The countdown to the most anticipated music awards ceremony has begun and the hosts have been announced. Dominating television and radio space, DJ Sabby Mtshali who is the host of the #BestMornings show on Metro FM and Clash Of The Choirs is set to host the main event alongside KZN beauty and stylista, Nomalanga Shozi. New kids on the block Hope Mbhele and Thuthuka Mthembu will take over the red carpet at the SunBet Arena at Times Square, Menlyn, this Saturday.

SAMAs NEW HOME

After a tough few weeks of indecision for the SAMAs, they collaborated with Africa Fest. In October, MEC of the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma announced that Durban would no longer be hosting the awards. This comes after controversy surrounding the provincial government reportedly budgeted R28 million to host the awards. Duma said during the media briefing that after several consultations, a decision to cancel the SAMAs from being hosted in Durban was made. "As an executive authority having consulted widely with the executive council and other stakeholders," Duma said. "I have advised the department to stop the hosting of the South African Music Awards this year. Senior management has been mandated to engage with the Recording Industries Of South Africa (RISA) and report back to me and executive authority and will report to the council as the hosting of the SAMAs was a collective decision."

THE HOSTS WITH THE MOST

DJ Sabby also known as "The Best Thing Ever" has a vast knowledge of African urban youth culture. The former YFM and now Metro FM host's influence goes beyond radio, he has been a correspondent for the BBC's #ThisIsAfrica show, profiling African acts globally. He is also known for hosting Bonisanani and Africa Magic Plus's Unplugged and Clash of the Choirs. Radio and TV host, Nomalanga, best known as "The Flame" comes from Port Shepstone and continues to set the entertainment industry on fire with her versatility.

THE RED CARPET

Hope Mbhele who starred in one of South Africa's greatest warrior stories, Shaka Ilembe, and drama series Umkhokha has won many hearts as one of many South African stars. She promises nothing but an inside scoop on all the glitz and glamour as she hosts the #SAMA29 red carpet. Actress and former Yo-TV host Thuthuka Mthembu (25) will join Hope as host of the red carpet and give viewers an all-access pass to the winners and performers backstage.