Zola 7’s music legacy was destined to be celebrated with special honorary recognition at the 26th South African Music Awards (Samas), but the organisers made an 11th hour U-turn.
Sowetan has reliably learnt that Zola was chosen and even informed as one of the three recipients for this year's Lifetime Achievement Award that was handed out two weeks ago when the Samas took place in a five-day virtually produced format that aired on Mzansi Magic.
But Zola was later left out, with only Bishop Benjamin Dube and Dan Tshanda (posthumous) as the final two recipients.
Zola, born Bonginkosi Dlamini, through his manager Sbu Nkambule, said he "accepted the decision of the awards committee and understands the nomination process".
“In any given year there is a number of eligible nominees, but the nature of the awards is such that not every nominee gets an award," said Nkambule. “The process of deciding on the eventual winner is not an easy task given the talent this country has produced over the years.”
Recording Industry of SA (RiSA) CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said they received a number of nominations for Lifetime Achievement Award which were considered by the board.
“After a lengthy deliberation, the number was reduced to three and later to two. The decision of the board on Lifetime Achievement Award is final,” Sibisi added.
A source close to Zola told Sowetan that he was excited when he received confirmation that he was one of the recipients for the awards.
But he was left shocked when a week before the awards took place he was informed he would no longer be receiving the honour. Sowetan understands that a major contributing factor to his name being withdrawn was Zola’s past legal troubles that have been documented in the media.
These include the case of assault in 2011 in which Zola allegedly allowed his dog to attack Sunday World journalist Ngwako Malatji. In 2017, allegations of physical and emotional abuse levelled against Zola by his ex-wife Sibongile Nkabinde made headlines.
“It’s unfair, but they snubbed him because of previous police cases. I’m not sure of the vetting process for the awards. Please ask them when you speak to them why they gave him false hope,” the source said.
Sibisi failed to respond to questions from Sowetan on what the selection process for the award was.
The criterion for submission on the RiSA website states that a nominee must have contributed significantly throughout his or her career to the development, upliftment and advancement of the South African music industry.
The Samas traditionally bestow three distinguished recording artists or producers from different music genres each year with the special award.
Last year the recipients were HHP, TKZee and Mango Groove.
In 2018, Steve Kekana, Spokes H and Mbongeni Ngema were honoured.
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