, or turning groupies to celebrities just outside the venue. When Voodoo Child came back over an hour later, everybody wasn’t that much interested anymore. The neighbouring restaurant, which was also booked for the event, had some other random performer. At this place the whole outside area was buzzing with kids and general public with their sights set on getting autographs and pictures from celebrities. I wonder how they will control this at the big event on the weekend of the 20 – 21 May.

Shortly after, we decided to leave because we were now seeing the faces we’d been seeing the whole night. Overall, the event wasn’t up to scratch. It felt like some other random party. That sense of exclusivity and tightly-organised sting was absent. Some people are also not happy with the actual nominations, as we revealed HERE.

However, we hope things will be improved by the time the big ceremonies take place on Friday, 20th May and Saturday, 21st May. To all the nominees, well done and congratulations for making it this far. And all the best for the big nights. To see how you can vote for the categories that has public participation, go to www.samusicawards.co.za.

Below are pictures we snapped.

Amu with his crew, including Mr Selwyn and Skwatta Kamp’s Infa. Does it mean if Skwatta never release another project we’ll never hear Inf rap again? Not that I remember how he raps.

Kwaito has-beens Brown Dash and General. Oh, General has added actor to his biography. I saw him flex his acting skills on that gem called Nyaope.

DJ Cleo was was surprisingly not nominated. Not even for one of his hits from last year. Knowing how vocal he is, I’m sure he has a lot to say about that.

Former Cashless Society member and producer Draztik who is hyped up about his new single that just got playlisted in numerous radio stations in the past few weeks. I’m due to go and check out his clothing shop on Stanley Ave.

The boys of FutureSound without member Steve who was perhaps busy in the farm, LOL. The boys should get nominated for next year’s run of the awards.

I have no idea who these girls are, but they must have gotten nominated for something because of the screams and jumps when they saw ‘their’ name on the nominee list. When I first saw them I thought they were promo girls for some product. What’s up with the triplets ensemble?

What is this guys name again? he was part of that duo that started doing their thing in prison before they got out after serving their term for criminal activities. He was on Rhythm City at one point. I overhead the lady with him asking if getting a picture with him will cause problems for her. He calmed her down by saying it’s not about the picture, but what the report attached to the picture says. Ok, homeboy.

Jacqui of Jamali without the other girls. I spotted them together earlier on though. I still have to get their Toxic Candy album to hear if the transformation they embarked on is favourable or not.

My homegirl Jae who is nominated for an award. She told me everybody was blowing up her BlackBerry congratulating her. Although I’m not too enthusiastic with her change of direction for her sound, I wish her the best.

Kwesta is nominated for 2 awards. The most interesting one though is Best Rap Album where he’s nominated against his boss and mentor Slikour. We’ll see how that one pans out.

The lovely and sexy TV presenter Laila. that dress doesn’t flatter her though, looks more like something a granny would wear.

Loyiso Bala who enjoys 3 nominations. He seems to be over the moon for this achievement. Kudos to him. I haven’t enjoyed his music that much since the Amplified album.

Brian Temba’s manager, Mandisa Makalima, who was not supposed to be there last night. *side eye*

Mandoza got nominated for Best Kwaito Album. He’s pictured here with my boy Fezile’s girl Nondy (Miss Earth) and a friend.

Famed playwright and musician Mbongeni Ngema attended. He looks so much better than the last time I saw him.

The beautiful and sassy Minnie about to interview Loyiso for LIVE. Looking forward to see it all on LIVE tomorrow night.

YFM’s Mo Flava was looking suave. I like this look for him. He was shooting inserts for his TV show Club 808. Come to think of it, this is the same show he wouldn’t disclose all the details about when I interviewed him after he was roped in for YFM’s breakfast show last year.

DJ Black Coffee, who is nominated for Record of The Year, as well as got a mention for the Remix Of The year for his production on Stimela’s Turn On the Sun. He’s pictured here with Soulistic label manager Amaru. The internet and social media is a powerful thing. I’ve never met Amaru, but the way he greeted me and even shook my hand like we knew each other was amazing. Actually, I figured only when I saw this picture that he must be THE Amaru. I’ve since learnt that this is actually Sonnyboy, who is a musician. He plays guitar with HHP’s band and other bands in the country. Oh well, I was taken aback with his gesture.

Mr Selwyn…..wait, does he still use the Mr in the name? He’s such a cool guy, always with a smile on his face. I dig his music too.

Ntando was there. I thought he was going to perform since I saw him with his crew earlier and they were carrying clothes in a suit bag. But I never saw them perform.

One part of Amaponi, Ihhashi Elimhlophe and Linah Khama’s daughter Ntombi. I have no words for what’s on her heard. Surprisingly, she was nominated for an award. Maybe this was her way of celebrating the nod.

Former Miss SA Teen was there working but took time to pose for a picture for us. All I’ve gotta say is, what the hell happened to her face? DAMN, izinduna on such a beautiful face. No man, these things have no timing.

Prosper with his artist and fluids swapper Tina. They are pictured here with musician Malik. But Malik, if you are going for that hairy look, at least make sure it’s well kept. Beards need some combing too.

Pushy baby! It’s so hard to believe this is the same woman who used to be so crazy when she presented Jam Alley. WOW! She was there with husband, former RISA boss Shaun Watson.

Singer and producer Robbie Malinga was there. Glad he gave the shiny suits a rest for last night. I’ve gotta ask though, what’s going on with his lips? DAMN!

DJ Sbu was there whoring for propaganda for his t-shirt line as he always does. He’s a super cool guy though. And very inspirational.

Zuluboy’s baby mama Terniele Nelson was there. She had a big bag with her. I wonder if she was due to perform as well.

Siya was the MC for the night. We chatted about different things, including his role on Skyf: The Movie. His look reminded me of the vintage clothing Darkie used to do circa 2003.

Tuks Senganga was there too. He is nominated for Best Rap Album. I haven’t heard his latest album yet, but he’s a great rapper.

Sizwe Dhlomo pictured here with Wonted’s Tshiamo.

I don’t have the slightest clue as to who this is or his pop culture significance but as you can see for yourself love is life and life is living. IT’S VERY SPECIAL. Bask in the ambiance of his nest on his head!

Birthday boy Slikour signing some autographs for some kids that gathered around him. He’s quite a popular oke, by the look of things. He’s vying for Best Rap Album prize. Nice one Siya!

Speedy, sans his towel, is nominated alongside Stoan for their collaboration album. He’s interviewed here by Shizniz’ Zola.

Stoan is always looking sharp. It’s no different here, except for that belt buckle. Or the whole belt actually. He could have gone for a thinner belt, to match his tie.

Tamara Dey with a partner. Her band Flash Republic is nominated. She’s such a sweet lady. that smile is infectious.

The beautiful singer and actor Phumeza pictured here with Theo Kgosinkwe who is nominated a couple of times.

DJ Tira with his girlfriend. He played after the performances I believe. I saw him coming in with his music bag after all the formalities.

Zuluboy was there. I can see what he was trying to do here, but the All Stars and those socks jut put the whole thing off.

Tumi with his long-time girlfriend. Tumi And The Volume are nominated for 2 awards, including Best Rap Album.

Members of the band UJU. Good to see them get some shine. They also got one nod.

Zakes Bantwini was one of the artists with multiple nominations. Great to see him getting recognition for his talent too.

Ziyon of the duo Liquideep. They are nominated for a total of 5 awards, which is the second highest. Only second to Prime Circle, who have 6.

Selimathunzi presenter Zizo Beda was there looking lovely. She will get a new co-worker soon after Selimathunzi announced the top 5 finalists in their male presenter search.

Singers Zonke and Lulu Dikana, just as they were about to leave.

Jozi performing their hit Electric Avenue.

Voodoo child performing, before the abrupt interruption. SMH. I hope this wasn’t a sign of things to come for the main event.