The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) has announced that the 31st Annual South African Music Awards (SAMA31) will take place on 14 December 2025, in a reimagined hybrid format that ushers in a bold new era for the country’s premier music celebration.
In the build-up to the event, RiSA is proud to announce the release of the SAMA31 Top 20 nominees, celebrating South Africa’s most outstanding musical talent of the year. The reveal marks the final phase of the journey to the main event, setting the stage for one of the most exciting editions of the SAMAs yet.
Faced with a challenging sponsorship climate and the realities of a constrained funding environment, RiSA has opted to pivot from the traditional large-scale live gala to a more streamlined event – innovative, accessible, hybrid, and digitally driven. This evolution ensures wider participation, greater reach, and a celebration that resonates with today’s audiences while maintaining the prestige and spirit of honouring excellence in South African music.
This bold decision reflects RiSA’s commitment to sustaining the integrity, prestige, and reach of the SAMAs while adapting to the changing cultural and economic landscape. For over three decades, the SAMAs have stood as the pinnacle of recognition for South African music, celebrating artistry, innovation, and cultural impact.
“By embracing a hybrid format, SAMA31 aims to expand access, enabling fans across South Africa and beyond to participate in the celebration through multi-platform engagement and interactive digital experiences. While some may see this as a departure from tradition, we view it as an evolution an opportunity to reimagine how South African music is experienced and to bring the SAMAs closer to more fans than ever before,” says Unati Gwija, SAMA Spokesperson.
Like cultural institutions nationwide, the SAMAs are navigating reduced government funding, inconsistent corporate sponsorship, and shifting audience behaviours. Consequently, rather than retreat, RiSA is choosing to adapt and evolve.
“Prestige is not defined by chandeliers or banquet halls. It lies in what the SAMAs have always represented – artistic credibility, cultural relevance, and national pride. The hybrid edition showcases our resilience and the innovative spirit of our music industry,” Gwija adds.
The hybrid format offers unique advantages: broader accessibility, deeper fan engagement, and cross-platform storytelling. Through live streamed performances, interactive fan zones, and behind-the-scenes content, it amplifies both iconic and emerging artists.
Importantly, the credibility and integrity of the awards remain unchanged. Judging, auditing, and category structures will continue under strict independent oversight to ensure that every SAMA win maintains its significance as South Africa’s highest musical honour.
“This pivot also ensures the long-term sustainability of the SAMAs. By embracing digital-first strategies, we open the door to new sponsorship models, international collaborations, and creative revenue streams that will keep the awards vibrant for generations to come. The move to a hybrid SAMA31 marks not the end of an era, but the beginning of a bold new chapter one that merges innovation with tradition, accessibility with prestige, and local excellence with global reach” added Gwija.
With powerhouse partners including the Motsepe Foundation, Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, 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), YouTube, and media partner SABC – SAMA31 stands tall as the gold standard of South African music.
“The SAMAs remain committed to amplifying diverse voices, fuelling inclusivity across genres, and celebrating the nation’s vibrant music ecosystem. This December, trophies will be awarded, yes – but the true victory lies in the artistry, journeys, and stories already shaping South Africa’s golden era of sound. As our mantra goes Less Noise. More Music” concludes Gwija.
Music Video Of The Year Nominees 2025
| Artist | Title | |
| 1 | Makhadzi Entertainment Feat. Iyanya & Prince Benza (SA) | Number 1 |
| 2 | Aymos & Mas Musiq Feat. MaWhoo (SA) | Amabhoza |
| 3 | Wanitwa Mos Entertainment | Blaq Major – Sdakiwe Sbali (Ft. Bless The Gentleman & Dj Kap) (Official Video) |
| 4 | Mthandeni Sk – Topic | Gucci (feat. MaWhoo) |
| 5 | 2point1 Music | Sthandwa Sam ( . Bello M, Epic Dj, Seneath & XMorizo) Official Music Video |
| 6 | Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger & AMAZA Feat. Tman Xpress & LeeMcKrazy (SA) | Kwelanga 2.0 |
| 7 | Umafikizolo – Topic | Ngathi Nguye (feat. Umashotana) |
| 8 | Officixl Rsa Mid9t x Officixl RSA | Banyana (Official Music Video) |
| 9 | Harrycane & Eemoh (SA) | Vula Sekele |
| 10 | TylerICUVEVO | Manzi Nte (Visualizer) |
| 11 | FeloLeTeeVEVO | Yebo Lapho (Gogo) (Official Music Video) |
| 12 | Wanitwa Mos Entertainment | WanitwaMos x Nkosazana Daughter x Master KG – Mfazi We Phepha (Ft. BigZulu & ZeeNxumalo) Music Video |
| 13 | Naledi Aphiwe (SA) | Ngiyabonga |
| 14 | Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego Feat. Sje Konka, Focalis c, DJ Maphorisa, Sco s Maphuma & CowBoii (SA) | Biri Marung |
| 15 | Kharishma | Chokeslem-(Kharishma & Ba Bethe Gashoazen) |
| 16 | Mjolisi – Topic | My Dululu (feat. Mnqobi yazo) |
| 17 | Msongi, Cici & Sir Trill Feat. Dot Mega (SA) | Xola |
| 18 | Blaq Major Feat. Bless The Gentleman & DJ Kap (SA) | Sdakiwe Sbali |
| 19 | Pabi Cooper | Pabi Cooper, Focalis c and Thebuu – Pabi Jo [Ft. Lajere man and DJ DADAMAN] (Official Video) |
| 20 | SUPTA Feat. Thalitha & Bongani Sax (SA) | Kuzolunga |
Record Of The Year Nominees 2025
| Artist | Title | |
| 1 | Bassie x M-Touch x Ranger x Amaza feat. Tman Xpress & LeeMcKrazy | Kwelanga 2.0 |
| 2 | Blaq Major feat. Bless The Gentleman & Dj Kap | Sdakiwe Sbali |
| 3 | TitoM & Yuppe feat. S.N.E & EeQue | Tshwala Bam |
| 4 | Dlala Thukzin, Funky Qla & Zee Nxumalo feat. MK Produc ons | Ama Gear |
| 5 | Felo Le Tee x Sco s Maphuma x Thabza Tee feat. DJ Maphorisa & DJY Biza | Yebo Lapho |
| 6 | Mr Pilato x Ego Slimflow x Tebogo G Mashego feat. Sje Konka x Focalis c x Dj Maphorisa x Sco s Map | Biri Marung |
| 7 | Caiiro feat. Ami Faku | Ndisize |
| 8 | Kabza De Small, Mthunzi feat. MaWhoo | Amazwe |
| 9 | Dlala Thukzin feat. Zeh McGeba, & MK Produc ons | Sohlala Sisonke |
| 10 | Sam Deep X Azana | BoGogo |
| 11 | Tyler ICU, LeeMcKrazy feat. Tman Xpress, Visca, Ceeka RSA, Sjavasdadeejayj & Al Xapo | Ebasini |
| 12 | Shakes & Les, Leemckrazy | Funk 99 |
| 13 | Tyler ICU x DJ Maphorisa + Masterpiece YVK , Ceeka RSA, M.J, Silas Africa & Alxapo | Manzi Nte |
| 14 | Kelvin Momo, Babalwa M feat. S xx, Nia Pearl | Amalobolo |
| 15 | Kabza De Small ,Vigro Deep & DJ Maphorisa feat. Sco s Maphuma & Young Stunna | Wishi Wishi |
| 16 | Khathapillar X Sol Phenduka X Smash SA feat. Kamoh Xaba | Diqabang |
| 17 | Kharishma feat. Ba Bethe Gashoazen | Chokeslem |
| 18 | 2point1 feat. Bello M, Epic DJ, Seneath & XMorizo | Sthandwa Sam |
| 19 | Mthandeni SK feat. MaWhoo | Gucci |
| 20 | Kelvin Momo, Babalwa M feat. S xx & Baby S.O.N | Pholisa |