It was an evening of slick jazz, sweet swing and impeccable sophistication - a Supper Club meets Sophiatown atmosphere. The Gala Awards at the 15th Annual MTN South African Music Awards took place on Friday the 1st of May, recognising the broad depth of talent that makes our local music industry world class.

The event was co-hosted by Andile Ncube and Loyiso Bala, each bringing their own unique skills to the stage, creating a laidback, humorous vibe that set the tone for a night of intimate performances and big celebrations. Loyiso set the show off to a memorable start with a personalised rendition of Brenda Fassie's Weekend Special, and from there on acted as the musical counterpoint to Andile's suave hosting style. At every opportunity the Bala brother backed his co-host with a melody and song, emphasising real reason for this prestigious evening: to honour great music.
And the other performers on the night did the same. Gavin Minter and Sydney ‘Ace' Mnisi got it all going with a performance that combined both of their incomparable music styles. Lira gave her all when she sang her sexy, groove-soaked Rise Again, and Babu had the audience swaying along with their infectious Duggi Style. From there on it was on to the Star Parties where FlashRepublic, Zulu Boy, Ernie Smith and Josie Field gave the audience an opportunity to pick and choose which sounds they wanted to admire in a series or peronalised boutique performances at the Palace of the LostCity.
And in between all of this there were the winners. Here they are:
BEST TSONGA MUSIC ALBUM George Maluleke: Na Van'Wanati Sisters No. 24 - Kuhanyeriwa I Vukosi
BEST AFRICAN TRADITIONAL A CAPELLA GOSPEL ALBUMAmadodana Ase Wesile: Ha Le Mpotsa Tsepo Yaka
BEST INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM Tonik: Visitor's Book
BEST TRADITIONAL JAZZ ALBUMZim Ngqawana: Zimology - In Concert (USA)
BEST PRODUCERDavid Poole and Dominic Peters: Perceptions of Pacha by GoldFish
BEST ENGINEERLeroy Croft: Sorry For The Delay by 340ml
BEST AFRIKAANS DVDKurt Darren: Treffers Live
BEST TRADITIONAL/AFRICAN ADULT CONTEMPORARY DVDJoyous Celebration: Joyous Celebration Vol. 12 Live At The Grand West Arena - Cape Town
BEST GLOBAL CHART DVDFreshlyground: Live! South African Tour
BEST SELLING DVDJuanita du Plessis en Theuns Jordaan: “Bring Jou Hart”
BEST SELLING TRUE TONEElizma Theron en Nicholis Louw: Kom ons vat ‘n Kans
BEST SELLING RING-BACK-TONEDJ Cleo: Hands Up
BEST SELLING FULL TRACK DOWNLOADElizma Theron en Nicholis Louw: Kom Ons vat ‘n Kans
BEST KIDDIES ALBUM : AFRIKAANS Nedine Blom: Supercool
BEST KIDDIES ALBUM : ENGLISHWendy Oldfield: Singalong Kidz
BEST AFRIKAANS TRADITIONAL MUSIC ALBUMDeon Van Der Merwe: Kitaarjolyt
BEST COUNTRY MUSIC ALBUMBobby Angel: Somebody Like You
BEST POP/ROCK GOSPEL ALBUMTiro: Speak To Me
BEST AFRIKAANS GOSPEL ALBUMVertikaal: Stil
BEST AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUMJoyous Celebration: Vol 12: Live At The Grand West Arena
BEST ROCK ALBUM : AFRIKAANSVan Coke Kartel: Waaksaam & Wakker
BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM : ENGLISH340ml: Sorry For The Delay
BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM : AFRIKAANSFoto Na Dans: Pantomime Op Herwinbare Klanke
BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM : AFRICANThe Dizu Plaatjies Ibuyambo Ensemble: African Kings
BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM : ENGLISHLira: Soul In Mind
BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM : AFRIKAANSCoenie De Villiers: Weerlig Oor Die See
BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM : AFRICANThembisile: My Journey
BEST R&B/NEO-SOUL ALBUMBryce Anderson: Undescribable
BEST VENDA MUSIC ALBUMZozo & Sangere Super Beat: Vol. 10 Mudi Wagoswi
BEST ALBUM PACKAGINGThe Moreira Project: Volume 2 Citizen Of The World
BEST REMIX OF THE YEARLira: Feel Good - Jazzworx Remix
BEST MULTI ARTIST LIVE DVDVarious: Huisgenoot Skouspel 2008
BEST CLASSICAL CROSSOVER ALBUMThe Voice Of Angels: The Voice Of Angels Volume 1
BEST SOUTH SOTHO MUSIC (SESOTHO) ALBUMRuthla Masupha: Ruthla Masupha No. 24
BEST DANCE ALBUMGoldFish: Perceptions of Pacha