Elsy Wameyo Hits 2022 South Australia Music Awards for Six

With six nominations, Elsy Wameyo is in the box seat for the 2022 South Australian Music Awards, set for Nov. 17 at Hindley Street Music Hall.

Announced today (Nov. 8), Elsy is shortlisted for best song (“River Nile”), best release (Nilotoc EP), best solo artist, best music video (“Nilotoc” — directed by Elsy Wameyo and Richard Coburn), and for the People’s Choice Award for hip-hop artist of the year.

The Kenyan-born, Adelaide-raised singer, rapper and producer is also a finalist in the industry awards for best studio engineer/producer, making her the only artist this time to earn nods for her work in front of and behind the mic.

Wameyo’s top billing at the 2022 SAM Awards follows her Nilotic Tour in August and September, during which she presented her debut EP Nilotic to national audiences for the first time.

The trailing pack at the SAM Awards is led by Nukunu musician Tilly Tjala Thomas and Electric Fields, both scooping nominations in four categories.

Also, hometown punk-rock outfit LOLA lands chances for best release (“Don’t Tell My Mum”), best new artist, best music video (“What’s The Point” — directed by Jed Newton) and a People’s Choice Award for punk artist of the year,

With a hattrick of nominations are the Empty Threats and TOWNS; while Teenage Joans, performers at the 2022 AIR Awards, also in the SA capital, and seven time-winners at the 2021 SAM Awards, are up for best song (“Terrible”) and best music video.

“The depth of the finalists announced for the SAM Awards today is a testament to the health and strength of the South Australian music community,” comments MusicSA CEO Christine Schloithe.

Across all “genres and industry fields,” notes Schloithe, “the South Australian music sector is challenging the industry leaders and the rest of the country is taking notice.”

An initiative of trade body MusicSA, the SAM Awards slot into the Hindley Street venue for the first time.

HSMH, a venture of Secret Sounds, LN, local live entertainment specialists Five Four Entertainment, and the team behind Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall and The Triffid, had its grand opening in September, following a $6 million renovation.

Adds Schloithe, “this 2022 SAM Awards is set to be the biggest awards yet and will offer the local industry a chance to come together and celebrate the past 12 months of music in our great state.

Awards are split into three categories.

The “Major Awards” are selected by a music industry panel, including Triple J host Declan Byrne and rocker Sarah McLeod; the “Industry Awards” focus on the roles within the industry that are adjacent to bands and artists, including festivals, venues and managers; and the People’s Choice Awards invite the wider Australian music community to select their favourite South Australian artist.

The music industry is “a vital part of our economy and it suffered through the pandemic,” comments Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauska.

The South Australian music industry is “leading the way on the COVID bounce back and its economic impact is a true result of the community’s resolve and commitment,” adds Malinauska, pointing out his government’s own commitment which includes $10 million invested in grants and vouchers to help facilitate live performances. 

Visit southaustralianmusicawards.com.au for more.