SAMA32 NOMINEES UNVEILED AS THE AWARDS RETURN HOME TO NORTH WEST IN A CELEBRATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC EXCELLENCE
Today, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) proudly unveils the nominees for the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32), igniting the countdown to the country’s most prestigious celebration of musical excellence. Across 25 fiercely contested categories, the nominees represent the heartbeat of a nation in song, a vibrant tapestry of voices, sounds, stories, and cultural expressions that continue to shape South Africa’s rich musical landscape. The coveted Top Five categories remain a closely guarded secret, with their reveal set for a few weeks from now — keeping the suspense alive!
This year’s announcement signals more than just the beginning of awards season. It heralds a triumphant homecoming. On 15 August 2026, the spotlight returns to the legendary Sun City Superbowl in North West Province for what has fittingly been dubbed the SAMA32 Homecoming Edition. A venue etched into the collective memory of South African entertainment, Sun City once again becomes the epicentre of the nation’s music industry as artists, creators, fans, and industry leaders gather beneath its iconic lights.
The return to North West Province is both symbolic and celebratory. It marks a reunion between the SAMAs and one of South Africa’s most beloved entertainment destinations – a place where countless musical milestones have been created and where some of the country’s most memorable performances have unfolded. As the awards return to this historic stage, they do so with renewed energy, fresh ambition, and a vision for the future.
This year’s awards promise an unforgettable showcase where artistry meets innovation, where tradition embraces technology, and where South African music takes centre stage before a worldwide audience.
“The nominees announced today form a breathtaking symphony of South African sound,” says RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi. “They represent more than outstanding recordings; they represent dreams realised, barriers broken, and creative journeys that continue to inspire. This year’s list is a meeting point between generations, where established legends stand alongside fearless new voices, where Amapiano innovators, Motswako, Jazz virtuosos, Gospel powerhouses, Lekompo, Afro-pop stars, Maskandi storytellers, and Hip-Hop visionaries collectively demonstrate the extraordinary depth of South African talent.
“We are witnessing a golden age of creativity where genres intersect, audiences expand, and South African music continues to command attention on the global stage. SAMA32 celebrates this remarkable moment. It is bigger, bolder, and more representative of the richness of our musical identity than ever before.”
Sibisi adds that the awards remain much more than an annual ceremony.
“The SAMAs are our industry’s annual love letter to music and the people who create it. Through our theme, Less Noise. More Music., we are reaffirming our commitment to placing artists and their work at the centre of the conversation. The hybrid format allows us to amplify that mission by extending the SAMA experience beyond the venue and beyond geographical boundaries.
With the nominees now officially announced, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Over the coming weeks, conversations will dominate social media timelines, radio airwaves, streaming platforms, and entertainment headlines as fans rally behind their favourites and artists prepare for music’s biggest night.
SAMA32 is proudly supported by the North West Department of, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), SA Tourism, RiSA Audio Visual (RAV), Recording Industry of South Africa(RiSA), South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), with the SABC serving as official media partner.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed judging panel whose expertise, integrity, and dedication made this year’s nomination process possible,” concludes Sibisi. “Their commitment to recognising excellence and nurturing South Africa’s musical heritage is deeply valued. Congratulations to all the nominees. Your music has moved the nation, and your moment has arrived.”
About the South African Music Awards (SAMAs)
The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) are the country’s premier music awards platform, recognizing excellence, innovation and achievement across the South African recording industry while celebrating the artists and creators who shape the nation’s cultural identity and global influence.
Social media handles:
Instagram: @thesamas_
Twitter: @TheSAMAs
TikTok: @thesamas_
YouTube: samusicawards
Facebook: South African Music Awards
Hashtag: #SAMA32
Website: www.samusicawards.co.za
The nominees for the 25 categories of the 32nd South African Music Awards are as follows: 32nd Annual South African Music Awards Nominees
Best Adult Contemporary Album
• Abel Selaocoe’s “Four Spirits” (Live) – Abel Selaocoe, Aurora Orchestra, Nicholas Collon, Bernhard Schimpelsberger • Buzzhead – Kahn Morbee
• Malachi’s Dream – Tim Parr
• Wrapped in Rhythm, Vol.2 – Tutu Puoane, Metropole Orkest & Jacome Bairos
• You Love Who You Love – Wandile Mbambeni
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
• Isitifiketi – Jabulile Majola
• KwaNtu – Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba
• Moya – Simphiwe Dana
• Ngimuhle – Zawadi Yamungu
• ZINZA – BandaBanda
Best African Indigenous Faith Album
• Difela – De Bruin Gospel Projects
• Monghali Mesia – Amadodana Ase Wesile
• NGIYA BONGA BABA – THE NEW BELIEVERS OF GOD GOSPEL SINGERS
• The Journey Continues – Abanqobi
• U TA HLAMULA – Zion Iskhalanga Academy
Best Afro Pop Album
• Amaciko – Lwah Ndlunkulu
• Busisiwe 2.0 – CiCi
• Inkanyezi 2.0 (Live) – Sjava
• Out The Box – Nomfundo Moh
• Touch is a Move (Good Morning) – Samthing Soweto
Best Alternative Album
• From The Hill – Charles Webster
• Furniture – 44coles
• Handsome Luke & The Heartbreakers – Mars Baby
• Listen Properly – Bombshelter Beast
• THROWING STONES – Archi
Best Amapiano Album
• Acquiesce – Babalwa M
• Bab’Motha – Kabza De Small
• Mthuthuzeli – De Mthuda
• N’wana Wa Mutsonga – Kelvin Momo
• Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo
Best Classical Instrumental Album
• First Light – Marius Small-Smith
• Let the Children Play – John Lundun
• Light the Whole Sky – University of Pretoria Camerata
• Orchestrations – Guy Buttery
• Radio Gogo Worldwide – uBeyond
Best Collaboration
• Abantwana Bakho – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy, Kabza De Small feat Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter • Dlala Ka Yona – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy Enny Man Da Guitar, Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow & Sleazy • Shela – Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle, Mano
• Thandaza – Sam Deep, Thatohatsi
• Tobetsa 3.0 – Myztro, Leehleza, Shaunmusiq, Ftears
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
• Passover – Nqubeko Mbatha
• Testify (Live at 012 Central, Pretoria 2024) – Mmuso Worship • The 37th Psalm (Live at Emperors Palace) – Ncebakazi Msomi • The GAP – Brenden Praise
• THE GROUND WE’RE ON – Hle
Best Dance Album
• Amazwi Okubonga – MaWhoo
• Asante III – MÖRDA
• Indigo Child II: Love & Frequency – Da Capo
• MAYVIS – Dlala Thukzin
• The Most Wanted – JAZZWRLD, Thukuthela
Best Engineered Album
• Bab’Motha – Kabza De Small (Engineered by Thato & Kabza De Small) • Free – Nasty C (Engineered by Mike Manitshana)
• Ntu Futurism – L8 Antique (Engineered by Matthew)
• Orchestrations – Guy Buttery (Engineered by Guy Buttery & Fuzzy) • Touch is a Move (Good Morning) – Samthing Soweto (Engineered by Ross Dorkin)
Best Gqom Album
• Dark or Durban 3 – Funky Qla
• Izinsimbi zaMakoya – DJ Tira
• New Wave – Blacks Jnr, Dankie Boi, GoldMax
• Puku Puku – Dladla Mshunqisi, Beast RSA
• Southside Mixtape – DJ Lag
Best Hip Hop Album
• Bayede – Danya Devs
• BLVCK & WHiTE – FLVME
• Boss Zonke Forever – Riky Rick
• Free – Nasty C
• THE SECRET FREQUENCY – MashBeatz
Best Jazz Album
• Ingoma Busuku – Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini
• Intlambululo: Ukuhlambulula – Mandisi Dyantyis
• INTLUNGU. INTLUPHEKO. IMBILINI – Temba Ncetani
• Ithemba Elitsha (A New Hope) – Lumanyano Mzi
• The Y-Factor Project – Billy Monama
Best Maskandi Album
• Amalandi Amathathu – Saliwa
• Izilotshi – Mbuzeni
• Khotha La (A Tribute To Mjikjelwa) – Ntencane • Ngabe Ngiloyiwe – Smiramira
• Ng’funa intozami – Mzukulu
Best Pop Album
• Don’t Cry Because It’s Over – Will Linley
• Last Call for Departure – Matt Gardiner
• Less Trouble – Shekhinah
• not the same. – Anica Kiana
• Phases – Tannah
Best Produced Album
• Ingoma Busuku – Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini (Produced by Nduduzo Makhathini)
• Less Trouble – Shekhinah (Produced by Shekhinah, Rudolph Willemse, imnotgoofy, Mzizi, Gregory Abrahams, Iam6teen, Brendon-Lee Earl Johnson, Master A Flat)
• Sacred Cycle – Mauritz Lotz (Produced by Mauritz Lotz)
• Therapy: The Other Side – Langa Mavuso (Produced by Darren Blackansee, Simphiwe Mashinini, Ndumiso Manana, Ndabo Zulu, Christer Kobedi, Civil Motha, Unako Chabeli, Langa Mavuso, Jabulani Nkabinde, Lindelani Lee, Seragi Thantsha, Mnqobi Bayanda Nxumalo, Zooci, Jonathan Takyi Mensah, Onkabetse John Hlongwane)
• ZINZA – Banda Banda (Produced by Banda Banda)
Best Produced Music Video
• Abantwana Bakho – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy, Kabza De Small feat Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter (Produced by Nyiko; Directed by Nyiko)
• Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo) – Nasty C & Blxckie (Produced by Nasty C, Ayanda Ngcobo; Directed by Lordnelle) • Partii – Kamo Mphela, Aymos, QUE DJ & Jay Music feat SpacePose (Produced by Kamo Mphela; Directed by Lindo_Langa) • Shela (feat. Mano) – Single – Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle, Mano (Produced by Nyiko; Directed by Nyiko) • Wayside Lover – Msaki, Jesse Clegg & Sjava (Produced by Nombuso Ngcobo; Directed by Marty Bleazard)
Best R&B Soul Album
• Island 22 – Gemma Fassie
• It’s Complicated – Maxine Ceasar
• Resurfaced – Lucille Slade
• Therapy: The Other Side – Langa Mavuso
• You, Me & The 90’s – lordkez
Best Reggae Album
• DIMAHR – DIMAHR
• Foreign Exchange – Ras Canly
• Forward We Continue – Don Dada
• Rasta Man Step – Layahn King
• Victorious – Red I Scorch
Best Rock Album
• AC/ES – AC/ES
• Back From the Dead – We Kill Cowboys
• Die Ruimte – Francois van Coke
• ONKRUID – Karel Bester & Die Kraaines Band • Scatterling Empire – Acid Magus
Best Traditional Faith Music Album
• Back To The Altar – Ntethe
• Praise & Worship In The Wilderness, Pt. 1 – Bucy Radebe • Sound of Gratitude (Live at Urban Brew Dome) – Zaza • The Watchmans Camp – Sindi Ntombela
• Worship in Newness – Puleng March
Best Traditional Music Album
• Born For This – MetroBeatz RSA
• I Khant Do Dhis Enimo – King Monada • Pleasure in 20 Years – Pleasure Tsa Manyalo • Sesi Ka Rose – Makhadzi Entertainment • Thath’owakho – Soul Brothers
Beste Pop Album
• Dis Presies Wat Liefde Doen – Juan Boucher • Gees – Jakkie Louw
• Miena – Jan Rhaap
• Seisoene – Deon Groot
• Troumateriaal – Brendan Peyper
Remix of the Year
• Aweh (Remix) – lordkez feat. Cassper Nyovest
• Eningi (Remix) – Kabza De Small, feat. Njelic, Mthunzi, Mkeyz, GL_Ceejay, Simmy • Mabebuza – Mdu aka TRP Remix – Maline Aura, Drega, Mdu aka TRP • Midnight (Black Motion Remix) – 340ml, Black Motion
• Re-Amathambo (Remix) – Nduduzo Makhathini, Anna Widauer, Fka Mash
Rest of Africa Award
• After Midnight – Gyakie (Ghana)
• Iron Boy – Black Sherif (Ghana)
• Olamidé – Olamide (Nigeria)
• REAL, Vol. 1 – Wizkid, Asake (Nigeria)
• This One Is Personal – Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
