The South African Music Awards once again gathered the industry under one roof to acknowledge the work that carried sound, stories and cultural expression across the year. The ceremony unfolded as a showcase of variety, where established names stood alongside new voices and genres from faith music to gqom, amapiano, jazz, hip hop and classical were given equal space to shine. Rather than chasing spectacle, the night focused on recognising bodies of work that connected with audiences through authenticity and reach.
International recognition formed part of the celebration, with Ayra Starr taking home The Rest of Africa Award for The Year was Turned 21, reflecting the continued exchange between South African audiences and the broader continent. Faith-based music held a strong presence, as artists such as Takie Ndou, JTG Gospel Choir, and Ayanda Ntanzi were acknowledged for projects that resonated deeply within their communities. These wins highlighted how spiritual music continues to maintain a meaningful place in the country’s listening habits. In the heartland of tradition, Khuzani stood tall, claiming Best Maskandi Album for Angidlali Nezingane, while Sjava’s Isibuko (Deluxe) captured Best Afro Pop Album, its introspective depth resonating far beyond the stage. The late Solomon Majafela Molokoane, better known as Solly Moholo, was honoured posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Veteran excellence was equally honoured. Thandiswa Mazwai’s Sankofa emerged as one of the most recognised projects of the evening, earning multiple awards that affirmed its impact across several categories. In the same breath, acts like Spitwolf, Elaine, Peter Auret and Melanie Scholtz were celebrated for albums that spoke to diverse audiences without chasing trends. Hip hop found its champion in 25K, whose Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms secured Hip Hop Album of the Year. Crossing borders and oceans, Newer voices were also welcomed into the spotlight, with Nontokozo Mkhize receiving the Newcomer of the Year award, marking an important milestone early in her career.
Dance floors and streaming platforms were represented through wins by Kelvin Momo, Dlala Thukzin, Bassie and Kabza de Small, reflecting the strong presence of contemporary sounds in daily listening. Goldmax stood tall as one of the most decorated artists of the night, with Play at Your Own Risk earning top honours that underscored its wide reception. Group achievements were also recognised, with Black Motion collecting awards that celebrated collaboration and collective artistry.
Beyond the trophies, the SAMA31 stage burned bright with unforgettable performances. Zee Nxumalo ignited the night with a show-stopping opening that set the pulse racing, while Kusasa and Kaylow delivered mesmerising sets that had the audience swaying, singing and surrendering to the music.
“There were a lot of winners and surprises as SAMA31 dropped, and it’s been a memorable hybrid event that will go into the history books,” said Unati Gwija, SAMA Spokesperson. “History was made, legends were born, and the South African music scene is still reeling. The legends have been cemented, and those crafting their own legacies have left us speechless. A proud moment indeed, as our very own stars shone brighter than ever.”
Revellers arrived dressed to the nines, their elegance echoing the night’s theme, “Flowers For Those Who Keep Our Nation Singing” a heartfelt call to appreciation and presence. It was a reminder to give our artists their flowers now, to honour the musicians, producers, composers and collaborators who keep South Africa’s soundtrack alive, transforming struggle into song and turning rhythm into resilience.
“With the 31st edition dusted and artists adorned, the SAMAs have once again solidified their throne as South Africa’s music night to remember,” Gwija added. “The cream of the crop rose to the top, and we couldn’t be more obsessed. A huge shout-out to our talented artists who brought the house down with jaw-dropping performances and show-stopping wins. To our esteemed judges, thank you for your expertise and discerning taste. And to our incredible sponsors – your support is the rhythm that keeps the music playing. We salute you.”
With powerhouse partners including 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), YouTube, and Gauteng Provincial Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, GAC Motor and media partner SABC. SAMA31 stood tall – not just as an awards ceremony, but as a living archive of South African sound.
As the final notes faded and the lights dimmed, one truth rang clear: this was not just a night of awards – it was a night where South African music remembered itself, reclaimed itself, and rose, resplendent, into history.
Below is the full winners list from the evening:
- The Rest of Africa Award: Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21
- Best Contemporary Faith Music Album: Takie Ndou
- Best African Indigenous Faith Music Album: JTG Gospel Choir – Morena re ya Leboga
- Remix of the Year: Mpho.Wav – Hlala
- Female Artist of the Year: Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa
- Best African Adult Contemporary Album: Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa
- Best Engineered Album: Sankofa
- Best Produced Album: Sankofa
- Best Contemporary Music Album: Spitwolf – Final Destination
- Best Traditional Faith Music Album: Ayanda Ntanzi – According to Grace, A One Man Show
- Best Produced Music Video: Shekhinah ft Moliey – Risk
- Best Rock Album: MaxX & Love – These Blues Might Get You Too
- Best Reggae Album: Luwe Da Lion – After All
- Record of the Year: Mthandeni SK ft MaWhoo – Gucci
- Music Video of the Year: Mthandeni SK ft MaWhoo – Gucci
- Album of the Year: Goldmax – Play at Your Own Risk
- Male Artist of the Year: Goldmax – Play at Your Own Risk
- Best Gqom Album: Goldmax – Play at Your Own Risk
- Duo/Group of the Year: Black Motion – Takala!
- Best Collaboration: Black Motion – Takala ft Afrikan Roots, DJ Buckz & Morda
- Best R&B/Soul Album: Elaine – Stone Cold Heart
- Best Jazz Album: Peter Auret – Hope Dies Last
- Most Streamed Song of the Year: Bassie – Kwelanga 2.0 ft M Touch, Ranger, Amaza, Tman Xpress, LeeMcKrazy & Zimmy
- Best Classical/Instrumental Album: Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper
- Highest Airplay Composer: Kabza de Small – Isimo
- Best Dance Album: Dlala Thukzin – Finally Famous Too
- Newcomer of the Year: Nontokozo Mkhize – Lindiwe
- Best Maskandi Album: Khuzani – Angidlali Nezingane
- Best Alternative Album: Francis Soal – Hindsight 2020
- Best Afro Pop Album: Sjava – Isibuko (Deluxe)
- Best Traditional Music Album: Makhadzi Entertainment – Miracle Child (Deluxe)
- Best Adult Contemporary Album: Melanie Scholtz – Seven
- Best Hip Hop Album: 25K – Loyal to the Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms
- Best Amapiano Album: Kelvin Momo – Ntsako
