SAMA31 Turns Up the Heat – Top 5 Nominees Announced

The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) today announced the highly anticipated Top 5 nominees for SAMA31, unleashing the fiercest showdown in recent memory, with three powerhouse acts emerging as joint front-runners. Black Motion, Kelvin Momo, and Thandiswa Mazwai officially lead the SAMA31 race with five nominations each, tying as the most nominated artists of this year’s awards. Just below the leading trio, Sjava and Goldmax each hold three nominations, while several other formidable acts trail closely with two nods each — a powerful reminder that the SAMA stage remains a battleground of extraordinary talent, diversity, and musical brilliance, underscoring the depth and range of South Africa’s musical excellence. 

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Top 5 nominees of the 31st Annual South African Music Awards. Our Top 5 categories reflect a new era where talent, artistry and resilience converge. Together, these artists represent a layered and competitive field where excellence is not confined to one sound or one era, but spread across genres and platforms – setting the stage for one of the most dynamic and unpredictable editions of the SAMAs in recent history” according to Unati Gwija, SAMA Spokesperson. 

An elated Gwija explained that “The much-vaunted Top 5 announcement is more than just a roll-call of nominees, it’s the ignition point for the SAMA countdown. By revealing the musicians vying for Album of the Year, Duo or Group of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year, RiSA sets the stage for SAMA31. This moment signals the start of the race toward the ceremony, building hype, sharpening the rivalries, and rallying fans behind their favourites as the nation counts down to SAMA31.”

Backed by powerhouse partners – Motsepe Foundation, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), YouTube, Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), with SABC as media partner – the SAMAs remain the gold standard of South African music, amplifying diverse voices, fuelling inclusivity across genres, and championing the nation’s vibrant music ecosystem.

“On behalf of RiSA and the SAMA office, we extend heartfelt thanks to the judges, whose tireless listening and deliberation honour the integrity of this process. Their work ensures the Top 5 trailblazers are celebrated with the respect it deserves,” concluded Gwija.

Male artist of the year

Best Traditional Faith Music Album – According to Grace, A One Man Show by Ayanda Ntanzi
Best Reggae Album – After All by LUWE DA LION
Best Maskandi Album – Angidlali Nezingane by Khuzani
Best Amapiano Album – Ntsako by Kelvin Momo
Best Gqom Album – Play At Your Own Risk by Goldmax

Female artist of the year

Best Traditional Music Album – Miracle Child (Deluxe) by Makhadzi
Best African Adult Contemporary Album – Sankofa Thandiswa Mazwai
Best Adult Contemporary Album – Seven by Melanie Scholtz
Best R&B/Soul Album – Stone Cold Heart by Elaine
Best Amapiano Album – Inja Ye Game by Zee Nxumalo

Duo or group of the year

Best Rock Album – These Blues Might Get You Too by MaxX & Love
Best Collaboration – Takala by Black Motion
Best African Indigenous Faith Album – Morena Re Ya Leboga by JTG Gospel Choir
Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album – Eindbestemming Spoegwolf by Danie Du Toit
Best Collaboration – Ematshwaleni by Kususa

Album of the year

Best Traditional Faith Music Album – According to Grace, A One Man Show by Ayanda Ntanzi
Best Reggae Album – After All by LUWE DA LION
Best Amapiano Album – Ntsako by Kelvin Momo
Best Gqom Album – Play At Your Own Risk by Goldmax
Best African Adult Contemporary Album – Sankofa by Thandiswa Mazwai

Newcomer of the year

Best Jazz Album – Apho Kungenje by Ncesh Nonxishi
Best African Indigenous Faith Album – Busa Jeso by House of Mercy
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album – Lindiwe by Nontokozo Mkhize
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album – Living Word by Mmangaliso
Best Maskandi Album – Ngathi Nguye by Umafikizolo