The countdown to the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) Homecoming Edition has shifted into top gear after the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) today unveiled the nominees for two of the awards’ most hotly contested public categories – Music Video of the Year and Record of the Year.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Sun City Superbowl in the North West Province on 15 August 2026, this year’s Homecoming Edition, themed “The Future Sounds Like Now Now,” promises to celebrate the artists who are redefining South African music and taking local sounds to the world.
The Music Video of the Year category showcases the industry’s finest visual storytellers, with stunning productions, while the equally fierce is the race for Record of the Year is one of the few categories decided entirely by the South African public. The nominations also underscore the extraordinary influence of artists nominated in SAMA 32.
The announcement marks another major milestone on the road to SAMA32 as anticipation continues to build ahead of South Africa’s biggest night in music. Voting for Record of the Year is expected to ignite passionate support from fans across the country as they rally behind their favourite artists in the only SAMA category determined exclusively by public votes.
Supported 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, 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. SAMA32 has evolved into far more than an awards ceremony. It has become a powerful destination marketing platform that showcases the North West Province as one of South Africa’s premier cultural and tourism destinations.
“The Road to SAMA32 has officially begun, and if these nominations are anything to go by, South Africa is in for an extraordinary celebration of musical excellence. The SAMA32 will take place on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at the Sun City Superbowl, North West Province,” said Unati Gwija, SAMA Spokesperson “As one of South Africa’s flagship cultural events, SAMA32 Homecoming Edition continues to showcase the power of music to position destinations, attract visitors and unlock inclusive economic growth. Hosted at the iconic Sun City Resort, the awards invite audiences to experience the North West as more than a host destination-it is a place where entertainment, culture, heritage and adventure converge. From immersive cultural experiences and authentic local cuisine to breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable hospitality, SAMA32 inspires travellers to explore the province while reinforcing the North West’s standing as one of Africa’s leading leisure, events and entertainment destinations,” concluded Gwija.
VOTING IS NOW OPEN!
Vote for your favourite Record of the Year nominee by SMSing the nominee code to 32253.
SMSes are charged. Terms and conditions apply.
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About the South African Music Awards (SAMAs)
The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) are the country’s premier music awards platform, recognising 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:
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YouTube: samusicawards
Facebook: South African Music Awards
Hashtag: #SAMA32
Website: www.samusicawards.co.za
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (MVOTY)
| Title | Artist | Nominee Code |
| Ngisakuthanda | Zee Nxumalo, TBO feat. PYY Log Drum King, DJ Tearz, Dr Thulz | MVOTY01 |
| Ngishutheni | Goon Flavour, Master KG, Eemoh | MVOTY02 |
| Uzizwa Kanjan | Jazzworx, MaWhoo, Thukuthela, GL_Ceejay | MVOTY03 |
| Mina Nawe | Goon Flavour, Master KG, Naledi Aphiwe | MVOTY04 |
| Ungangilimazi | DJ Moscow, Brandon Dhludhlu, Cnethemba Gonelo feat. Frank Mabeat | MVOTY05 |
| Bengicela | MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay, Thukuthela feat. JAZZWRLD, Jazzworx | MVOTY06 |
| Sdudla or Slender | Shandesh, Mvzzle | MVOTY07 |
| Magumba | Khadeair feat. Kaytah, Peekay Mzee | MVOTY08 |
| Shela | Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle feat. Mano | MVOTY09 |
| Isaka (6am) | Ciza, Jazzworx, Thukuthela | MVOTY10 |
| Mamma | Zee Nxumalo, Skillz, Sykes | MVOTY11 |
| Rato Laka | Shebeshxt, Naqua SA, Zee Nxumalo feat. Slidoo Man | MVOTY12 |
| uValo | Jazzworx, Thukuthela, Babalwa M feat. Dlala Thukzin | MVOTY13 |
| Sohlala Sisonke | Dlala Thukzin feat. Zeh McGeba, MK Productions | MVOTY14 |
| Sakha Wena | Makhadzi feat. DJ Gun Do, Kushi | MVOTY15 |
| Uyaphapha Marn | TNK MusiQ, DJ Maphorisa, Seun1401 feat. Scotts Maphuma, Kabelo Sings | MVOTY16 |
| Mali | Dlala Thukzin, Zee Nxumalo feat. Sykes | MVOTY17 |
| Dlala Ka Yona | DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, Enny Man Da Guitar feat. Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow, Sleazy | MVOTY18 |
| Romeo & Juliet | Naledi Aphiwe, Mawelele | MVOTY19 |
| Can’t Get | Casswell P, Nobuhle | MVOTY20 |
RECORD OF THE YEAR (ROTY)
| Title | Artist | Nominee Code |
| Bengicela | MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay, Thukuthela feat. Jazzworx | ROTY01 |
| Isaka (6am) | Ciza, Jazzworx, Thukuthela | ROTY02 |
| Uzizwa Kanjan | Jazzworx, MaWhoo, Thukuthela feat. GL_Ceejay | ROTY03 |
| Ngisakuthanda | Zee Nxumalo, TBO feat. PYY Log Drum King, DJ Tearz, Dr Thulz | ROTY04 |
| Abantwana Bakho | DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small feat. Thatohatsi, Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter | ROTY05 |
| Shela | Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle feat. Mano | ROTY06 |
| Vuka | Oscar Mbo, Jazzworx feat. Thukuthela | ROTY07 |
| Mali | Dlala Thukzin, Zee Nxumalo feat. Sykes | ROTY08 |
| Lutho | DJ Jaivane, Smaki 08, Wesley Keys feat. De Rose | ROTY09 |
| uValo | Jazzworx, Thukuthela, Babalwa M feat. Dlala Thukzin | ROTY10 |
| Uyoncengwa Unyoko | Umafikizolo | ROTY11 |
| Vuma dlozi lami | Issa Sisdoh feat. Ancestral Rituals | ROTY12 |
| Aweh | lordkez | ROTY13 |
| Rato Laka | Shebeshxt, Naqua SA, Zee Nxumalo feat. Slidoo Man | ROTY14 |
| Sdudla or Slender | Shandesh, Mvzzle | ROTY15 |
| uMA weNGANE | Thukuthela, Jazzworx, Sykes feat. Major League DJz | ROTY16 |
| Bo Gogo | Kelvin Momo, Da Muziqal Chef feat. Tracy, Thatohatsi | ROTY17 |
| Ngyozama | Kabza De Small, Dlala Thukzin feat. Sykes, Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter, Tracy, Thatohatsi | ROTY18 |
| UNIKHODIMA | NHLOSO KHWELA feat. Shenge wasehlalankosi | ROTY19 |
| Tholukuthi (Clap Song) | Jazzworx, GL_Ceejay, Thukuthela feat. MaWhoo | ROTY20 |