What would a song be without the backing vocals and instruments? Incomplete! But these underdogs of the music industry are often overlooked. But once again they will be celebrated through the Backing Vocalists and Session Musicians Awards (BVSMA) return after a two-year hiatus. The valuable awards are a brainchild of veteran musician and philanthropist Yvonne Chaka Chaka with the aim of honouring those who have had an immense contribution to the South African music industry.

SYMPATHISING WITH BACKING VOCALISTS

 Having been in the music industry since the1980s and dubbed by her fans as 'The Princess Of Africa', Chaka Chaka has had her own challenges in the music industry, even before her career took off in the 1980s. She has never been a backing vocalist but understands the struggles. "I was found by Phil Hollis in 1985 when I was 19 years old, and I tried to perform as a backing vocalist, and I was paid R30. I thought it would not work for me.' she said.

Chaka Chaka tells ZiMoja that backing vocalists are part of the value system and they are the core of the music industry.  "A song cannot be complete without the guitar, drums and backing vocalists. Otherwise, we would all be singing acapella. These people are the heart of music making and it is important to honour them and let them know that they are valued, and frontlines cannot make it on their own,' Chaka Chaka adds. 

13 CATEGORIES

This year's edition will be staged at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani, Soweto on Sunday, 5 February 2023. It will see a slew of musicians who have worked tirelessly from 2000 and 2005 honoured for their invaluable contribution towards the art of making music. There are nominees in13 categories including Rookie of the Year, Best Lead Guitarist, Best Piano and Keys, Best Female/Male Backing Vocalist, and genres such as Best Reggae Artist, Best Jazz Artist, and Best Traditional Artist who are recognised for their excellence and enduring contribution to the arts. 

THE STRUGGLES

Yvonne also urges sponsors to come on board and sponsor where they can. "I urge people with deep pockets to come to the party. We give them R25 000, but no award ceremony in South Africa gives them that amount,' she says. "We want to say, we appreciate them, we don't want them dying as paupers. When you listen to music and hear an example a great saxophone or amazing guitar, you don't know who that person is. We want the whole notion of backing vocalists to bring a shift to change.' She adds how funding is always a big problem in the music industry, especially for unknown artists. "These people are the backbone of the industry. Everyone questions why give them money when they win. For me, it is because they are important in the value chain of the music industry.' 

 PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

The list of this year's Lifetime Achievement recipients comprises shape shifters who contributed immensely to the music landscape. They are David Mabaso, the only surviving member of the Big Dudes, the band that performed with Brenda Fassie and responsible for some of Fassie's biggest hits. Kokotile Rakhetla was a keyboardist for Young5 band and performed with the greats like Rebecca Malope. Kenny Mathaba is one of the most sought-after guitarists who has worked with Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Ray Phiri, Miriam Makeba, Shirley Brown, and Jonas Gwangwa among others.

Madala Kunene is a revered guitarist known as the king of the Zulu guitar. He worked with the likes of Andreas Vollenweider,Airto Moreira, Phuzekhemisi, and Busi Mhlongo. Suthukazi Arosi backed or featured on projects by several artists such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela,Jonas Gwangwa, Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, and Chicco Twala. The Special Award will be presented to Joseph Makwela, credited as the originator of the Mbaqanga sound who played for Makgona Tsohle Band and Mahlathini and Mahotella Queens. Talking to Hilda Tloubatla of Mahlathini and Mahotella Queens, she said thatMakwela belonged to Hollywood Jazz Band with Reggie Msomi, West Nkosi, andLucky Monama before being recruited by Rupert Bopape at Gallo Recording Company in Johannesburg to collaborate with Mahlathini and Mahotella Queens. The BVSM Awards will be held on Sunday, 5 February 2023 at Soweto Theatre, Jabulani, Soweto at 12 pm, by invitation only.