The objective of these awards is to create a platform for the celebration of the excellence of traditional music.

Isintu Sami is a radio talk show that airs every Monday from 19:00 to 20:00 and seeks to teach people about their cultural practices. Knowledgeable guests are invited to the show to share their insight on the topic of the day. Listeners are then encouraged to call in and ask questions throughout the show or post their comments and question to Isintu Sami Facebook page.

Due to the show’s cultural influences, it only airs African music and in conclusion of the show, recorded feedback from traditional ceremonies is played back, as Isintu Sami gets invitations from listeners, which creates a tangible interaction between the show host and the listeners.

The host, Sithembiso Shangase, MzukulwanekaMvula as he is otherwise known has a true passion for tradition and heritage. Shangase grew up in the Montebello area Ndwedwe, north of Durban in a poor community with a strong traditional background.

After completing matric at Hermannsburg outside Greytown, Shangase worked as a taxi driver and then went on to work as an assistant educator before he registered for National Diploma in Journalism, after which he did a B-Tech in Journalism at DUT, graduating in 2003/2004.

Shangase joined Gagasi FM as an intern in 2003 at the time when it was still P4 Radio - where he eventually got employed permanently in 2004.

Isintu Sami was then his next venture, which he earned in 2007 due to his love for culture and heritage. “Heritage to me is the belief in your own indigenous rituals, religion, intellectual and customs. This heritage and cultural beliefs live in me and thus reflect through Isintu Sami,” says Shangase.

This nomination means a step in the right direction for the program and Gagasi FM family and listeners as a whole.

The SATMA Awards is constituted of three major events, the launch, the nominees’ announcement and the main awards with the third event also constituted of three different elements, the main awards gala, the red carpet event, the VIP dinner and the after party.

To vote for Isintu Sami, SMS SATMA, Best Cultural Talk Show, and Isintu Sami to 34066, SMS Cost R1.50. Closing date for voting is at midnight on Wednesday, 3 October.

For more information visit www.gagasiradio.fm.