SA: 2020 Backing Vocalists and Session Musicians Awards announce nominees

Kwaito pioneer Mandla Spikiri Mofokeng goes head to head with Techno-P and Amo in the Digital Session Musician: Kwaito & Hip Hop category. Female backing vocalist Vicky Vilakazi is pitted against Kukie Mncube and Lulama Lallo. The Male Backing Vocalist (Live & Studio) category will be fought out between Thabo Mdluli, Sipho Mbhele and Peter Smith.

On the gospel front, Nonhlanhla Mdluli is competing against Swazi Dlamini and Nokukhanya Dlamini. The Traditional Music Award is a tight contest between Xinyori Sisters, Amaponi and Imithente. Mike Pilot, Lawrence Matshiza and Joel Klein made the final cut for the Lead Guitarist Award while the Bass Guitarist Award is a toss-up between Jaws Dlathu, Denny Lalouette and David Mabaso.

The Percussionist Award will be a three-way battle between Johan Hassan, Bassie Mahlasela and Tlale Makhene.

“I’m so proud of the calibre of these nominees,” BVSMs founder Yvonne Chaka Chaka said. Kudos to the panel of judges who sat down and had a robust debate and selection process that has led us to this coveted list of really talented individuals, who will for the first time be acknowledged for the work they have put in over so many years.

“We at the BVSM are delighted to contribute towards opening up the industry and recognising members of the industry who have been overlooked for so long. We are thankful for the support we have received from our sponsors and we look forward to an amazing show befitting a musical celebration of this magnitude.”

The winners will walk away with R5 000 ($300) on the day and an endowment policy of R20 000 for the future wellbeing and welfare of each winner.

Below is the full list of nominees:

Lead Guitarist

• Mike Pilot
• Lawrence Matshiza
• Joel Klein

Bass Guitarist

• Jaws Dlathu
• Denny Lalouette
• David Mabaso

Piano and Keys

• Banie Bophela
• Johan Laas
• Arthur Tshabalala

Percussionist

• Johan Hassan
• Bassie Mahlasela
• Tlale Makhene

Drums

• Rob Watson
• Bernice Boikanyo (Mr Groove)
• Mcebisi Babs Ndamase

Brass Section

• Sydney Mavundla
• Adam Howard
• Bez Roberts

Female Backing Vocalist (Live & Studio)

• Kuki Mncube
• Vicky Vilakazi
• Lulama Lallo

Male Backing Vocalist (Live & Studio)

• Thabo Mdluli
• Sipho Mbhele
• Peter Smith

Gospel

• Nonhlanhla Mdluli
• Swazi Dlamini
• Nokukhanya Dlamini

Rock & Pop

• Mario Scott
• Cindy Alter
• Alistair Coakley

Digital Session Musician: Kwaito & Hip Hop

• Techno- P
• Mandla Spikiri Mofokeng
• Amo

Reggae

• Tonic Phala
• Nomasonto Khumalo
• Ntombi Mtshali

Traditional Music

• Xinyori Sisters
• Amaponi
• Imithente

Jazz

• Avzal Ismail
• Steven Molakeng
• Africa Mkhize

Afrikaans Music

• Jeanine van Niekerk
• Melodi Bracey
• Deon van der Merwe

Rookie of the Year (to be decided via social media voting)

• Nokwazi Dlamini
• Nomcebo Zikode
• Njelic Tshwarelo Motlhako
• Aymos Shili