By Levy Masiteng
It was a night of glitz, glamour and exceptional song at the 31st South African Music Awards (SAMA31) on Sunday night at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
Gucci by Mthandeni SK featuring MaWhoo won both Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
Kelvin Momo took Best Amapiano Album for Ntsako, while Thandiswa Mazwai won Best Engineered Album for Sankofa!
Also among the winners: Kabza de Small won Highest Airplay Composer for Isimo, Dlala Thukzin won Best Dance Album for Finally Famous Too, 25K won Best Hip Hop Album for Loyal to the Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms, and Melanie Scholtz won Best Adult Contemporary Album for Seven.
The awards carried the theme Flowers For Those Who Keep Our Nation Singing.
During the ceremony, electrifying performances were seen by Zee Nxumalo, who brought the house down with her energetic set. Other performers included Spoegwolf, 25K, and TonyDayimane. They all took to the stage to celebrate the country’s rich musical heritage.
“Every guest brought their A-game, transforming the venue into a garden of stylish expressions. Whether they won an award or simply owned the carpet, their style was magnificent! Swipe to see the attendees who nailed the evening’s luxurious vibe,” according to the SAMA awards X account.
Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said the SAMAs were not just about trophies, but legacy, impact, and stories the nation is told through music.
The awards were sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation, a long-time supporter of the South African music industry.
“We wanted to celebrate artists not just for their achievements, but for their courage to create,” said Unati Gwija, SAMA spokesperson.
“’Flowers For Those Who Keep Our Nation Singing’ is a call to appreciation, to give our artists their flowers now. It is about recognising the musicians, producers, composers and collaborators who keep South Africa singing, who turn struggle into sound and rhythm into resilience,” said Gwija.
The full list of winners:
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Melanie Scholtz: Seven
Best African Adult Contemporary Album: Thandiswa Mazwai: Sankofa
Best Afro Pop Album: Sjava: Isibuko (Deluxe)
Best Alternative Album: Francis Soul: Hindsight 2020
Best Amapiano Album: Kelvin Momo: Ntsako
Best Classical/Instrumental Album: Derek Gripper: Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper
Best Collaboration: Black Motion: Takala
Best Dance Album: Dlala Thukzin: Finally Famous Too
Best Engineered Album: Thandiswa Mazwai: Sankofa
Best Gqom Album: Goldmax: Play At Your Own Risk
Best Hip Hop Album: 25K: Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms
Best Jazz Album: Peter Auret: Hope Dies Last
Best Maskandi Album: Khuzani: Angidlali Nezngane
Best Produced Album: Thandiswa Mazwai: Sankofa
Best Produced Music Video: Shekhinah: Risk
Best R&B/Soul Album: Elaine: Stone Cold Heart
Best Reggae Album: Luwe Da Lion: After All
Best Rock Album: MaxX & Love: These Blues Might Get You Too
Best Traditional Faith Music Album: Ayanda Ntanzi: According to Grace, A One Man Show
Best Traditional Music Album: Makhadzi Entertainment: Miracle Child (Deluxe)
Best Contemporary Music Album: Spoegwolf: Eindbestemming
Remix of the Year: Mpho.Wav: Hlala
Rest of Africa Award (South Africans Excluded): Ayra Starr: The Year I Turned 21
Best African Indigenous Faith Album: JTG Gospel Choir: Morena Re Ya Leboga
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album: Takie Ndou: The Glory
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