In celebration of the milestone 25th anniversary, the SAMA goes back into time to bring some of the biggest names that defined an era in the entertainment space. Side by side with the songs that became anthems these stars dictated the terms in popular culture.

To recreate the magic and rapport that made them a formidable 1990s TV couple, Bob Mabena teams up with Melanie Bala. The twosome presented Studio Mix, a hugely popular music show on SABC1 that built careers and fuelled hits into national prominence. Mabena is currently the breakfast host on Power FM and the station manager, while Bala is on Metro FM as a newsreader.

Lesedi FM host Twasa Seoke joins forces with popular hip-hop star Khuli Chana to relive the moments that made the 2000s such a vibrant period in local music. Twasa is an award winning presenter and sought after MC while Khuli is one of the pioneers of Motswako rap emerging from the streets of Mahikeng, North West.

Comedian Mpho Popps and actress Nomzamo Mbatha hook up to present the period after 2010 to current. Mpho is one of the new shining stars on the comedy stage, he presented the first night of SAMA24 earning him lots of praise and now he returns to be on the broadcast awards edition of SAMA25. Nomzamo has set herself apart from her peers with her talent, looks and philanthropy work. She is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency and one of the most followed local celebrities on social media.

Hulisani Ravele, the 94.7 weekend breakfast host will hold it down alone on Friday for the first night of the SAMA which will not be broadcast live.

To steal the old adage, like sand through the hour glass so are the days of the SAMA, the viewers are in for a night of nostalgia, joyous reunions and euphoria on music’s biggest night.

Comments RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi: ‘We couldn’t have thought of a better way to mark this huge milestone than turning to the stars that contributed so much to popular culture, for which music is a big component, if not the main driver. These names are synonymous with cool and we are honoured to have them grace this big stage and we have every faith in them that they will engender a spirit of celebration and recognition at South Africa’s biggest music award ceremony.’

The North West Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs (CATA) said the SAMA25 presenters will add the necessary vibrant dimension to the occasion.

“As sponsors, we regard SAMA25 as a major event that marks an important milestone in our recent showbiz history,’’ a Departmental spokesperson said.

With so much star power and wattage on stage, all eyes will be fixed on Sun City this weekend for a memorable night of delightful celebration, surprises and entertainment.

The SAMA25 takes place on May 31 and June 1 in Sun City, North West province. It will be broadcast live on June 1 on SABC1 at 8pm. Tickets to the show are available at Ticket Pro for R415

-JP