The 8th Annual Standard Bank South African Music Awards (SAMA) will take place in April 2002.

The Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) invites entries for next year's awards which are open to any artist who has been resident in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana or Namibia for the last six months, provided the recording was done and released in South Africa.

The 8th Annual Standard Bank SAMA's will see the inclusion of two new public vote categories namely: Video of the Year and Artist of the Year. The public will be invited to vote for the winners in these categories closer to the event.

The process for the Standard Bank SAMA Awards is threefold - firstly record companies must submit their nominees, nominees are judged by over 100 professionals in the industry; and finally, the top five artists in each category will contest for top honours at the finals in April. Entries are open to both RISA and non-RISA members.

Entries close on November 23 at 12h00.

Entry forms available at www.risa.org.za and should be completed, signed and returned to RISA, Suite 1, 150 Hendrik Verwoerd Drive, Randburg. before the deadline. Incomplete, incorrect or late entries will not be accepted. Details from Wilma De Villiers or Nono Suntele on 011 886-1342 or fax 011 886-4169.