DR SHAKES WITHDRAWS FROM SWAMA NOMINATION

MBABANE – The road to MTN SWAMA Awards 2018 seems to be getting bumpy! Despite the recent MTN SWAMA Awards nominees reshuffles being shut down by the Swaziland Arts and Music Association (SWAMA) President Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini two weeks ago, Comedian Dr Shakes, real name Bonginkhosi Dlamini, defied all odds and revealed that he has pulled out from the ‘Best Comedian’ category- the grand prize being E100 000.

The comedian and MC was competing against Eswatini’s renowned comedians Mdura and Mandy.
He dissociated himself from the MTN SWAMA Awards last weekend, and shared it on his social media pages.
This comes shortly after some artists were added, pulled out and reinstated to different MTN SWAMA Awards categories  during the official launch in June 30. Also, the comedian’s move came after Dlamini clearly stated to this publication two weeks ago that the grace period for artists and some members of the public to submit their grievances towards the nominees had ended.

On Dr Shakes’ social media pages, it was written that he was excited to be nominated for the ‘Best Comedian’ award in this year’s MTN SWAMA Awards.
“However, we regret to inform you that we are pulling out from these awards. Our reasons have been shared with the SWAMA Committee. Thank you,” read his withdrawal post.

In a brief interview with this publication, the Eswatini renowned comedian, who rose quickly to fame through his funny memes, confirmed his withdrawal. He said reasons behind his withdrawal included comedians not being given the platform to be nominated, and get voted for.
“I felt we are one of the few categories with few nominees and for me, this seemed not to be fair as there are many comedians in the country and the industry is growing immensely,” said the comedian.

This is not the first time a nominee was pulled out in public. Afro Soul singer Miss Trophy also pulled out three weeks ago and she said her reasons were motivated by the fact that she was nominated under RnB and yet she was an afro soul singer.
Dlamini, SWAMA President, revealed his shock in learning that the comedian had pulled out.

“We were not aware that the comedian had pulled out and made it public without our knowledge. The seven days’ grace period for reshuffles has elapsed and rules are meant to be followed,” said Dlamini. He also said nominees are informed before they are revealed during the nominees launch.
“They have a right to decline their nomination when contacted before being revealed. That was the right time for him to do that. Currently, we believe that Dr Shakes is still a nominee and there are no changes on our side,” he said.

In the meantime, the comedian said he had informed the MTN SWAMA Awards Committee prior to making his decision public. Veteran Eswatini artist Mshikishi said the withdrawal of nominees was sad and disappointing.

“This is really sad and it is proof that there are issues which need to be sorted urgently. Also, I do not recall this happening ever since the establishment of SWAMA Awards,” said Mshikishi.
He also said that they were available to assist as one of the oldest people in the Eswatini entertainment industry.

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