Chart-topping star Makhadzi, who was snubbed by the South African Music Awards (Samas), says she won’t stop entering the awards despite the disappointment.

Makhadzi, whose exclusion from the 27th Samas angered her fans, said she would keep doing her best until someone recognises her talent and hard work.

The nominees were announced on Wednesday night.

Social media users felt Makhadzi was getting a raw deal because her album Kokovha was performing well on digital charts.

Last year, members of the public were infuriated when Master KG was not nominated while his song Jerusalema was taking the world by storm.

It is now strongly believed by music lovers that Limpopo artists are routinely overlooked by the Samas despite their chart-topping efforts.

Makhadzi, who was born Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, sounded defeated during a telephonic interview with Sowetan.

“I will continue trying my luck until someone realises my hard work. Who knows, things might change. I’m not angry but just disappointed,” she said.

“I don’t know what qualities they look for during the judging process. I am hurt that after working so hard I did not make it to the nomination list.

I wish they could tell me what really earns you more points because I am lost. The public loves and supports my music.”

Her album Kokovha, that was released in October last year, has been topping the charts in Botswana, SA and Nigeria. She said what surprised her was that some nominated albums were not performing as well as hers.

Murahu, a single from the album, achieved gold status for streams last week.

“My album was No 1 on the Botswana charts for three months and it was sitting at No 15 for three weeks in Nigeria, while in SA it has been alternating [between] position three and 10 of the most streamed albums on iTunes. Even this morning it was still at position three on the local charts.”

According to the Samas, Makhadzi did not make the cut because she did not accumulate enough scores to earn a nomination.

Samas spokesperson Lesley Mofokeng said: “Makhadzi was not snubbed. According to our esteemed panel of judges, she did not accumulate enough scores to earn her a nomination. The judges’ scores determine who make it through…”

Asked about accusations that independent artists were often sidelined, Mofokeng said: “It comes down to the scores allocated by our panel of judges that is made up of respected industry experts.”