Two of Cape Town’s hottest artists have been nominated for SAMA awards.
The 25th Annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) is on the horizon and we’re proud of Paxton Fielies and Jarrad Ricketts who are both first-time nominees for the prestigious awards.
Both were nominated for the Best Pop Album of the Year award and are up against Tresor, Majozi and Tholwana.
Paxton, 18, from Bishop Lavis won Idols SA in 2017, and also was also nominated in the Newcomer of the Year category for her debut album This Is Me.
She goes head to head with Mlindo The Vocalist, Sho Madjozi, Simmy and Sun-El Musician.
To these fantastic artists who keep soaring the pop charts, a round of applause for making it to our #SAMA25 Best Pop Album nominees list! pic.twitter.com/lgF3kunXJV
— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) April 25, 2019
“Yoh, soema a two time SAMA nominee, awe!” she gushed on Sunday.
The excited teen posted about her nominations on social media platforms and thanked her production team.
“I’m sorry, what? Guys, we did it. What an honour to be nominated among these amazing artists. Thank You so much to my amazing team Tima Reece, Kurt Herman, Kim Watkins, Gallo Music.
“Thank you to those who featured on my album - Craig Lucas, Tresor and Kyle Deutsch and lastly to my amazing family, friends and supporters.”
A month ago, Paxton shared a mock video in which she practised her acceptance speech for the SAMAs, not realising that just one month later, she’d be nominated.
“The SAMAs was a childhood dream, it’s always been a dream. I would practise my acceptance speech in front of the mirror with the brush which was also my mic.
“This is all proof that hard work and determination pay off. I am so grateful for all the hands that pushed towards this,” she tells the Daily Voice.
Last year, Paxton attended the SAMAs as a plus-one to her friend Craig Lucas, who was also nominated.
Meanwhile Jarrad, 30, from Ottery, was nominated for his album, Break the Rules.
EXCITED: Jarrad Ricketts, 30, nominated for album Break the Rules. Photo:Supplied
“I’m excited to be nominated, this is such a surprise,” he tells the Daily Voice.
“At the time I heard about the nomination, I had just stepped off stage at Suidooster Fees.
“I’m overwhelmed with joy, God is doing amazing things, I woke up realising ‘whatever you want can be achieved’.
“For me this is the height of recognition for artists in South Africa.
“I would never have thought my album would reach the SAMAs.”
The awards take place at Sun City on 31 May and 1 June.
venecia.america@inl.co.za