Entertainment Reporter.

The SunBet Arena in Time Square, Menlyn Centre in Pretoria is the new location for the SAMAs, which will still take place on November 18.

The news comes after RiSA struck a deal with the music concert Africa Fest.

"It took some nifty footwork and agility to ensure that SAMA29 is saved and staged on the set date”, said Nhlanhla Sibisi, the CEO of RiSA. 

"We are humbled by the receptive and sympathetic nature of our partners at Africa Fest who showed that the industry can be stronger when we are together.

Arnold Coleske of Africa Fest added: "We are delighted to be working with SAMA29 as part of the Africa Fest inaugural offering. When RiSA approached us for this collaboration we saw it as an opportunity for the industry to work together. Our dealings with each other have been seamless, we found a lot of common ground and synergies. This is a big win for South African music."

The red carpet kicks off at 16:00, and the awards show will be beamed live from the Arena on SABC1 from 20:00.

4 Days to Go!!!

Only a few more sleeps till the 29th edition of #SAMA29 taking place on Saturday, 18 November at SunBet Arena, Menlyn Maine Pretoria.

Tickets are still available at Computicket from R200.

Get yours now! Link in bio.#SAMA29 #AfricaFest#MusicHasItAll pic.twitter.com/VuGjiXylG0

— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) November 14, 2023

Last month, KZN department of economic development and environmental affairs abruptly withdrew its three-year partnership as main sponsors of the Samas following public outrage and the intervention of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Samas have also announced nominations for Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year, which are the only two public-voted categories. Popular songs by Uncle Waffles, Young Stunna, AKA, KO, Master KG, Ami Faku, Daliwonga, Big Nuz, Musa Keys, Nomfundo Moh and Aymos have been thrown into the mix.