THIS year, Tik Tok partnered with the 28th South African Music Awards (Sama), to introduce the public-voted “TikTok Viral Song of the Year” category.
The award recognises and celebrates local songs and artists that have dominated the entertainment platform in South Africa in the past year and a number of the songs made their debut on Tik Tok before shooting to the top of the music charts globally.
The songs nominated in this category include hits such as uMlando by 9umba, TOSS and Mdoovar; Trigger by DJ Karri; Abo Mvelo by Daliwonga (featuring Mellow, Sleazy and MJ); Sisonke by Thozi (featuring Khanyisa, Sphokuhle and Pd Jokes); Nkao Tempela by Ch'cco, Mellow and Sleazy; Bakwa Lah by Major League Djz, Nvcho and Mathandos; Phakade Lami by Nomfundo Moh; Banyana by DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU; Adiwele by Young Stunna (featuring Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa) and Big Flexa by Costa Titch.
“Music is a special part of TikTok’s creative DNA, and we have seen that songs going viral on the platform generally do well on streaming services as well. This plays an important role in the recognition of songs and artists, and influences other areas such as nominations, chart rankings and sales,” said Yuvir Pillay, TikTok’s Music Operations Lead.
The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) chief executive Nhlanhla Sibisi added that over the past few years, platforms like TikTok had transformed, influenced and advanced the music business.
“As we continue to witness this evolution, we wish to celebrate talents and songs that have gained popularity in this manner and encourage the public to vote for the favourites as soon as they can,” Sibisi said.
The nominations can be voted for exclusively on TikTok until August 24 and the winner will be announced at the live Sama event on August 28 in Sun City, North West.
The Star