SA: Metal Music Awards unveils new categories, judges

The new categories are Best Design, Best Press Photograph, Best Music Festival and Best Club Event.

“We believe it is important to recognise and honour other creatives who contribute towards building the music scene,” SAMMA organiser Sashquita Northey said.

New judges

Each year, a panel of judges is selected from industry-related people within the broader SAMMA community. These include musicians, promoters, venue owners, photographers and publicists across the country.

“These guys have the tough job of nominating artists in each category and ultimately selecting the winner from each category,” a statement reads.  

The panel includes the following industry professionals: Marcita Maree (Keets Productions), Robert Perieira (RAMFest and Fokof Bar), Brandon Render (Jam Packed Productions), Matt Howes (Red Door Productions International), Gareth Howard (Papa G’s House), Dave Freedman (Plug Music Agency) and Mike Pocock (Brochella).

Meanwhile, entries to the 2020 SAMMA are still open and interested artists should visit the SAMMA official page here.

Below is the full list of categories at this year’s awards:

• Best Music Video of 2019
• Best Single of 2019
• Best EP of 2019
• Best Album of 2019
• Best Newcomer Band of 2019
• Best Live Band of 2019
• Best Music Festival of 2019
• Best Club Event of 2019
• Best Design (merch, poster, album cover etc.) of 2019
• Best Press Photograph of 2019
• Best Alternative Metal Band of 2019
• Best Old School Metal Band of 2019
• Best Progressive Metal Band of 2019
• Best Extreme Metal Band of 2019