Kharishma bags 2 SAMA nods
Musician Kharishma, known by her birth name Melita Makoma Ribane, hailing from Limpopo, has earned two significant nominations at the upcoming 31st South African Music Awards (SAMAs) shortly after she was involved in a serious car accident.
She is nominated for Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year for her popular single, Chokeslem, which remains highly popular on the radio.
The nominations arrive during a challenging period for the artist, who was involved in a tragic incident on October 31 at the Grobler and Magazyn Street intersection.
The accident resulted in her hospitalization and also led to the death of a close friend.
Her family shared the sorrowful news in an official statement, stating:
“The accident has unfortunately claimed the life of one of Kharishma’s friends, leaving the other severely injured, including Kharishma.”
They noted that Kharishma is currently receiving care and extended gratitude for the support from her fans during this trying time.
“We thank everyone who has sent well wishes and shown us support during this difficult time,” the statement added.
In spite of her situation, Kharishma’s song Chokeslem continues to perform exceptionally well. The track has previously received accolades, including Song of the Year on Thobela FM and Capricorn FM, solidifying her status in the South African music scene.
She is set to compete against artists such as Makhadzi, Mawhoo, and DJ Maphorisa for the Music Video of the Year award, while Dlala Thukzin, Tyler ICU, Kelvin Momo, and Kabza De Small will contend with her in the Record of the Year category.
Kharishma’s nominations at the SAMAs highlight her rising prominence in the industry, with other successful singles like Wa Inama and Fly High Lekompo showcasing her talent.
The 2025 SAMAs is scheduled to take place on December 14 in Johannesburg and, according to the organisers RiSA, will feature a hybrid format combining both live and digital elements due to ongoing financial constraints.
