Johannesburg, South Africa – The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) today announced the highly anticipated Top 5 nominees for SAMA31, unleashing the fiercest showdown in recent memory, with three powerhouse acts emerging as joint front-runners. Black Motion, Kelvin Momo, and Thandiswa Mazwai officially lead the SAMA31 race with five nominations each, tying as the most nominated artists of this year’s awards. Just below the leading trio, Sjava and Goldmax each hold three nominations, while several other formidable acts trail closely with two nods each — a powerful reminder that the SAMA stage remains a battleground of extraordinary talent, diversity, and musical brilliance, underscoring the depth and range of South Africa’s musical excellence.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Top 5 nominees of the 31st Annual South African Music Awards. Our Top 5 categories reflect a new era where talent, artistry, and resilience converge. Together, these artists represent a layered and competitive field where excellence is not confined to one sound or one era, but spread across genres and platforms – setting the stage for one of the most dynamic and unpredictable edition of the SAMAs in recent history” according to Unati Gwija, SAMA Spokesperson.
An elated Gwija explained that “The much-vaunted Top 5 announcement is more than just a roll-call of nominees, it’s the ignition point for the SAMA countdown. By revealing the musicians vying for Album of the Year, Duo or Group of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year, RiSA sets the stage for SAMA31. This moment signals the start of the race toward the ceremony, building hype, sharpening the rivalries, and rallying fans behind their favourites as the nation counts down to SAMA31.”
Backed by powerhouse partners – Motsepe Foundation, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), YouTube, Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), with 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.
“On behalf of RiSA and the SAMA office, we extend heartfelt thanks to the judges, whose tireless listening and deliberation honour the integrity of this process. Their work ensures the Top 5 trailblazers are celebrated with the respect it deserves,” concluded Gwija.
Social media handles
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Twitter: @TheSAMAs
TikTok: thesamas_
YouTube: samusicawards
Facebook: South African Music Awards
Hashtag: #SAMA31
Website: www.samusicawards.co.za
| Male artist of the year | |||
| ENTRY TILE | STAGE NAME | ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE | |
| According to Grace, A One Man Show | Ayanda Ntanzi | Ayanda Ntanzi | |
| After All | LUWE DA LION | LUNGA HERCULES WELA | |
| Angidlali Nezingane | Khuzani | ||
| Ntsako | Kelvin Momo | Thato Kelvin Letwaba | |
| Play At Your Own Risk | Goldmax | Zipho Mthembu | |
| Female artist of the year | |||
| ENTRY TILE | STAGE NAME | ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE | |
| Miracle Child (Deluxe) | Makhadzi Entertainment | Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona | |
| Sankofa | Thandiswa Mazwai | Thandiswa Mazwai | |
| Seven | Melanie Scholtz | ||
| Stone Cold Heart | Elaine | Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli | |
| Inja Ye Game | Zee Nxumalo | Zandile Ndlovu | |
| Duo or group of the year | |||
| ENTRY TILE | STAGE NAME | ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE | |
| These Blues Might Get You Too | MaxX & Love | Katlego Monticoe | |
| Takala | Black Motion | Thabo Roy Mabogwane | |
| Morena Re Ya Leboga | JTG Gospel Choir | JTG Gospel Choir | |
| Eindbestemming | Spoegwolf | Danie Du Toit | |
| Ematshwaleni | Kususa | Joshua Sihle Sokweba | |
| Album of the year | |||
| ENTRY TILE | STAGE NAME | ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE | |
| According to Grace, A One Man Show | Ayanda Ntanzi | Ayanda Ntanzi | |
| After All | LUWE DA LION | LUNGA HERCULES WELA | |
| Ntsako | Kelvin Momo | Thato Kelvin Letwaba | |
| Play At Your Own Risk | Goldmax | Zipho Mthembu | |
| Sankofa | Thandiswa Mazwai | Thandiswa Mazwai | |
| Newcomer of the year | |||
| ENTRY TILE | STAGE NAME | ARTIST OR GROUP TITLE | |
| Apho Kungenje | Ncesh Nonxishi | ||
| Busa Jeso | House of Mercy | Thapelo | |
| Lindiwe | Nontokozo Mkhize | ||
| Living Word | Mmangaliso | ||
| Ngathi Nguye | Umafikizolo | ||