NGCOBO-BORN DJ and record producer, Zwelethemba Maraya’s single, titled Stand By Me, which shot to global acclaim shortly after its release in October last year, is now receiving its due acclaim locally, after it secured him two nominations at this year’s sixth annual Eastern Cape Music Awards (ECMAS).
Maraya, known by his stage name, Thiza, is nominated in the best newcomer and best Afropop categories at this year’s edition of ECMAS.
His single has received airplay and positive reviews in countries such as England, United States of America, Canada, and Argentina, after he added it on international music distribution platform, Airplay, which distributes and tracks music airplay on radio stations globally.
Maraya now needs public votes to secure him the two awards he is nominated for.
“My song, Stand By Me, which features Mendela has been nominated in the best newcomer and best Afropop categories at this year’s Eastern Cape Music Awards and the only way to win the awards is for the public to cast their votes as many times as they can. My humble appeal is to the people of the Eastern Cape to vote for me so that I can bring the two awards home,” Maraya appealed.
Votes can be cast by sending an SMS to 33459 with the words THIZA BEST AFRO POP for the best afro pop category or THIZA BEST NEWCOMER for the best newcomer category at a cost of R1.50 per SMS.
Voting lines are open until December 4 and one can cast their vote as many times as they wish.
The Eastern Cape Music Awards (ECMAS) was the brainchild of Koko Godlo, a well-known talent scout who has produced big names in the entertainment and sports industries.
Due to his vision and realising the need to nurture, provide exposure and to celebrate our own artists, the ECMAS first came to life on October 17, 2015, in an event that was categorised by glitz, glamour and the cream-of-the-crop when it comes to talent born and bred in the Eastern Cape.
The sixth annual Eastern Cape Music Awards will take place in East London on December 11.
