From low budget stage to Record of the Year upset — Here's how the 2021 SA Music Awards went down

Though many of Mzansi's faves were seen lighting up the stage and taking home their SA Music Awards (Samas) accolades last night, Mzansi wasn't too impressed with the organisers of the awards ceremony, which aired on Saturday night.

The event was held under strict Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

The awards were hosted by dancer Bontle Moloi and actor Lawrence Maleka. SA music fans were treated to performances by, among others, Kamo Mphela, Boity, Sjava, Blaq Diamond and Locnville.

Topping the winners' list were self-proclaimed amapiano kings DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, who bagged three awards for their Scorpion King's Album Once Upon A Time In Lockdown. Artist of The Year was awarded to Blaq Diamond, with Sho Madjozi and Kabza De Small taking home the Female and Male Artist of the Year awards.

Colourful John Cena lover Sho Madjozi won two accolades for her album What A Life, managing to also bag the Best Traditional Album accolade award.

However, fans were unimpressed with the way this year's awards panned out, taking to Twitter to express disappointment in the quality of the event's production compared to previous years, with many saying it was “low budget”.

Many fans were upset about the Record of the Year award being won by musician Matthew Mole for his track Keep It Together, saying they didn't know the artist or the song. 

Check out the reactions from fans on Twitter: