Kelly Khumalo Expresses Frustration After SAMA29 Snub, but RiSA Denies Rigging Claims
Singer Kelly Khumalo took to social media to express her disappointment and frustration after allegedly being snubbed at the 29th South African Music Awards (SAMA29). Despite being nominated in the Best Afro-Pop Album and Female Artist of the Year categories for her album "From A God To A King," she did not win either award.
In a series of now-deleted posts, Kelly voiced her opinions on the winner of the Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Contemporary Faith Album categories, Ntokozo Mbambo, and her album "Lavish Worship." Kelly claimed that Mbambo did not deserve the awards and accused the wins of being arranged.
Kelly's posts included remarks such as “Nontokozo naye uyazi numbers don't lie. Asimesabi [we are not scared of her]!” she wrote.
“Arranged winnings! … If you are going to sing, do it properly,” she wrote in another post.
Kelly, who also stated that she didn't regret her comments about Ntokozo, went on to share a video saying that she did not fear anyone.
“I don't know, but I know. I asked this man why he didn't take my phone and he said he doesn't care, he said I must continue with my things. He doesn't care and I also don't care. Jesus doesn't care, even my ancestors don't care and we are not afraid of you.”
She also shared a video where she stated that she did not fear anyone and made references to Jesus and her ancestors not caring. However, she later apologized for her homophobic remark directed at a commenter during her rant.
When approached for comment, RiSA communications manager and SAMA spokesperson Lesley Mofokeng refuted Kelly's claims of the awards being rigged. Mofokeng emphasized that their systems have proven to be credible over the past 29 years and invited anyone with proof of rigging to come forward for investigation.
“If anyone at all has proof to substantiate the claim that the Samas are rigged, they should come forward so we can investigate,” said Mofokeng.
“Our systems have proven to have integrity and we use the best in the industry and we stand by those results. We don't look at radio play, we don't look at airtime, popularity, fame and the following. All we consider is the body that you present in front of us.
“For the record, the Samas would like to state that we celebrate the wins of Ntokozo Mbambo, and we are very proud of her achievements and we are very encouraged by the support we saw playing out on social media.”
Mofokeng stated that the SAMA awards evaluate the body of work presented by the artists and do not consider factors such as radio play, airtime, popularity, or fame. He expressed pride in Ntokozo Mbambo's achievements and highlighted the support seen on social media.
While Kelly Khumalo expressed her disappointment and frustration, RiSA maintains the integrity of the SAMA awards and stands by the results.
