Today, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) officially unveils the nominees for the 2025 South African Music Awards (SAMA31), a dazzling roll call across 25 categories revealed in a high-energy virtual showcase that draws the nation into the very pulse of its music scene. To sustain anticipation, thecoveted Top Five categories remain under wraps, set to be revealed in September, ensuring the build-up to the big night stays electric.
In November 2025, the SAMA stage, long celebrated as the pinnacle of South Africa’s music calendar, returns in an evolved hybrid format, seamlessly blending the magic of a live, inperson ceremony with the reach and dynamism of a virtual broadcast. This format expands the SAMA experience, offering fans across the globe front-row access while preserving the intimacy and grandeur of the physical event. It will be a night where artistry, rhythm, and reinvention converge in a bold reimagining of what an awards celebration can be.
“This year’s nominations form a symphony of South African sound, a playlist that celebrates not only genres, but the journeys behind them,” says Unati Gwija, SAMA Spokesperson. “It is the wisdom of age meeting the exuberance of youth, as emerging voices and established icons go head-to-head across categories. From amapiano trailblazers to jazz virtuosos, gospel powerhouses to hip hop poets, we are living through a golden era where boundaries blur and music reigns supreme. The SAMAs have always stood for honouring excellence, and SAMA31 is no different – it is bigger, bolder, and brimming with brilliance.”
Gwija continues, “The SAMAs are more than an awards show; they are our annual love letter to the industry. This evolved format allows us to fully embrace our theme: Less Noise. More Music, and usher in a bold, enterprising era where digital innovation meets live spectacle. The hybrid experience is not about immersion; it’s about amplification. It extends the SAMA stage beyond the physical venue, inviting fans, creators, and partners from every corner of the world to join in real time, without losing the intimacy and magic of being in the room.
In this way, we honour the past, celebrate the present, and set the tempo for the future of South African music. Now, for the first time, we can take the SAMAs to every province on rotation, free from budget constraints. Come November, we won’t just hand out trophies, we’ll orchestrate a celebration of sound that echoes far beyond the stage.”
With the nominations now public, fans, artists, and industry insiders are turning up the volume in anticipation of music’s biggest night in Mzansi, when careers will be crowned, milestones will be marked, and South Africa’s sonic landscape will once again take centre stage.
Backed by powerhouse partners, the Motsepe Foundation, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), with the SABC as media partner – the SAMAs remain the gold standard of South African music, amplifying diverse voices, fuelling inclusivity across genres, and championing the nation’s vibrant music ecosystem.
“We are deeply grateful to the esteemed judges for their time, expertise, and thoughtful consideration in selecting the nominees. Their dedication to recognising musical talent is truly appreciated,” concluded Gwija.
Below is the list of the 25 categories
Category
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Adult Contemporary Album
uKhisimusi – An African Christmas
Just 6
Nkosilathi Sibanda
Best Adult Contemporary Album
Seven
Melanie Scholtz
Best Adult Contemporary Album
Room For Everyone
Tony Drake
Anthony John Drake
Best Adult Contemporary Album
Nonyezi
Nue Sam
Nosipho Khuzwayo
Best Adult Contemporary Album
Look At You Now
The Morning After
Dirk Klut
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
UMI
Zamajobe
Zamajobe Sithole
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
Sankofa
Thandiswa Mazwai
Thandiswa Mazwai
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
Nomthandazo
Zoe Modiga
Palesa Nomthandazo Phumelele Modiga
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
Isibusiso Sami
Ndu Shezi
Sigauqwe
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
Indumiso YabeNguni
Mthuthu
Ntuthuko Mfanafuthi Ndebele
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Afro Pop Album
Twenty Four
Nomfundo Moh
Nomfundo Ngcobo
Best Afro Pop Album
Malik
Malik
Sabelo Zwane
Best Afro Pop Album
Isibuko (Deluxe)
Sjava
Jabulani Hadebe
Best Afro Pop Album
Inkanyezi (Live)
Sjava
Jabulani Hadebe
Best Afro Pop Album
Collaborations With Friends
Dalom Kids
Montana Thokozai Mhlongo
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Alternative Album
Unyazi
Yoav & Jabulile Majola
Yoav Sadan
Best Alternative Album
Perspective: Black
Zādok
Tshepo Khutsoane
Best Alternative Album
Hindsight 2020
Francis Soal
Benjamin de Kock
Best Alternative Album
Emlotheni
Th&o.
Thando Kunene
Best Alternative Album
Berge
Spoegwolf
Danie Du Toit
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Amapiano Album
Your Piano Is Not My Piano
Vigro Deep
KAMOGEO PHETLA
Best Amapiano Album
Sewe
Kelvin Momo
Kelvin Momo Letwaba
Best Amapiano Album
Ntsako
Kelvin Momo
Thato Kelvin Letwaba
Best Amapiano Album
Midnight in Sunnyside 3
Mellow & Sleazy
Phemelo Given Sefanyetso (Mellow)
Best Amapiano Album
Inja Ye Game
Zee Nxumalo
Zandile Ndlovu
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
In the morning
John Lundun
Chuene Reshoketjwe Marakalala
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
By Alle Skone Dinge
Chris Vale, Eugene Joubert & Franco Prinsloo, Marlize Hattingh
Christopher Vale, Eugene Joubert & Franco Prinsloo
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper
Derek Gripper
Derek Gripper
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
A Season in Paradise
Vox Chamber Choir & Franco Prinsloo
Franco Prinsloo & Vox Chamber Choir
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
Awake for 22 Hours
Orecchiette
Pascal Righini
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Collaboration
Waze Wamuhle
Kelvin Momo
Thato Kelvin Letwaba
Best Collaboration
Takala
Black Motion
Thabo Roy Mabogwane
Best Collaboration
Ematshwaleni
Kususa
Joshua Sihle Sokweba
Best Collaboration
Stay With Me
Matt Davies
Matthew Kyle Davies
Best Collaboration
Mas Musiq, Lawd Weezy & DJ Maphorisa ft TO Starquality, Chley & Kabza De Small – Amalanga
Mas Musiq
Thabo Martin Ngubane
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Dance Album
The Cradle Of Art
Black Motion
Thabo Mabogwane
Best Dance Album
FINALLY FAMOUS TOO
Dlala Thukzin
Thuthuka Zindlovu
Best Dance Album
Cr4zy!!..
MÖRDA
Bongani Mahosana
Best Dance Album
Dreaming
Shimza
Ashley Raphala
Best Dance Album
Caiiro
Caiiro
Patrick Mthimunye
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Engineered Album
The Cradle Of Art
Black Motion
Thabo Roy Mabogwane
Best Engineered Album
Sankofa
Thandiswa Mazwai
Thandiswa Mazwai
Best Engineered Album
Isibuko (Deluxe)
Sjava
Jabulani Hadebe
Best Engineered Album
Reawakening
Keenan Meyer
Keenan John Meyer
Best Engineered Album
Feathers & Stone
Jeremy Loops
Jeremy Thomas Hewitt
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Gqom Album
Tronics Land 3
Mr Thela
SIMPHIWE LEONARD SIHAWU
Best Gqom Album
The Rebellion
DJ Lag
Lwazi Asanda Gwala
Best Gqom Album
Play At Your Own Risk
Goldmax
Zipho Mthembu
Best Gqom Album
NANDE 3.0
DJ Sandiso
Sandiso Gebashe
Best Gqom Album
Next Level
Lelowhatsgood
Ntsikelelo Meslani
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Hip Hop Album
See U Soon Delux
Blxckie
Sihle Sithole
Best Hip Hop Album
Red October: Induction
Tony Dayimane
Sbongakonke Mfundo Mchunu
Best Hip Hop Album
Pray 4 Pitori
Loatinover Pounds
Loatile Mangadi
Best Hip Hop Album
Audio 2D; Dear Darkie
Sizwe Alakine
Sizwe Moeketsi
Best Hip Hop Album
Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms
25K
Lehlohonolo Molefe
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Jazz Album
uNomkhubulwane
NDUDUZO MAKHATHINI
Best Jazz Album
Terra Solus
Nick Ford
Best Jazz Album
Ndilapha
Nomfundo Xaluva
Best Jazz Album
Hope Dies Last
Peter Auret
Best Jazz Album
Apho Kungenje
Ncesh Nonxishi
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Maskandi Album
Ngathi Nguye
Umafikizolo
Best Maskandi Album
iPolotiki
Phuzekhemisi
Best Maskandi Album
Angidlali Nezingane
Khuzani
Best Maskandi Album
Alingeni
Ntencane
Best Maskandi Album
Amathambo Kagogo
Imithente
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Produced Album
UMI
Zamajobe
Zamajobe Sithole
Best Produced Album
The Cradle Of Art
Black Motion
Thabo Roy Mabogwane
Best Produced Album
Sankofa
Thandiswa Mazwai
Thandiswa Mazwai
Best Produced Album
Reprise on 2nd Avenue
Qü
Sakumuzi Qumana
Best Produced Album
iLadi
Linda Sikhakhane
Linda Nhlakanipho Sikhakhane
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Produced Music Video
Umbuzo
Soa Mattrix
Best Produced Music Video
Gucci (official music video) feat. MaWhoo
Mthandeni SK
Best Produced Music Video
Tshwala Bam (Remix)
TitoM and Yuppe
Best Produced Music Video
South
Blxckie
Best Produced Music Video
Shekhinah ft Moliy – Risk
Shekhinah
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best R&B/Soul Album
Too Many Promises
Mikhalé Jones
Mikhale Megan Jones
Best R&B/Soul Album
Stone Cold Heart
Elaine
Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli
Best R&B/Soul Album
On Air
Filah Lah Lah
Reabetswe Ranamane
Best R&B/Soul Album
It’s Clear To See
Clxrity
Charles Nkateko Hlulani Shilowa
Best R&B/Soul Album
Heartbreak Hotel (deluxe)
The Big Hash
Reabetswe Kungwane
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Reggae Album
Mekwei
Dread Lloyd
Lonwabo Nokilana
Best Reggae Album
The Rise
Anela Jahmena
Anela Stuurman
Best Reggae Album
Flaws in Frame
Dimahr
Caroline Phillips
Best Reggae Album
After All
LUWE DA LION
LUNGA HERCULES WELA
Best Reggae Album
Area Code
Botanist Mr Lamington
Emmanuel Mohlomi
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Rock Album
VIR MEKAAR
Bloumoord
Tiaan Enslin
Best Rock Album
These Blues Might Get You Too
MaxX & Love
Katlego Monticoe
Best Rock Album
The World We Know
Prime Circle
Marco Sergio Gomes
Best Rock Album
OLD WOUNDS
The Man Motels
The Man Motels
Best Rock Album
Look At You Now
The Morning After
Dirk Klut
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Traditional Faith Music Album
Uyinqaba Yam (Jehovah Nissi)
Betusile
Betusile Mcinga
Best Traditional Faith Music Album
The Journey (Part 1)
Tebs David
Tebogo David Maponya
Best Traditional Faith Music Album
The Full Circle Revival
Malusi Mbokazi
Mthokozisi Shephred Mbokazi
Best Traditional Faith Music Album
Rofhiwa Dzina
Rofhiwa Manyaga
Rofhiwa Percy Manyaga
Best Traditional Faith Music Album
According to Grace, A One Man Show
Ayanda Ntanzi
Ayanda Ntanzi
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Traditional Music Album
O moleele
Keitumetse Mangate Production
Keitumetse Mangate
Best Traditional Music Album
Mmakgodu
MmaAusi
Galaletsang MmaAusi Lekoma
Best Traditional Music Album
Miracle Child (Deluxe)
Makhadzi Entertainment
Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona
Best Traditional Music Album
Kwanomthandazo
Sabu Jiyana
Siyabulela Jiyana
Best Traditional Music Album
Bakokota (EP)
Pleasure Tsa Manyalo
Pleasure Ramadimetja Peta
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album
Vaalsand
Pietman Geldenhuys
Pieter Dawid Geldenhuys
Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album
Niemandsland
Ampie
Abram Christoffel Du Preez
Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album
Eindbestemming
Spoegwolf
Danie Du Toit
Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album
Land & Sand
Neil Sandilands
Neil Sandilands
Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album
Geraamtes
Majo
Majo Rademeyer
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Remix of the Year
Tshwala Bam
TitoM
Thato Seth Mathobela
Remix of the Year
Skuta Baba
Woodblock DJs
Sicelo Belly Nkomo
Remix of the Year
Mngani
Jnr SA
Lesego Junior Nkooe
Remix of the Year
Iza Mawala
Tycoon
Alec Rorisang Kobeng
Remix of the Year
Hlala
Mpho.Wav
Mpho G. Mohlong
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Rest of Africa Award (SOUTH AFRICANS EXCLUDED)
The Year I Turned 21
Ayra Starr
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe
Rest of Africa Award (SOUTH AFRICANS EXCLUDED)
The Party & After Party
Bensoul
Benson Mutua Muia
Rest of Africa Award (SOUTH AFRICANS EXCLUDED)
Morayo
Wizkid
Ayodeji Balogun
Rest of Africa Award (SOUTH AFRICANS EXCLUDED)
Born In The Wild
Tems
Temilade Openiyi
Rest of Africa Award (SOUTH AFRICANS EXCLUDED)
adedamola
Fireboy DML
Adedamola Adefolahan
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best African Indigenous Faith Album
Re Kgoeletsa Magodimong
Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo
Kago Molefe
Best African Indigenous Faith Album
Morena Re Ya Leboga
JTG Gospel Choir
JTG Gospel Choir
Best African Indigenous Faith Album
Busa Jeso
House Of Mercy
Thapelo
Best African Indigenous Faith Album
Ikutana
Barongoa Ba Morena
Zanele J. Naledi
Best African Indigenous Faith Album
Nkapese Ka Maatla
Di Bruin Gospel Projects
Brown Mosiapoa
CATEGORY
ENTRY TILE
STAGE NAME
ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
Crosspower Experience 4
Jabu Hlongwane
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
The Glory
Takie Ndou
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
Heavenly Psalms Level 2 (Live at Goshen City Church 2023)
