The 3rd National Music Awards, held last Saturday at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre and powered by Jam Session Sounds, celebrated some of Lesotho’s biggest musical talents, but the ceremony was also marked by controversy after Sannere appeared to reject his honorary award.
Celebrated musician Sannere has found himself at the centre of controversy after he refused to personally go on stage to receive the Best 21st Century Rising Male Artist honour, despite being present in the auditorium when his name was announced. Instead, Sannere sent his wife to collect the award on his behalf.
What initially appeared to be an unusual moment at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre has since taken on greater significance following Sannere’s reaction after the ceremony.
Taking to Facebook, the musician appeared to question why he was being classified as a “rising” artist in his own country.
“In my country Lesotho I’m considered a rising male artist.”
The brief but pointed statement has fuelled debate over whether Sannere regarded the award as an honour or an unintended slight to his career.
For an artist with an established presence in Lesotho’s music industry, the description “rising male artist” has become the central point of contention. Sannere has been active in the industry for years, making the category appear, to some observers, inconsistent with his experience and standing.
His decision not to personally accept the award has therefore been interpreted by sections of the public as a deliberate protest against the category rather than simply a personal choice to have his wife collect it.
The incident has divided opinion.
Some music fans have rallied behind Sannere, arguing that an artist who has spent years contributing to the local industry is entitled to question whether a particular category accurately reflects his career.
Others have taken issue with the manner in which he expressed his dissatisfaction, arguing that an award remains an acknowledgement of an artist’s contribution and that sending someone else to collect it while being present at the ceremony could be perceived as dismissive of the recognition.
The controversy also raises questions about the NMA’s honorary award system.
Unlike the 20 competitive categories, the five NMA honours are not decided through public voting. They are selected by the Awards committee.
Sannere was one of five honorary recipients this year, alongside Mookho Moqhali, who received Best 21st Century Rising Female Artist; Ntate Mahase, who received the Queen Mamohato Lifetime Achievement Award; Justice Mofoleng, who received Best Recognized Artist; and Majara, who received Best Performing Artist.
The NMA organisers have yet to publicly explain the criteria used to determine the “Best 21st Century Rising Male Artist” category or respond to the criticism surrounding Sannere’s reaction.
That silence leaves one of the night’s most obvious questions unanswered: What exactly does the NMA mean by a “rising” artist, and why was Sannere placed in that category?
However, the Minister of Tourism Sports, Arts and Culture Stephen Mputi who had been present at the awards, made brief statement on facebook “The Award is awarded to an artist who has demonstrated exceptional growth, achievement and impact, and whose career is rapidly gaining recognition and prominence”, said the minister.
He further pleaded with the public to support Lesotho’s artists.
“Because when our artists rise, Lesotho rises with them, when our music is heard, Lesotho is heard. And when the world celebrate Basotho talent, the world celebrate Lesotho”.
A Night of Major Wins
Despite the controversy, the third edition of the National Music Awards produced a long list of winners across its competitive categories.
Litshepe LR took Song of the Year, while Manyarela was crowned Artist of the Year. Selloane Thakanyane won Single of the Year, and Nthabiseng Florah took Record of the Year.
Other winners included Tumi Ntshasa for Best Traditional Gospel Artist, Tom Rakote for Best Jazz Artist, Nthabiseng Mohanela for Best Afro Soul and Ntate Stunna for Best Sotho Hop.
Master Peace won Best Amapiano, Alphonce took Best Radio Music Presenter and BabenaCee was named Newcomer of the Year.
Mamphokoe won Best Traditional Music Album, while Pelo e tlotlehang ea Jesu took Best Group of the Year. Molianyeoe won Best Famo Artist and Bakhethiloong Morena took Best Clap N Tap.
Puleng Phoofolo was named Best International Artist, with Adren winning Best Hip Hop Artist and Pheko Rafolatsane taking Best Producer.
Lebona Mosti won Best Upcoming Artist, while Minister Spokes took Most Played Song.
Summary
- Celebrated musician Sannere has found himself at the centre of controversy after he refused to personally go on stage to receive the Best 21st Century Rising Male Artist honour, despite being present in the auditorium when his name was announced.
- Others have taken issue with the manner in which he expressed his dissatisfaction, arguing that an award remains an acknowledgement of an artist’s contribution and that sending someone else to collect it while being present at the ceremony could be perceived as dismissive of the recognition.
- The Minister of Tourism Sports, Arts and Culture Stephen Mputi who had been present at the awards, made brief statement on facebook “The Award is awarded to an artist who has demonstrated exceptional growth, achievement and impact, and whose career is rapidly gaining recognition and prominence”, said the minister.
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