Cassper Nyovest calls out the SAMAs for robbing Tyla of Record of the Year award! South African rapper Cassper Nyovest has once again voiced his frustration with the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), claiming that rising star Tyla was unfairly denied the Record of the Year award.
Known for his outspoken opinions on the local music industry, Cassper took to social media to express his disappointment with the recent awards ceremony, igniting a debate among fans and critics alike.
Cassper Calls Out SAMAs on Twitter
Cassper’s criticism came after the SAMA 30 awards event, which trended across social media as fans celebrated their favorite artists’ wins. Tyla, who has enjoyed an incredible year with her global hit Water, walked away with multiple awards that night.
However, her supporters, including Cassper, believe she should have also won the Record of the Year title, especially considering the international success of Water, which even earned her a Grammy earlier this year.
In a tweet that quickly gained traction, Cassper wrote, “No ways. Tyla won a Grammy for Water, bro, but she don’t get the SAMA for Record of the Year at home? Haha, y’all are playing games.”
The tweet sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans and music critics weighing in on whether international recognition should influence local award outcomes. Cassper’s stance was clear—he felt the SAMAs should have recognized the global impact of Water in the Record of the Year category.
Debate: Does International Success Mean Local Awards?
The debate that followed Cassper’s tweet highlighted differing opinions on how the SAMAs should view global success when evaluating South African artists. Some fans and followers agreed with Cassper, arguing that the international acclaim Water received should have secured Tyla a win at home.
For them, Tyla’s Grammy win set a precedent that the SAMAs failed to acknowledge. One user commented, “She won a Grammy, and that’s a global standard. How did they overlook that?”
However, others felt that local success should remain independent of international recognition. For them, a hit song in the South African market should be determined by its impact locally, rather than abroad.
As one Twitter user argued, “In South Africa, we don’t copy America… just because she won a Grammy, it doesn’t mean she should automatically win a SAMA.” They added that while Water may have been a hit on international platforms, it didn’t dominate the South African music scene to the same extent.
Fans Question Record of the Year Selection
A number of fans also voiced concerns about the overall process and transparency of the SAMAs, suggesting that it may not fully represent the public’s preferences. Many noted they were unfamiliar with the song that won Record of the Year, questioning if it truly represented South African music consumption.
As one fan put it, “I thought I was alone on this—even the Record of the Year winner, I don’t know him or his music.” This sentiment raised questions about how the SAMAs determine award recipients and whether the judging process is in sync with the audience’s perception.
Amapiano and Local Music Trends vs. Global Hits
Another aspect of the debate revolved around the popularity of Amapiano, a genre that has grown to become a cultural staple within South Africa. Many argued that Water didn’t gain enough traction in South Africa’s music market last year to warrant the Record of the Year title.
For them, genres like Amapiano, Gospel, and Maskandi hold a stronger place in the South African music scene and thus have a greater chance of winning in major categories.
One commenter noted, “Water couldn’t win locally because it wasn’t a big song in SA last year—Amapiano was everywhere.” They emphasized that while Tyla’s song reached a global audience, Amapiano’s influence locally couldn’t be ignored.
Given that Amapiano artists have been headlining major events and achieving commercial success across the country, some fans believed the SAMAs’ choice reflected a more realistic representation of South African music trends.
SAMAs: A Reflection of Local Success or a Missed Opportunity?
The ongoing debate raises broader questions about the role of the SAMAs in recognizing artists who have achieved international success.
Some fans agree with Cassper that awards should consider an artist’s global achievements, while others argue that the SAMAs should remain focused on local impact.
For Tyla’s supporters, however, the Grammy win for Water symbolizes a missed opportunity for the SAMAs to celebrate an artist who has made waves beyond South African borders.
As Cassper’s comments continue to spark debate, many fans wonder if the SAMAs will reconsider how they evaluate artists with global success in the future.
Tyla’s journey to international recognition has inspired countless fans, and for many, her story represents the potential for South African music to resonate on the world stage.
What’s Your Take?
Cassper Nyovest’s outspoken criticism of the SAMAs has once again highlighted the divide between local and international success.
The question remains: should international acclaim influence local award decisions, or should South African awards remain focused on domestic achievements? The debate raises important questions about the direction of South African music and its place on the global stage.
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