Over the years the international music scene has opened up, becoming much more indicative and accepting of the diverse musical styles that emerge from countries all around the globe. Since the launch of the internet it’s not unusual for a teenager in the USA to enjoy the unique sounds of traditional African music. Or for a kid in Jozi to sing along to The Opposites, a Hip-Hop band from the Netherlands. 

South African music has become a valuable commodity, with bands like Springbok Nude Girls, HHP, Freshly Ground, Soweto Gospel Choir and the Grammy Award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo playing to sold out venues, winning international awards and featuring on movie soundtracks. “In the past few years we have seen many local musicians enjoy incredible success internationally,” explains MTN SA Music Awards organisers. 

“We’re proud of these achievements and believe that artists who are making an impact across international borders should be recognised back home, and MTN SAMA as the marketing platform for SA music should support and elevate the best in SA music to an international audience.” With this in mind, RiSA has decided to create an additional award for this year’s 16th Annual MTN South African Music Awards, one that recognises South African artists who have succeeded on the world stage. 

For the first time in the awards history, an International Achievement Award will be handed out at the Main Awards Ceremony, live from Sun City on SABC 1 on Saturday 17th April 2010. In order to be eligible for the International Achievement Award, artists will need to have released physical and / or digital recordings in a territory outside of South Africa. 

The winner will be decided by the members of the RiSA Executive Committee who will decide according a three-point criterion, namely the impact that the artist has had internationally in terms of album sales, the artist’s international performances as well as any international music industry related rewards or nominations. 

The judges will also take into account whether the nominees had increased their media profile on a global scale, in relation to the above three criterions. “We want to recognise and reward those ambassadors who are taking a South African sound to the world,” says MTN SAMA organiser. “We live in a global age and should be acknowledging those who are succeeding beyond our borders. This is what the International Achievement Award will do.”

- samusicawards