16 August 2026, Sun City, North West – The 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) Homecoming Edition continued its celebration of South Africa’s rich musical tapestry on Saturday evening, with a second wave of winners honoured across gospel, traditional music, pop, amapiano, Maskandi and other genres, while two of the country’s most significant musical figures, Oskido and Tyla, received special recognition for their outstanding contributions to South African music.
Day Two of SAMA32 was hosted by Cassper Nyovest and Zanele Potelwa, who brought their energy and personality to an evening that celebrated the breadth and diversity of South Africa’s music industry.
Among the night’s notable winners was HLE, who took home both the Lesedi FM Female Artist of the Year award and the SAMPrA Album of the Year award for The Ground We’re On. Mzukulu also enjoyed a strong showing, winning the Motsweding FM Male Artist of the Year and uKhozi FM Best Maskandi Album awards for Ng’funa Intozami.
Other winners included Amadodana Ase Wesile, who were named Radio 2000 Duo/Group of the Year, while Nontokozo Mkhize claimed the SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award for Esandleni. Rising star Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini was recognised as SABC 1 Newcomer of the Year, underlining the SAMAs’ continued commitment to recognising both established excellence and emerging talent.
The Lifetime Achievement and International Recognition segment provided one of the evening’s most memorable moments. Legendary producer, DJ and music entrepreneur Oskido, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and global superstar Tyla, who received the AfriPure International Achievement Award, used their moments on stage to celebrate the broader music community. Both icons congratulated their fellow nominees and encouraged artists to remain committed to their craft and continue working towards their dreams. Tyla, in particular, turned the spotlight towards some of the South African artists who have inspired her, calling them onto the stage and acknowledging the influence they have had on her own journey. Her heartfelt expression of love for South Africa added an especially poignant moment to a segment that connected the country’s musical past, present and future.
The evening also celebrated excellence across a diverse range of genres. Bucy Radebe won Best Traditional Faith Music Album for Praise & Worship in the Wilderness, Pt. 1, while Makhadzi Entertainment took Best Traditional Music Album for Sesi Ka Rose. Will Linley was named winner of Best Pop Album for Don’t Cry Because It’s Over, while Brendan Peyper took home Beste Pop Album for Troumateriaal. In the amapiano space, Kabza De Small was recognised for Best Amapiano Album for Bab’Motha.
The CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year went to Abantwana Bakho, by DJ Maphorisa and XDuppy, featuring Thatohatsi, Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter, reflecting the continued dominance and evolution of South African music on streaming platforms.
RiSA CEO, Nhlanhla Sibisi, said the second night of SAMA32 demonstrated the depth, diversity and resilience of South African music.
“SAMA32 has once again reminded us that South African music is built on generations of talent, creativity and perseverance. Tonight we celebrated artists who are shaping the sound of our country today, while also honouring those whose contribution has laid the foundation for future generations. From emerging voices to established icons, this is the story of a music industry that continues to evolve, inspire and reach audiences far beyond our borders.”
SAMA32 Spokesperson, Ms Unati Gwija said the Homecoming Edition had delivered on its promise to celebrate the full breadth of the country’s music industry.
“The beauty of SAMA32 is that every award tells a different story. Tonight we celebrated excellence across genres, generations and musical traditions, while also recognising the international impact of South African artists. The moments shared by Oskido and Tyla captured the spirit of this year’s SAMAs perfectly – a celebration of where we come from, where we are now and the limitless possibilities of where South African music can go next.”
The SAMA32 Homecoming Edition has brought the awards back to Sun City in the North West Province, reconnecting the country’s premier music awards with a province that has played a significant role in the history of the SAMAs. The return to the North West has also positioned the awards as a celebration of music, culture, tourism and the creative economy.
Backed by a formidable partnership that includes the Motsepe Foundation, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), SA Tourism, SABC, IOL, Great Africa Group, the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), RiSA Audio Visual (RAV), MNM Funerals, Settlers Media and NX – the SAMA32 has evolved into far more than South Africa’s premier music awards. It has become a dynamic destination- marketing platform placing the North West Province in the international spotlight as a vibrant centre of culture, tourism, creativity and investment.
SAMA32 Day Two Winners:
- Lesedi FM Female Artist of the Year: HLE
- Motsweding FM Male Artist of the Year: Mzukulu
- Radio 2000 Duo / Group of the Year: Amadodana Ase Wesile
- SAMPrA Album of the Year: HLE – The Ground We’re On
- CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year: Abantwana Bakho – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy, featuring Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter
- SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award: Nontokozo Mkhize – Esandleni
- SABC 1 Newcomer of the Year: Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini
- AfriPure International Achievement Award: Tyla
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Oskido
- Best Traditional Faith Music Album: Bucy Radebe – Praise & Worship in the Wilderness, Pt. 1
- Best Traditional Music Album: Makhadzi Entertainment – Sesi Ka Rose
- Best Pop Album: Will Linley – Don’t Cry Because It’s Over
- uKhozi FM Best Maskandi Album: Mzukulu – Ng’funa Intozami
- Beste Pop Album: Brendan Peyper – Troumateriaal
- Best Amapiano Album: Kabza De Small – Bab’Motha
About the South African Music Awards
The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) are South Africa’s premier music awards, presented by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) to recognise and celebrate excellence, achievement and contribution across the country’s vibrant music industry.
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