uKhozi FMs drive time host Selby Mkhize to host Simon "Mabhunu" Sabela Awards 2017

uKhozi FMs drive time host Selby Mkhize to host Simon Sabela Awards 2017

Bubbly radio personality Selby Mkhize who is the host of the biggest drive time in Africa with 3 million listeners to host Simon "Mabhunu" Sabela Awards set to take place on the 15th at The Playhouse, Durban.

Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards are an initiative of the Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and are endorsed by the Sabela Family. The Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards are scheduled to take place in July during the Durban International Film Festival.

At this year's awards, topping the list of nominees is Isibaya with nine (9) nominees, followed by Uzalo with eight nominations. The highly contested categories; Best Actor and Best Actress – TV, saw big giants Siyabonga Twala and Menzi Ngubane competing against rising stars Kay Sibiya, Nay Maps, Sifiso Simamdue and Sdumo Mathe; while Cebile Mlaba, Nomzamo Mbatha, Leleti Khumalo, Dawn Thandeka King, and Thembi Nyandeni contest the Best Actress category.

In recognition of films showcasing KZN as the best location, the nominees for Best use of KZN location are Trust No one, Imbali ka Baba, Inkinga Isibongo; while films that proudly highlight Zulu in their production are Buchitheke bugayiwe, This Love, Ebuhleni  Nasebubini are nominated for Best isiZulu.

The awards also honour and celebrate the province’s biggest film and television contributors through its Lifetime Achievement Award category. The recipient of this award will be revealed on the night of the awards.

The Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards, now in its 5th year, have grown from 5 categories to 21 categories and are aimed at celebrating the craft of television and film making and have since 2013 celebrated heroes, legends and veterans who have made a mark in the industry.  The awards also encourage Production companies, accredited Film schools, Film Association and other Film bodies to participate.