Many have won the SAMA’s Newcomers of the year award and vanished, but who gets in our top five? When South Africa Music Awards announced the Newcomer of the year award, Mzansi braces itself to thrilling entertainment from the Newcomer. Soweto String Quartet firstly won the prize in 1995, with some artists winning it and living up to the task, like Cassper Nyovest, Zahara and Tshepo Mngoma. We look at the top five winners of the SAMAs Newcomers of the year who failed to keep up with the expectation after winning the prestigious award.
1. Shekhinah – SAMAs 24th Newcomers of the Year winner
Born Shekhinah Thandi Donnell, the 27-year-old songwriter, won the prize like many others and vanished. Shekhinah faced healthy issues that made it impossible to meet the entertainment industry’s demands. In 2020, the Popstar posted on her Instagram handle a new bald haircut. She explained how healthy complications had led her to go bald. We can only wish her a speedy recovery to perform again.
2. Amanda Black – SAMAs 23rd Newcomers of the Year winner
The hope remains on Amanda Benedicta Antony as she continues to produce new songs. Having been brought to the top by her hit song Amazulu, The 28-year-old has since failed to keep up the level she set. Even though Amanda is still trying to reach the Amazulu levels, she still has some good tracks to her name namely Thandwa Ndim and Ndizele Wena. We hope to see Amanda at the top again.
3. Naima Kay – SAMAs 20th Newcomers of the Year winner
Born Lungile Khumalo in Port Shepstone, Naima quickly went to the top at a young age with her hit Thando. The 30-year-old produced some excellent songs before she disappeared into the winds. Since her days of glory four years ago, Naima had gone quiet in the Industry. In reintroducing herself, she released Umlilo featuring Kelly Khumalo three months ago. You have probably not yet heard the track; get it and feel Naima again.
4. Locnville – SAMAs 17th Newcomers of the Year winners
Probably you have already forgotten the twins who scooped the price in 2011. The Sun In My Pocket producers went to the top in 2010 before taking it low profile. Despite being in the entertainment industry, the top electro hip hop twins are now focusing on their businesses. They opened their own recording company called Contra-banned, which they currently manage. They have also opened their clothing brand called Villey Clothing. The duo last released a single in August 2021 called Tattoos. If the talented twins decide to come to music full time, we may get to listen to their best music again.
5. Sho Madjozi – SAMAs 25th Newcomers of the Year winner
Fans have noticed the silence of Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif, known professionally as Sho Madjozi. The Limpopo based rapper went international with her hit song John Cena before she disappeared from the public eye. We remain unsure of the causes of Madjozi’s silence. Maybe she is pregnant or taking her time away from a sometimes toxic public. Social media speculates that the singer is pregnant.
With growing depression issues facing celebrities, we stay calm and hope that silent artists are doing fine. We send them love from here and wish to see them soon.
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