2016 Wawela Music Awards nominees

Now in their fourth year, the Wawelas recognise music composers, lyricists, song writers and music publishers in South Africa. The awards are known for their appreciation of music composition and songwriting, including music created for television and film to songs for commercials.

This year’s awards sees acapella group The Soil, afro-soul singer Maleh, house duo Black Motion, Jazz singer/songwriter Lindiwe Maxolo and R&B artist Naima Kay, amongst others, also nominated for an opportunity to be crowned the winners.

Leading the nominations is Benjamin William Jephtan with three nominations for Best Male Artist and Composer/Co-composer, Songwriter of the Year and Best Song or Composition in Television Production. He is followed by Maleh, Alun Richards, Nick Sakellarides, Adam Howard and The Soil who are all nominated in two categories.

The 2016 nominees were selected through an extensive, audited process adjudicated by individuals drawn from different sectors of the South African music industry.

Recipients for the 2016 Special Awards are music legend, Abigail Kubeka who takes the Lifetime Achievement Award, while veteran producer, Gabie Le Roux is honoured with the Prolific Catalogue of Works Award and international renowned musician Oliver Mtukudzi is awarded the Breaking through the Borders award.

Wawela Music Awards winners will be announced during a ceremony set to take place on Friday, 7 October 2016.

Full list of nominees:

Below is the full list of nominees and Special Awards winners.
Best Soundtrack In A Feature Film Or Theatric Documentary
Alun Richards
Nik Sakellarides
Benjamin Willem
Best song or composition in a television production
Orangotang Music
Joe Niemand
Benjamin Willem

Best song or composition in a television commercial
The Soil
Alun Richards
Adam Howard

Best song or composition in a radio commercial
Nik Sakellarides
Louis Enslin
Adam Howard

Best Creative Album of the year
Maleh
Wouter Kellerman
Jack Parsow

Songwriter of the year
Benjamin Willem Jephta
Tebogo
Lindiwe Maxolo

Best South African Duo or Group
Beatenberg
The Soil
Black Motion

Best Male Artist and Composer/Co Composer
Benjamin William
Zola
Fabian Sing

Best Female Artist and Composer
Lindiwe Maxolo
Maleh
Naima Kay

Special Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award
Abigail Kubeka
Prolific Catalogue of Works
Gabie Le Roux

Breaking Through The Borders
Oliver Mtukudzi