The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) recently unveiled the remarkable achievements of this year’s South African Music Awards (SAMAs) at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. The event, held on Saturday, November 18, dazzled audiences with a star-studded lineup featuring prominent figures like DBN Gogo, Pabi Cooper, Uncle Waffles, Kamo Mphela, and many others.
Amapiano, a genre born in South African townships, took center stage, showcasing Africa’s leading role in shaping the global music scene. The red carpet kicked off at 4:00 PM, leading to a live broadcast on SABC1 at 8:00 PM, followed by an electrifying after-party courtesy of Africa Fest. Ceehle Suntele, the spokesperson for Africa Fest, expressed excitement about the event’s success, highlighting the world-class production, captivating performances, and vibrant dancers that graced the stage. Africa Fest, a premier celebration of Amapiano artists, emphasized the genre’s significance and showcased top talent from South Africa.
The night belonged to Kabza De Small, securing an impressive four awards, including Best Duo/Group of The Year alongside DJ Maphorisa. Gospel sensation Ntokozo Mbambo clinched three accolades, while AKA, in a poignant moment, received awards posthumously. Africori, a music industry powerhouse, celebrated multiple wins, underscoring their influence in categories such as Best Afropop Album, Best Hip-Hop Album, and Best Traditional Music Album.
The ceremony also honored emerging talents like Myztro, Makhadzi, Mörda, Lloyiso, and others across various categories, recognizing their contributions to the diverse music landscape. Additionally, artists like K.O, Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini, and Nomcebo Zikode received prestigious awards for their outstanding achievements in the music industry. Notably, the event paid homage to music icons Mandoza, Gloria Bosman, Ihhashi Elimhlophe, and Pops Mohamed with Lifetime Achievement awards. The non-broadcast category winners, including Nduduzo Makhathini, Khuzani, Dumi Mkokstad, Bernice West, and Nathi, were also celebrated for their exceptional work in their respective genres.
Reflecting on the challenges faced, RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making SAMAs29 a resounding success. Sibisi congratulated the winners, praising their talent and contributions to South Africa’s vibrant music and entertainment industry. “SAMAs29 was a celebration amid challenges, showcasing our love for South African music and entertainment. Congratulations to our winners, and may their careers continue to shine as brightly as this unforgettable evening,” concluded Sibisi.
Below is the full list of winners:
Record of the Year
- Stimela – 2Point1 (feat. Ntate Stunna and Nthabi Sings)
Music Video of the Year
- Stimela – 2Point1 (feat. Ntate Stunna and Nthabi Sings)
Female Artist of the Year
- Ntokozo Mbambo – Lavish Worship
- Kelly Khumalo – From A God To A King
- Sincerely Anne – To Whom It May Concern
- Hle – Take Heart
- Thandi Ntuli – Blk Elijah & The Children of Meroë
Male Artist of the Year
- AKA – Mass Country
- Kabza De Small – KOA II Part 1
- Sjava – Isibuko
- K.O – SR3
- Lloyiso – Seasons
Duo/Group of the Year
- DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small – Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena
- DJ Maphorisa and Visca – Ba Straata
- Venom and Shishiliza – Love Is Pain
- Mafikizolo – Idwala
- Msaki and Tubatsi – Synthetic Hearts
Album of the Year
- Lavish Worship – Ntokozo Mbambo
- Mass Country – AKA
- SR3 – K.O
- Isibuko – Sjava
- KOA II Part 1 – Kabza De Small
Newcomer of the Year
- Myztro – 2.0 Nkwari
- Blakka Yut – Unleashed
- Sincerely Anne – To Whom It May Concern
- Lloyiso – Seasons
- Venom and Shishiliza – Love Is Pain
Best Amapiano Album
- KOA II Part 1 – Kabza De Small
- Amukelani – Kelvin Momo
- Ba Straata – DJ Maphorisa and Visca
- 2.0 Nkwari – Myztro
- Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena – DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small
Best Collaboration
- AKA featuring Nasty C – Lemons (Lemonade)
- K.O, Young Stunna featuring Blxckie – Sete
- DJ Maphorisa and Visca featuring 2woshortrsa, Stompiiey, ShaunMusiQ, Ftears and Madumane – Ba Straata
- Morda featuring Oscar Mbo and Murumba Pitch – Mohigan Sun
- AKA featuring Kiddominant – Company
Best Hip Hop Album
- This Is Religion – MashBeatz
- Mass Country – AKA
- SR3 – K.O
- Life is Gangsta – Thato Saul
- Diaspora – Maglera Doe Boy
Best Traditional Album
- African Queen 2.0 – Makhadzi
- Ke Bone Molelo O Timile – MmaAusi
- A Reyeng Bahurutshe – Oarabele France Makgore
- Obe Happy – Molebatsi Tsotetsi
- Inkabi Nation – Big Zulu
Beste Pop
- Jona – Bernice van der Westhuizen
- Insomnia – Brendan Peyper
- Loufi Flippen Loufi – Ifan-Luc Carlo Handel
- Hittegolf – Brandon Eloff
- Die Onbekende – Renier van der Westhuizen
Best Adult Contemporary Album
- Dark Secrets – Louise Carver
- Bait For Steps Forward – Nobuhle Ashanti
- Memories – Drakensberg Boys Choir
- Ndikhethiwe – Vusi Nova
- Love – Viwo Kulati
Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album
- Toe Roep Ek Jou Naam – Jan Blohm & Ryno Velvet
- Sing, Hoop, Weerklink – Prop
- Skree Net Sag – Alter Ego
- Ep In F – Herman Kleinhans
- Jagvat – Jan Rhaap
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
- Usiba Lwe Gazi – Nathi
- Celebrating African Song – Dumza Maswana,
- Smile – Choko
- I am Gold – S’nazo
- Ubuhle Ubuhle – Lethiwe Sithole
Best Alternative Album
- On the Romance of Being – Desire Marea
- Glitch Vol 2: The Future Is Now – uBeyond
- Synthetic Hearts – Msaki and Tubatsi
- Blue Lawns – The Great Yawn
- Leaving All The Time – Bye Beneco
Best African Indigenous Faith Album
- Emmanuel – JTG Gospel Choir
- Mantswe A Supileng – Spiritual Gospel Choir
- Ikhoni Mfuyo – In Zion of Christ
- Ba Ya Mo Nyatsa – Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo
- Ntate Le Rato La Hao – Ingqayizivele Gospel Choir
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
- Fire Beast – Vox Chamber Choir and Franco Prinsloo
- Live in Europe 22 – CH2
- One Night On Earth – Derek Gripper
- Maike – Juliet String Quartet
- Sanctuary – Carol Thorns
Best Reggae Album
- Unleashed – Blakka Yut
- Youth’s Cry – Botanist Mr Lamington
- Red Carpet Live – Maximum Stylez
- Flight More Riddim – Blackness Blue Productions
- Healing – Lavoro Duro
Best R&B Album
- But Could The Moments in Between – Ndumiso Manana
- Germander II – Lesego Kyle Mnyandu
- 4LUV (Deluxe) – Sihle Sithole
- Bad Weather – Nanette Siphesihle
- Passion Fruit – Kabomo
Best Dance Album
- Asante – Morda
- Next Level – Russell Zuma
- The Gospel According to Artwork Sounds – Grain
- WL4OM – Bonga Ntozini
- A New Dawn – Siyanda Makanya
Best Rock Album
- Kanniedood – Francois Badenhorst
- Fine Thanks, and You? – Russell Coward
- Hellcats – End of Days – Warwick Rautenbach/Alessandro Benigno
- Fuzigish – Malcolm King
- Testify – Basson Laubscher
Best Adult Contemporary Album
- Dark Secrets – Louise Carver
- Bait For Steps Forward – Nobuhle Ashanti
- Memories – Drakensberg Boys Choir
- Ndikhethiwe – Vusi Nova
- Love – Viwo Kulati
Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album
- Toe Roep Ek Jou Naam – Jan Blohm & Ryno Velvet
- Sing, Hoop, Weerklink – Prop
- Skree Net Sag – Alter Ego
- Ep In F – Herman Kleinhans
- Jagvat – Jan Rhaap
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
- Usiba Lwe Gazi – Nathi
- Celebrating African Song – Dumza Maswana,
- Smile – Choko
- I am Gold – S’nazo
- Ubuhle Ubuhle – Lethiwe Sithole
Best Alternative Album
- On the Romance of Being – Desire Marea
- Glitch Vol 2: The Future Is Now – uBeyond
- Synthetic Hearts – Msaki and Tubatsi
- Blue Lawns – The Great Yawn
- Leaving All The Time – Bye Beneco
Best African Indigenous Faith Album
- Emmanuel – JTG Gospel Choir
- Mantswe A Supileng – Spiritual Gospel Choir
- Ikhoni Mfuyo – In Zion of Christ
- Ba Ya Mo Nyatsa – Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo
- Ntate Le Rato La Hao – Ingqayizivele Gospel Choir
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
- Fire Beast – Vox Chamber Choir and Franco Prinsloo
- Live in Europe 22 – CH2
- One Night On Earth – Derek Gripper
- Maike – Juliet String Quartet
- Sanctuary – Carol Thorns
Best Reggae Album
- Unleashed – Blakka Yut
- Youth’s Cry – Botanist Mr Lamington
- Red Carpet Live – Maximum Stylez
- Flight More Riddim – Blackness Blue Productions
- Healing – Lavoro Duro
Best R&B Album
- But Could The Moments in Between – Ndumiso Manana
- Germander II – Lesego Kyle Mnyandu
- 4LUV (Deluxe) – Sihle Sithole
- Bad Weather – Nanette Siphesihle
- Passion Fruit – Kabomo
Best Dance Album
- Asante – Morda
- Next Level – Russell Zuma
- The Gospel According to Artwork Sounds – Grain
- WL4OM – Bonga Ntozini
- A New Dawn – Siyanda Makanya
Best Rock Album
- Kanniedood – Francois Badenhorst
- Fine Thanks, and You? – Russell Coward
- Hellcats – End of Days – Warwick Rautenbach/Alessandro Benigno
- Fuzigish – Malcolm King
- Testify – Basson Laubscher
Best Afropop Album
- Isibuko – Sjava
- From A God to A King – Kelly Khumalo
- Idwala – Mafikizolo
- Love is Pain – Venom
- Ekhayakomama – Philadlozi Mfekayi
Best Traditional Faith Album
- The Overflow – Dumi Mkokstad
- Hoja Ke Sena Wena – IPCC
- Ndiyabulela – Tsholofelo Ntuli
- The Grace Encounter Vol. 1 – Phumulani Radebe
- Sedi Laka – Brown Mosiapoa
Best Contemporary Faith Album
- Lavish Worship – Ntokozo Mbambo
- Mhalamhala – Brenden Praise
- Take Heart – Hle
- Restored: The Jesus Collective – The Jesus Collective
- Hope – Vincent Jiyane
Best Jazz Album
- In the Spirit of Ntu – Nduduzo Makhathini
- Isambulu – Linda Sikhakhane
- Blk Elija & The Children of Meroe – Thandi Ntuli
- The 1st Gospel – Mthunzi Mvubu
- Finish the Sun – Shane Cooper and Mabuta
Best Produced Music Video
- Shine – Elaine (producer: Shayna Gianelli; director: Jesse Ray Diamond)
- Lemons (Lemonade) – AKA featuring Nasty C (producer: Tebogo Mabaso; director: Nate Thomas)
- Sete – K.O featuring Young Stunna & Blxckie (producer: K.O, Tsholofelo Moremedi, Ted Magerman; director: Ted Magerman)
- Be Free – Desire Marea (producer: Will Nicholson; Director: Imraan Christian
- Been Thinking – Tyla (producer: Jimi Adesanya; director: Meiji Alabi)
Best Produced Album
- KOA II Part 1 – Kabza De Small (producer: Leslie George Theko, Artwork Sound, Da Muziqal Chef, Mdu aka TRP, Stakev, DJ Maphorisa and Felo Le Tee)
- Things We Don’t Talk About – Jimmy Nevis (producer: Darren Petersen)
- Amukelani – Kelvin Momo (producer: Kelvin Momo)
- Lindokuhle – Lindokuhle (producer: Mthunzi, Howard, Herc, Tshepo Morone, DJ Maphorisa, Masiano)
- Isibuko – Sjava (producer: Delayde, Ruff, Jah Cool)
Best Engineered Album
- Mass Country – AKA (engineered & produced by Robin Kohl and Itu)
- To Whom it May Concern – Sincerely Anne (engineered and produced by Tjaart van der Walt and Daniel Baron)
- Kanniedood – Francois van Coke (engineered & produced by Taylor Soundworks)
- Blk Elijah & The Children of Meroë – Thandi Ntuli (engineered & produced by Shane, Tshepo, Thandi & Clinton)
- Isibuko – Sjava, (engineered & produced by Ruff)
