The red carpet of the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) during the Homecoming Edition showcased that organizers still have much to do to ensure a quality awards ceremony experience. Issues included low attendance from Mzanzi celebrities, the use of a block of red squares instead of a full carpet, and general disorganization.
The official opening of the red carpet was scheduled for 5:00 PM, and the ceremony was set to begin at 8:00 PM. However, guests and celebrities only started appearing on the carpet around 6:00 PM. Delays are not new, but a familiar pattern has formed: some artists adhere to the schedule, while others arrive closer to the start of the show, forcing media specialists to rush through final interviews before entering the venue.
Nevertheless, SAMA32 added another unexpected factor with the appearance of Tyla, a Grammy Award winner twice. Tyla's arrival caused a complete halt to movement on the red carpet.
Tyla's Arrival Halted Movement on the Red Carpet
In the absence of obvious crowd flow management on the red carpet, the backstage production team intervened to stop interviews while awaiting Tyla's appearance. Then came a waiting period: first, announcements like 'She is five minutes away,' then 'Where is she now?', and finally, someone loudly called for everyone to leave the carpet.
Of course, superstars never travel alone. Before the public saw Tyla, photographers, crew members, her entourage, and management appeared on the carpet. The large amount of shouts about 'retreating' created the impression that a swarm of fans was about to descend upon the carpet. According to the author, crowd control managed by SAMA32 Executive Producer Lufumlo 'Lupi' Ngkayiso during Tyla's exit should have been implemented from the moment the red carpet opened.
When a star appears, everything stops! Tyla's grand entrance in Sandton sparked curiosity about who this girl was. Although Mzanzi loves Tyla, all media outlets knew she would not be giving interviews. The publication Newsroom Afrika attempted to start a live broadcast for an interview, but the interaction was cut short before they could ask two questions, as the team was ushered out, and it was not done politely.
Tyla's spectacular, Afripure-sponsored entrance ultimately caused a delay, leaving media resources with even less time with the few Mzanzi stars who were present. Suddenly, the organizers became very strict about time, and media and guests were instructed to enter the hall. Dimming the lights further complicated the continuation of interviews.
But Where Were the Main Mzanzi Stars?
Chaos could have added another level of disruption to the evening, but the lack of star power proved to be a more serious problem. This is the South African Music Awards. So where were the musicians dominating the charts, the music producers behind some of the country's biggest hits, the industry's iconic figures, radio hosts, and leading actors?
The Homecoming edition was expected to be a big celebration, especially after the SAMAs returned to Sandton after a four-year absence. Instead, the red carpet felt strangely quiet. The publication IOL noted a small group of familiar faces, including Babalwe M, Anelle Zondo, PH, Flvme, Niyee Pearl, Bontle Smith, and Lordkaza.
Fashion Brought Much-Needed Energy
The theme of the evening was Afro Dandyism, but blue unexpectedly became the color of the night. The stars who did attend tried to interpret the theme in their own way. Niyee Pearl incorporated flowers into her look, celebrating femininity and self-expression, while Anelle Zondo appeared with a cane that became part of her fashion statement. PH chose tweed trousers, Bontle Smith showed off her figure, and Lordkaza's dramatic blue jacket was one of the most noticeable looks on the carpet.
Despite the relatively low attendance, those who were present fully embodied the theme and gave personality to the red carpet.
SAMA28 Set a Much Higher Bar
The Homecoming edition of the SAMAs was supposed to feel exciting and thrilling. After four years away in Sandton, there was an expectation that the return would be a significant moment for South African music. Instead, something felt off. The SAMA28 red carpet in 2022 remains a memorable benchmark. Who can forget DJ Cleo arriving on a motorcycle, Zeeks Bantwini's bright red suit, or Jo Nina's jacket covered in music and news clippings? There were also daring fashion moments from Anelle Zondo, Lady X, and Enhle Mbali, whose orange outfit from her brand Essie Apparel made a statement. These moments possessed individuality, surprise, and, most importantly, gave people something to talk about. SAMA32 had the opportunity to provide a similar spectacle. Instead, the Homecoming red carpet left many perplexed, wondering if the SAMAs had lost the star power and excitement that once made this event one of the biggest nights on South Africa's entertainment calendar.
