POPULAR social media platform, TikTok has announced its first-ever ‘TikTok Viral Song of the Year’ category in the 28th South Africa Music Awards (SAMA28). The short video-sharing application stated that the category is aimed at recognizing and celebrating local songs and artists that have dominated the platform in South Africa, in the past year.
TikTok’s Music Operations Lead for SSA, Yuvir Pillay said, “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. We are honored to have joined forces with an event like the SAMAs that boasts the finest local music talent and contributes to the growth of the music industry.”
The songs nominated in this new category include:
9umba & TOSS & Mdoovar – uMlando
Dj Karri – Trigger
Daliwonga – Abo Mvelo (feat. Mellow & Sleazy & M.J)
Thozi – Sisonke (feat. Khanyisa, Sphokuhle & Pd Jokes)
Ch’cco & Mellow & Sleazy – Nkao Tempela
Major League Djz & Nvcho & Mathandos – Bakwa Lah
Nomfundo Moh – Phakade Lami
Dj Maphorisa & Tyler ICU – Banyana
Young Stunna – Adiwele (feat. Kabza De Small & Dj Maphorisa)
Costa Titch – Big Flexa
Nominations are to be voted exclusively on TikTok from Thursday, August 11, 2022, at midday until Wednesday, August 24, 2022. The voting requirement includes having a TikTok account. The winner will be announced at the live awards event on August 28, 2022, at Sun City, North West.
