30th Annual South African Music Awards explained
The 30th Annual South African Music Awards (or SAMA 30) took place on 2 November 2024 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng. Hosted by Minnie Dlamini and presented by the Recording Industry of South Africa, the event was live streamed on YouTube and broadcast on SABC1 at 20:00 South Africa Standard Time . It honoured the best albums, music videos and songs released in South Africa during the period 15 April 2023 to 14 April 2024.
The nominations were announced on 26 September. Tyla received the most, with seven, followed by Kabza de Small with six. The pre-show took place on 1 November, and the industry awards and red carpet events preceded the main show on 2 November. Tyla won the most awards, receiving four awards (Newcomer of the Year, Best Pop Album, Female Artist of the Year and International Achievement), and Kabza de Small received three awards alongside Mthunzi.
In the top five categories, Kabza de Small and Mthunzi's Isimo won Album of the Year and Duo or Group of the Year; Tyla's self-titled studio album won the aforementioned Newcomer of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. uGatsheni took home Male Artist of the Year.
Background
The 30th Annual South African Music Awards celebrates the best music videos, albums and songs released in South Africa during the period 15 April 2023 to 14 April 2024. Entries for nomination consideration were open from 1 March 2024 to 15 April. For members of the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), the entry fee for an individual or entity was R862.50 ($), and R4,600.00 ($) for non-members including value-added tax per entry for all categories.[1]
Two public voting categories, Music Video of the Year (presented by RiSA) and Record of the Year (presented by the Motsepe Foundation), were announced via the South African Music Awards' website on 14 August 2024.[2] The remaining nominations were announced on 26 September 2024 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, where the ceremony would take place.[3] Tyla was the most nominated artist with seven nominations, followed by Kabza de Small with six.
YouTube and SABC1 partnered with RiSA to live stream and broadcast the event on 2 November 2024,[4] at 20:00 South Africa Standard Time .[5] [6] Presented by RiSA, the ceremony was sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation; Department of Sports, Arts and Culture; SABC1; Santam; SABC; CAPASSO; SAMPRA, Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation; Joburg, YouTube and Proudly South African.[7]
On 18 October 2024, the South African Music Awards announced that Tyla would be honoured with the International Achievement Award. Sipho Makhabane and Ringo Madlingozi were the recipients for the Lifetime Achievement Awards.[8] Oskido was bestowed the Chairperson's Award.[9] On 2 November 2024, Tyla emerged as the most awarded artist with four accolades; trailing behind was Kabza de Small and Mthunzi with three.
Winners and nominees
Top 5 categories
Below is the list of nominees. Winners are listed first and highlighted in bold.[10]
style="vertical-align:top" width="50%" |
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| - uGatsheni – Uyihlo noNyoko
- Priddy Ugly – Dust
- Kelvin Momo – Kurhula
- Daliwonga – Dali Dali
- De Mthuda – Baba Yaga
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- Tyla – Tyla
- Sykes – Most Wanted
- Lwah Ndlunkulu – Imizwa
- Die Piesangskille and Johan Balt – Almal Gly
- Joliza – Bhacasoul Experience EP
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Album genre super categories
style="vertical-align:top" width="50%" - Francois van Coke – Dans Deur Die Donker
- Millennium – Deurbraak
- Wonderboom – Hard Mode
- Kenny Hughes – Born & Raised
- Evert Snyman – All-Killer-Filler
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- Die Piesangskille – Almal Gly
- Ryno Velvet – Heelal
- Jan Jan Jan – Braaf
- Brendan Peyper – Omdat Jy Mag
- Ilán van Staden – My Mense
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- Elandré – Estetika
- Valiant Swart – Rondry, Fliek En Die Buitelewe
- Neil Sandilands – Allegaarkie vir 'n Askeet
- Joshua Na Die Reën – Die Vallei
- Jacob Swann – Alles
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- I'm with the Singer – I'm with the Singer
- Carla Franco – Layers
- Van Pletzen – Enter the Grootness (deluxe)
- CHXRL – Hopeless & Romantic
- West Coast Wolves – Don't Forget to Howl
| - Lordkez – Testament
- Ayanda Jiya – A Tale of a Fallen Queen
- KashCPT – Love Letters
- Uma Rams – Hold Me When It's Cold: The Cuddle Pack
- Mia – The Other Side (deluxe EP)
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- Priddy Ugly – Dust
- Flvme – Note to Self
- Nasty C – I Love It Here
- Wordz – People Forget To Be People (deluxe)
- The Big Hash – Heartbreak Hotel
| - Sykes – Most Wanted
- Abobhova – Ghetto Skomplaz
- Sbu Malawyer – Celebrating 25 Years in the Game
- Taylor K – Genesis
- Zinaro – Inzalo YeKwaito 2nd Half
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| - QueDJ – We Don't Play the Same Gqom 2
- Funky Qla – Dark or Durban
- Bello No Gallo – Gqom to Another Level Vol. 1
- Mr Thela – TronicsLand Series 2
- General C'mamane – The Young Prince of Gqom
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| - Omega Khunou – Mororiseng
- Sneziey – Sibonga Umusa (Live)
- Thinah Zungu – Indumiso yaseStezi
- Worship House – Worship House 20
- University of Pretoria – uJehova
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- Xolly Mncwango – Unusual
- Brenden Praise – The Gift Vol. 1
- We Will Worship – Izililo
- 3C Live – We Bow Down
- The Fellowship with Pastor Namba – Come to Jesus (Live in Bryanston, 2022)
| - Ladysmith Black Mambazo – Soothe My Soul: Songs from Our South African Church
- JTG Gospel Choir – Alikho Elinye Ithemba
- Lejwe la Motheo – Ke Nako ya Modimo
- Di Bruin Gospel Projects – Masango
- Discuss Nkuna – Vuya Matimba
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| - uGatsheni – Uyihlo noNyoko
- Inkos'yamagcokama – National Anthem
- Sminofu – Uber Driver
- Mthandeni SK – Amakhothangqoko
- Ntencane – Isivulwe Yonke
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- Steve Dyer – Enhlizweni: Song Stories From My Heartland
- Hugh Masekela and Siparia Deltones – Siparia to Soweto
- Thandi Ntuli and Carlos Niño – Rainbow Revisited
- Vuma Levin – The Past Is Unpredictable, Only The Future Is Certain
- Kujenga – In The Wake
| - Fannie Dick – End of the Beginning
- UBeyond – Sci-fi, Beats & Life
- Derek Gripper – Lost Time: Bach Cello Suite No. 1
- Tony Drake – Lofi Chill
- Karen Devroop – Relentless
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| - Skeleton Blazer – Give Praises
- Undefynd – Musinion
- Ras Vuyo – Love & Unity
- Dimahr – Proof of Life
- Two Point Ow – Love Expressions
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Technical categories
style="vertical-align:top" width="50%" - Kamo Mphela – "Dalie"
(Producer: Kudzi)- Sjava – "Amakhehla"
(Producer: Tido)
- Loatinover Pounds – "4am"
(Producer: BSV)
- Cassper Nyovest – "018"
(Producer: Jabu)
- Filah Lah Lah – "Call Me"
(Producer: Reabetswe Fila Ranamane)
| - David Watkyns – No Other Love
- Nasty C – I Love It Here
- Mbuso Khoza – Shaka iLembe Soundtrack Album Volume 2 (Original Music from the Shaka iLembe TV Series)
- Matthew Mole – Wake Up, It’s Morning
- Mbuso Khoza – Ifa Lomkhono
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- The Soil – Reimagined
- Mbuso Khoza – Shaka iLembe Soundtrack Album Volume 2 (Original Music from the Shaka iLembe TV Series)
- Matthew Mole – Wake Up, It's Morning
- Vusi Mahlasela – Umoya – Embracing the Human Spirit
- Brenda Mtambo – Sane
| - Jnr SA – "Weekend Special" (Jnr SA remix)
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Public vote
style="vertical-align:top" width="50%" - Mathandeni SK featuring Lwah Ndlunkulu – "Paris"
- Tyler ICU and Tumelo_za featuring DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA and Tyron Dee – "Mnike"
- Dlala Thukzin, Sykes and Zaba – "iPlan"
- Kabza De Small and Mthunzi featuring Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine and Umthakathi Kush – "Imithandazo"
- DJ Stokie featuring Omit ST, Sobzeen and Zeenhle – "Awukhuzeki"
- De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef and Eemoh featuring Sipho Magudulela – "Sgudi Snyc"
- Tyla – "Water"
- Bassie, Aymos featuring T-Man SA – "Izenzo"
- Mellow & Sleazy, SjavasDaDeejay and TitoM featuring Tman Press – "Imnandi Lento"
- Lady Amar, JL SA, Cici and Murumba Pitch – "Hamba Juba"
- Sam Deep, Njelic and Aymos – "Isigubhu"
- DJ Stokie and Eemoh – "Masithokoze"
- Sam Deep, Eemoh and Da Muziqal Chef – "iMpumelelo"
- Inkabi Zezwe – "Umbayimbayi"
- Harrycane, Master KG, DJ LaTimmy – "Dubula"
- Thabza Tee featuring Tman Xpress – "Nhliziyo yam eKhala Kakhulu"
- Mas Musiq and Daliwonga featuring DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small – "Gangnam Style"
- DJ Kent featuring Brenden Praise, Mörda and Mo-T – "Horns in the Sun"
- Shakes & Les, DBN Gogo, Zee Nxumalo featuring Ceeka RSA and Chley – "Funk 55"
- Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa featuring Njelic – "Nana Thula"
| - AKA and Nasty C – "Lemons (Lemonade)"
- Busta 929, featuring Boohle – "Ngixolele"
- Tyla – "Water"
- Tyler ICU, Tumelo_za featuring DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA and Tyron Dee – "Mnike"
- MaWhoo, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza de Small – "Kulula"
- Lady Amar, JL SA, Cici, Murumba Pitch – "Hamba Juba"
- Dlala Thukzin, Sykes and Zaba – "iPlan"
- Mas Musiq, featuring Aymos amd Young Stunna – "Sengizwile"
- Sam Deep, Eemoh, Da Muziqal Chef – "iMpumelelo"
- Win Linley – "Last Call"
- Soa Mattrix, Mashudu featuring Emotionz DJ, Happy Jazzman – "Mina Nawe"
- De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef and Eemoh featuring Sipho Magudulela – "Sgudi Snyc"
- Loatinover Pounds, featuring 25K, Thapelo Ghutra – "Sosh Plata" (remix)
- Mörda and Oscar Mbo featuring Murumba Pitch – "Mohigan Sun"
- Blxckie – "Ronda"
- MaWhoo and Master KG featuring Lowsheen – "Ngiyamthanda"
- Lowsheen, Master KG and Nkosazana Daughter – "Thula"
- Lwah Ndlunkulu – "Ngiyeza"
- Lowsheen, Master KG and Basetsana – "Lwakho"
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Special awards
Below is the list of winners highlighted in bold where necessary.[10]
Performances
Adapted from the live broadcast.[11]
Pre-show, industry awards and red carpet
Main show
Presenters
Hosted by Luthando Shosha (also known as Lootlove), the pre-show took place on 1 November 2024, at the Gallagher Convention Centre. She also hosted the industry awards event. Preceding the main show, the red carpet event was hosted by Siphesihle Vazi and Kuhle Adams.[12] [13] The main show was hosted by Minnie Dlamini, with assistance from Naledi Potelwa and Unathi Nkayi.[14] Internet personalities including Ntando Duma were in attendance of the main event.[15]
Live broadcast
Adapted from the live broadcast.
- Pre-show, industry awards and red carpet
- Bitsa Lenkopane – presented Best Adult Contemporary Album
- Luthando Shosha – presented Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album, Best Afro Pop Album, Best Rock Album, Best African Indigenous Faith Music Album, Best Reggae Album, Best Produced Album, Best R&B/Soul Album and Best Contemporary Faith Album
- Bontle Modiselle – presented Best Traditional Album & Best Alternative Album and Best Pop Album
- Salvon and Bravo Le Roux – presented Best Classical/Instrumental Album and Best Traditional Faith Album
- Dada Morero & Pinky Bala – presented Best Jazz Album, Best Kwaito Album and Best Gqom Album
- DJ Fefe and Tumi Powerhouse – presentedb Remix of the Year and Best Collaboration
- Minnie Ntuli – presented Best Dance Album and Best Produced Music Video
- Main show
- Minnie Dlamini – introduced Zanele Potelwa and Nondumiso Ngobese
- Nondumiso Ngobese Mabece – presented Newcomer of the Year
- Nimrod Nkosi – presented Performance 2
- Douglas Mosadi and Chomee – presented Best Amapiano Album
- Matome Chiloane and Unathi Nkayi – presented Chairperson Award
- Musa Zondi and Tshedi Moholo – presented Best Maskandi Album
- Matome Chiloane and Wouter Kellerman – presented International Achievement Award
- Gayton McKenzie and Rebecca Malope – presented Performance 7 and the Lifetime Achievement Awards
- Nomsa Chabeli and Bucy Radebe – presented Music Video of the Year
- Lerato Matsoso and Refilwe Modiselle – presented Most Streamed Song of the Year
- DJ Cleo – presented Duo or Group of the Year
- Thabo Mokone and Wanda Baloyi – presented Male Artist of the Year
- Mroza Buthelezi and Elle Tisane – presented Female Artist of the Year
- Tiyani Maluleke and Tshepi Seakamela – Album of the Year
- Rejoice Simelane and Hlompho Kekana – presented Record of the Year
Prizes
The cash prizes awarded to the winners of the Annual South African Music Awards. Adapted from the SAMA 30 general rules booklet.
Awards! colspan="2" scope="col" style="background:lavender;" | Prizes |
| ZAR | USD |
|---|
| Top 5 categories | 15 000 | |
| 25 000 | |
| Genre categories | 10 000 | |
| Chairman's Award | 20 000 | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award |
| International Achievement Award |
| Technical awards | 10 000 | |
| Best-selling awards |
| Album of the Decade | 20 000 | |
| Record of the Decade |
| Public vote categories |
| Most Streamed Song of the Year | 10 000 | | |
Reaction
Tyla's "Water" lost Record of the Year award to Mthandeni SK and Lwah Ndlunkulu's "Paris". Following the conclusion of the main show on 2 November, Cassper Nyovest posted on Twitter to express his feelings on how Tyla was snubbed of the accolade.[16] In response, Mthandeni SK implied that Nyovest, a hip hop musician, was trying to use maskandi to regain fame. In Nyovest's apology, he suggested a boxing match to address their issues.[17]
On 3 November, Zakes Bantwini criticized DJ Cleo's performance when he posted on Twitter and said that he felt like the Durban kwaito era was not well represented in the DJ's medley mix. In response to Bantwini on 4 November, DJ Cleo praised Bantwini's craft before saying that the South African Music Awards are very political and are not his show. Bantwini later apologized and said that his emotions were driven by his passion for music, and that he should've reached out privately.[18]
After the South African Music Awards had Arthur Mafokate and Cici perform at the same event despite their 2018 assault allegations, Cici expressed her feelings on Twitter the following day when she tweeted three brokenhearted emojis.[19] Although Mafokate was acquitted due to lack of evidence to prosecute,[20] the Women for Change organization called for a boycott for Chris Brown's South African concert in December 2024 due to his controversial past,[21] but the South African Music Awards celebrated Mafokate's performance. Independent Online wrote that "it is very important to differentiate between Mafokate and Brown, as the former was not charged, while Brown pled guilty on multiple occasions".
Notes and References
- Web site: The 30th Annual South African Music Awards General Rules . PDF. 26 September 2024. 5 November 2024. South African Music Awards. Recording Industry of South Africa. 4 November 2024. live. https://archive.today/20241104233217/https://samusicawards.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SAMA-30-Rules.pdf.
- Web site:
- SAMA30 Unveils Nominees for the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year and RiSA Audio Visual (RAV) Music Video of the Year Awards
. 29 September 2024. 14 August 2024. South African Music Awards. Recording Industry of South Africa. 14 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240814044223/https://samusicawards.co.za/sama30-unveils-nominees-for-the-motsepe-foundation-record-of-the-year-and-risa-audio-visual-rav-music-video-of-the-year-awards/. live.
- News: Tyla Tops SAMA30 Nominations: Grammy Winner Leads with 5 Nods, Awards Set for 2 November. Constance. Gaanakgomo. News24. 29 September 2024. 26 September 2024. 29 September 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240929084815/https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/music/tyla-tops-sama30-nominations-grammy-winner-leads-with-5-nods-awards-set-for-2-november-20240926. live.
- Web site: Birjalal . Alyssia . 1 November 2024 . YouTube Partners with RiSA to Live Stream the 2024 South African Music Awards . live . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20241114061139/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/youtube-partners-with-risa-to-live-stream-the-2024-south-african-music-awards-a1b804d5-ffba-4cd6-8d1a-ec94d5696451 . 14 November 2024 . 2 November 2024 . .
- Web site: 1 November 2024 . 30 Years of the South African Music Awards . 3 November 2024 . SABC. live. 25 November 2024. https://archive.ph/ewDKw.
- Web site: Molapo . Maki . 2 November 2024 . Artists and Music Lovers Gear Up for 30th SAMAs . live . https://archive.today/20241114062526/https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/11/02/artists-and-music-lovers-gear-up-for-30th-samas . 14 November 2024 . 14 November 2024 . .
- Web site: About – South African Music Awards #SAMA30 Sponsors . live . https://archive.today/20241102145742/https://samusicawards.co.za/about/ . 2 November 2024 . 2 November 2024 . . .
- Web site: Birjalal . Alyssia . 21 October 2024 . Tyla, Ringo Madlingozi and Sipho Makhabane to Receive Prestigious Awards at the 2024 SAMAs . live . https://archive.today/20241114061341/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/tyla-ringo-madlingozi-and-sipho-makhabane-to-receive-prestigious-awards-at-the-2024-samas-29d8c24a-da23-4bcd-a6ac-c2049b28b81b . 14 November 2024 . 22 October 2024 . Independent Online.
- Web site: Tiwani . Bonginkosi . 24 October 2024 . Kalawa Jazmee Is Oskido's Pride As He Receives Chairperson's Award from the SAMAs . live . https://archive.today/20241114061437/https://www.citizen.co.za/entertainment/kalawa-jazmee-oskidos-pride-as-he-receives-chairpersons-award-from-the-south-african-music-awards/amp/ . 14 November 2024 . 3 November 2024 . The Citizen.
- References for nominees and winners:
- Live Broadcast of the 30th Annual South African Music Awards . 3 November 2024 . South African Music Awards . South African Music Awards . . 2 November 2024 . YouTube.
- Web site: Keteyi . Oluthando . 31 October 2024 . Minnie Dlamini 'Intombi YomZulu' Returns to SABC 1 As the Host of SAMAs . live . https://archive.today/20241114061543/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/minnie-dlamini-intombi-yomzulu-returns-to-sabc-1-as-the-host-of-samas-7c9d39bf-52c0-4382-bba1-4d3ec3a943a5 . 14 November 2024 . 2 November 2024 . Independent Online.
- Web site: Selisho . Kaunda . 2 November 2024 . Hello Weekend from the SAFTAs to the SAMAs: Meet SA's Host with the Most Kuhle Adams . live . https://archive.today/20241114061804/https://www.news24.com/life/helloweekend/hello-weekend-from-the-saftas-to-the-samas-meet-sas-host-with-the-most-kuhle-adams-20241101 . 14 November 2024 . 3 November 2024 . News24.
- Live Broadcast of the 30th Annual South African Music Awards . 3 November 2024. South African Music Awards . South African Music Awards . . 2 November 2024 . 16:40 .
- Web site: Nkonki . Anita . 3 November 2024 . Celebrating 30 Years of the SAMAs: A Night of Glitz, Glamour, and Musical Triumphs . live . https://archive.today/20241114061859/https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/celebrating-30-years-of-the-samas-a-night-of-glitz-glamour-and-musical-triumphs-5dfe4a47-252a-4963-9317-b7fdfdc764c7 . 14 November 2024 . 6 November 2024 . Independent Online.
- Web site: Mukotekwa . Leeroy . 4 November 2024 . Cassper Nyovest Slams SAMAs: Tyla's Big Miss a Total Disgrace? . live . https://archive.today/20241114063040/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/celeb-news/local-celebs/cassper-nyovest-slams-samas-tylas-big-miss-a-total-disgrace/ . 14 November 2024 . 5 November 2024 . The South African.
- Web site: Payisa . Lutho . 7 November 2024 . Cassper Nyovest Challenges Mthandeni SK to a Boxing Match over Tyla's SAMAs Snub . live . https://archive.today/20241114063143/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/cassper-nyovest-challenges-mthandeni-sk-to-a-boxing-match-over-tylas-samas-snub-68c995dd-54a0-48e5-bca1-04aef917494b . 14 November 2024 . 7 November 2024 . Independent Online.
- Web site: Dipa . Karishma . 4 November 2024 . Zakes Bantwini and DJ Cleo Clash over Kwaito Tribute at the 30th SAMAs . live . https://archive.today/20241114063715/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/zakes-bantwini-and-dj-cleo-clash-over-kwaito-tribute-at-the-30th-samas-98ef7f7f-6856-4aa6-a29e-0f1130d0bd50 . 14 November 2024 . 5 November 2024 . Independent Online.
- Web site: Sithathu . Nomathamsanqa . 4 November 2024 . SAMAs Slammed over Arthur Mafokate and Cici Performance As Hypocrisy Debate Rages over Chris Brown Concert and GBV . live . https://archive.today/20241114063341/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/local/samas-slammed-over-arthur-mafokate-and-cici-performance-as-hypocrisy-debate-rages-over-chris-brown-concert-and-gbv-c6ad4712-58c7-45ae-ace5-2150c25ad2d3 . 14 November 2024 . 5 November 2024 . Independent Online.
- Web site: Thomo . Goodwill . 4 November 2024 . Cici Reacts to Ex-Lover Arthur Mafokate's Performance at the SAMAs . live . https://archive.today/20241114063454/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/celeb-news/local-celebs/cici-reacts-ex-lover-arthur-mafokates-performance-samas/ . 14 November 2024 . 5 November 2024 . The South African.
- Web site: Keteyi . Oluthando . 7 October 2024 . 10,000 Voices Stand Strong: Women for Change Challenges Chris Brown Concert . live . https://archive.today/20241114063550/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/whats-on/10000-voices-stand-strong-women-for-change-challenges-chris-brown-concert-bfb032fd-a73f-4718-bfa6-bef2e668cc21 . 14 November 2024 . 14 November 2024 . Independent Online.
