Reason On Being Overlooked By Awards as a Rapper

South African rapper Reason has opened up about his history with local music award institutions following his recent nomination at the 31st South African Music Awards (SAMAs). The rapper is nominated in the Best Hip Hop Album category for his latest Hip Hop project, Audio 2D: Dear Darkie.

Speaking on a recent episode of 5 Hip Hop Nights With DJ Speedsta, Reason shared his reaction to the nomination. “I never expected it and also the awards have never been kind to me as a rapper,” he said.

Reason, who has been active in the music industry for over two decades, reflected on past years when his work did not receive awards at the SAMAs in the hip hop category. “There was always something missing, even in my greatest years,” he said.

While Reason has previously been recognised by the SAMAs, he noted that it was not for his work as a hip hop artist but as a Amapiano artist. “I’ve taken SAMAs as a piano artist, not as a rapper,” he explained.

Reason also releases music under the name Sizwe Alakine, focusing on the amapiano genre. His contributions in that space have received industry attention, including nominations at mainstream award shows.

However, within the hip hop community, Reason said his efforts have been acknowledged as he has taken SA Hip Hop Awards as a rapper. “I got three hip hop awards,” he noted.

The artist’s latest nomination for Audio 2D: Dear Darkie marks a return to his hip hop catalogue. The album includes themes addressing personal experience, identity, and culture. Its nomination at the SAMAs may reflect broader recognition of his work in the genre.

Reason’s comments during the interview provide context to his award history and the distinctions he draws between recognition received from different music bodies. While the SAMAs have only now nominated him in a hip hop category, genre-specific platforms like the SA Hip Hop Awards have previously awarded him for his contributions.

Audio 2D: Dear Darkie is nominated alongside other hip hop albums at the upcoming SAMAs, which are expected to take place later this year.