In a crescendo of anticipation, the South African Music Awards, fondly known as SAMA, unveiled their 29th edition’s nominees at a lively gathering held at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani, Soweto. The music industry’s glitterati and aficionados congregated to celebrate the outstanding talents that have defined the South African music landscape between February 1, 2022, and April 14, 2023. “The announcement is a culmination of months of preparations behind the scenes as committees comprised of major and independent labels finalized SAMA29 rules and judging criteria as well as the selection of judges drawn from the music industry and ancillary professionals in media, academic institutions, and cultural bodies. Simply put, the SAMA puts the artist first and is driven by the industry, for the industry,” proclaimed SAMA Project Lead Refiloe Ramogase in his welcoming address.

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Leading the charge with an impressive seven nominations is the late AKA, whose album “Mass Country” has left an indelible mark across several categories including Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Engineered Album, Best Hip-Hop Album, Best Collaboration (for the single “Lemons (Lemonade)” featuring Nasty C), Best Collaboration (for the single “Company” featuring Kiddominant), and Best Produced Music Video (for “Lemons (Lemonade)” featuring Nasty C).

Rapper K.O is hot on AKA’s heels, amassing an impressive six nominations for his album “SR3” and the single “Sete” featuring Young Stunna and Blxckie. K.O’s nominations span categories like Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Hip Hop Album, Best Collaboration, Best Produced Music Video, and Remix of the Year for “Sete” featuring Young Stunna, Oxlade, and Diamond Platnumz. Sjava, with his album “Isibuko,” secured nominations in the fiercely contested categories of Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Produced Album, and Best Engineered Album. The maestros of Amapiano, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, earned a respectable four and three nominations, respectively, and also clinched two nods for their collaboration as Scorpion Kings.

Sincerely Anne, on the other hand, bagged an impressive trio of nominations for Newcomer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Best Engineered Album for “To Whom it May Concern.” Ntokozo Mbambo’s “Lavish Worship” is the sole female contender in the Album of the Year category. She also stands as a nominee for the Female Artist of the Year award and Best Contemporary Faith Album. The Maskandi Album category promises a musical showdown between Menzi with “Ngeke Ungiphathe,” Khuzani for “Umqhele Nethawula,” Thokozani Langa’s “Is’khiye Se-Coldroom,” Abafana Bakamgqumeni for “Iphakade Lami,” and Inkos’yamagcokama with “Home Alone.” For jazz enthusiasts, the Best Jazz Album category boasts formidable contenders, including Linda Sikhakhane’s “In the Spirit of Ntu,” Nduduzo Makhathini’s “Blk Elija & The Children of Meroë,” Mthunzi Mvubu’s “The 1st Gospel,” and Shane Cooper and Mabuta’s “Finish the Sun.” These nominations exemplify the diverse array of musical genres that South Africa has to offer, showcasing the competitive spirit that fuels creativity and innovation in the music industry.

The nominees’ reveal event, masterfully hosted by television personality Nomalanga Shozi, also marked a significant announcement: KwaZulu-Natal province will serve as the home of the SAMA Awards for the next three years. The event drew a prestigious crowd of dignitaries, including Siboniso Duma, the MEC of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), high-ranking government officials, musicians, entertainment personalities, and influencers.

KZN EDTEA Minister Siboniso Duma expressed, “We bring warm wishes from more than 11.2 million citizens from the Zulu Kingdom. The majority of people back home are excited that we are here for this historic announcement. We are humbled by the fact that we will host SAMA Awards over the next three years.”

Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager of SABC Video Entertainment, emphasized the channel’s commitment to celebrating local music, saying, “South African music plays a major role, and as SABC1, we always want to make sure that local music is celebrated. The channel’s partnership with the South African Music Awards shows our commitment in supporting the legacy of local artists as they continue to produce music of all genres for South Africans to enjoy. Congratulations to all the SAMA29 nominees.”

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi extended his congratulations to the nominees, acknowledging their artistry, resilience, and tenacity. He affirmed, “We are proud to present the class of SAMA29, who over a 14-month period put out some of the best tunes, collaborations, and music videos in the country. We commend their artistry, resilience, and tenacity that have led to them rising to the top and positioning themselves to be in line for the highest music accolade South Africa can bestow on an artist. We wish them well as we embark on the road to SAMA29 in KwaZulu-Natal.”

In a year that has seen the South African music scene reach new heights of creativity and innovation, the SAMA29 nominees promise a thrilling celebration of the country’s musical prowess, set to captivate audiences and artists alike. The stage is set, and the spotlight awaits those who will claim the coveted trophies at this year’s SAMA Awards.

Full list of nominees

Best Engineered Album

• To Whom It May Concern – Sincerely Anne, Engineered by Tjaart van der Walt & Daniel Baron
• Mass Country – AKA, Engineered by Robin Kohl & Itu
• Kanniedood – Francois van Coke, Engineered by Taylor Soundworks
• Blk Elijah & The Children of Meroë – Thandi Ntuli, Engineered by Shane, Tshepo, Thandi & Clinton
• Isibuko – Sjava Engineered by Ruff

Best African Adult Contemporary Album

• Celebrating African Song – Dumza Maswana
• Smile – Choko
• I am Gold – S’nazo
• Usiba Lwe Gazi – Nathi
• Ubuhle – Lethiwe Sithole

Best Alternative Album

• Glitch Vol. 2: The Future Is Now – uBeyond
• Synthetic Hearts – Msaki x Tubatsi
• Blue Lawns – The Great Yawn
• Leaving All The Time – Bye Beneco
• On The Romance of Being – Desire Marea

Best Amapiano Album

• Amukelani – Kelvin Momo
• Ba Straata – DJ Maphorisa and Visca
• 2.0 Nkwari – Myztro
• KOA II Part 1 – Kabza De Small
• Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena – DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small

Best Classical/Instrumental Album

• Live In Europe 22 – CH2
• Fire Beast – Vox Chamber Choir & Franco Prinsloo
• One Night On Earth (Live in Concert) – Derek Gripper
• Maike – Juliet String Quartet
• Sanctuary – Carol Thorns

Best Collaboration

• K.O feat Young Stunna & Blxckie – Sete
• AKA feat Nasty C – Lemons (Lemonade)
• DJ Maphorisa and Visca feat 2woshort, Stompiiey, ShaunMusiq, Ftears and Madumane – Ba Straata
• Morda & Oscar Mbo feat Murumba Pitch – Mohigan Sun
• AKA & Kiddominant – Company

Best Pop Album

• Things We Don’t Talk About – Jimmy Nevis
• Heard You Got Love – Jeremy Loops
• Game Over – Tyler Page
• Seasons – Lloyiso
• Petrichor – Amy Lilley

Best Produced Album

• Things we Don’t Talk About – Jimmy Nevis, Produced by Darren Petersen
• KOA II Part 1 – Kabza De Small, Produced by Da Muziqal Chef, Mdu aka TRP, Stakev, DJ Maphorisa, Felo Le Tee
• Amukelani – Kelvin Momo, Produced by Kelvin Momo
• Lindokuhle – Mlindo the Vocalist, Produced by Mthunzi, Howard, Herc, Tshepo Morome, DJ Maphorisa, Masiano
• Isibuko – Sjava Produced by Webmoms, Delayde, Ruff, Jah Cool

Best Produced Music Video

• AKA ft Nasty C – Lemons (Lemonade), Produced by Tebogo Mabaso, Directed By Nate Thomas
• K.O ft Young Stunna & Blxckie – Sete, Directed by Ted Magerman, Produced by K.O, Tsholofelo Moremedi & Ted Magerman
• Desire Marea – Be Free, Directed by Imraan Christian, Produced by Will Nicholson
• Tyla – Been Thinking, Directed by Meiji Alabi, Producer Jimi Adesanya
• Elaine – Shine, Directed by Jesse Ray Diamond, Produced by Shayna Gianelli

Best R&B/Soul Album

• 4LUV (Deluxe) – Blxckie
• But Could The Moments in Between – Manana
• Germander II – FLVME
• Bad Weather – Nanette
• Passion Fruit – Kabomo

Best Reggae Album

• Ghetto Youth’s Cry – Botanist Mr Lamington
• Unleashed – Blakka Yut
• Maximum Stylez Presents: Red Carpet Live, Vol 1 – Various Artists (Edna Montse, Pepsin, Skeleton Blazer, Reign Afrika, Zama Sunshine & Moon Queen)
• Flight Mode Riddim – Blackness Blue Productions
• Healing – Lavoro Duro

Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album

• Sing, Hoop, Weerklink – Prop
• Skree Net Sag – ALTEREGO
• Ep In F – Herman Kleinhans
• Jagvat – Jan Rhaap
• Toe Roep Ek Jou Naam – Jan Blohm & Ryno Velvet
• Katryn – Stefan Jansen

Remix of the Year

• Mörda & Yallunder – Ndinovalo, remixed by Mörda (Bongani Mohosana)
• K.O ft Young Stunna, Oxlade & Diamond Platnumz – Sete, remixed by K.O
• Citizen Deep and Mzux Maen ft Yasmin Levy – Hayii Citizen Deep Remix, remixed by Citizen Deep
• Lebo Mathosa – Au Dede (ft Karyendasoul), remixed by Karyendasoul
• Myztro ft Focalistic, Daliwonga, ShaunMusiQ, Ftears – Tobetsa Remake, remixed by Myztro, ShaunMusiQ and FTears.

Rest Of Africa Award

• Sad Romance – Ckay
• Timeless – Davido
• Worry < – Tim Lyre
• Dynastie – Ferre Gola
• Sounds of Peace – Moreira Chonguiça
• I’m Alive – Sha Sha

Best Gqom Album

• Fikelephi – Sizwe Mdlalose
• Meeting With The King – DJ Lag
• Love & Light – Cairo CPT
• Nande 2.0 – DJ Sandiso
• Ithuba – Newlandz Finest

Best African Indigenous Faith Album

• Ba Ya Mo Nyatsa – Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo
• Mantswe a Supileng – Spiritual Gospel Choir
• Ikhoni Mfuyo – In Zion of Christ
• Emmanuel (Farewell to Phodiso Joel Kgaudi) – JTG Gospel Choir
• Ntate le Rato la hao – Ingqayizivele Gospel Choir

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

Duo/Group of the Year

• DJ Maphorisa & Visca – Ba Straata
• Venom & Shishiliza – Love is Pain
• Mafikizolo – Idwala
• DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small – Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena
• Msaki x Tubatsi – Synthetic Hearts

Female Artist of the Year

• Kelly Khumalo – From A God To A King
• Ntokozo Mbambo – Lavish Worship
• Sincerely Anne – To Whom It May Concern
• Hle – Take Heart
• Thandi Ntuli – Blk Elijah and The Children of Moroë

Best Dance Album

• Next Level – Russell Zuma
• Asante – Mörda
• We Live 4 Our Music (W4LOM) – Karyendasoul
• The Gospel According to Artwork Sounds – Artwork Sounds
• A New Dawn – DJ Kabila

Best Adult Contemporary Album

• Memories – Drakensberg Boys Choir
• Ndikhethiwe – Vusi Nova
• Love – Viwo Kulati
• Dark Secrets – Louise Carver
• Bait For Steps Forward – Nobuhle Ashanti

Best Afro-Pop Album

• Love is Pain – Venom & Shishiliza
• Idwala – Mafikizolo
• From A God To A King – Kelly Khumalo
• Isibuko – Sjava
• Ekhayakomama – Phila Dlozi

Best HipHop Album

• Diaspora – Maglera Doe Boy
• Life is Gangsta – Thato Saul
• SR3 – K.O
• Mass Country – AKA
• This Is Religion – MashBeatz

Best Jazz Album

• Finish The Sun – Shane Cooper & Mabuta
• The 1^st Gospel – Mthunzi Mvubu
• Blk Elijah & The Children of Moroë – Thandi Ntuli
• The Spirit of Ntu – Nduduzo Makhathini
• Isambulo – Linda Sikhakhane

Male Artist of the Year

• Kabza De Small – KOA II Part 1
• AKA – Mass Country
• Sjava – Isibuko
• K.O – SR3
• Lloyiso – Seasons

Album of the Year

• AKA – Mass Country
• K.O – SR3
• Sjava – Isibuko
• Kabza De Small – KOA II Part 1
• Lavish Worship – Ntokozo Mbambo

Best Rock Album

• Testify – Basson Laubscher & The Violent Free Peace
• Fine Thanks, and You? – Shortstraw
• Fuzigish – Fuzigish
• Hellcats – End of Days
• Kanniedood – Francois van Coke

Best Maskandi Album

• Home Alone – Inkos’yamagcokama
• Ngeke Ungiphathe – Menzi
• Is’khiye Se-Coldroom – Thokozani Langa
• Iphakade lami – Abafana Baka Mqgumeni
• Umqhele neThawula – Khuzani

Best Kwaito Album

• I Am Who I Am – Nkiyase
• Speak N Vrostaan – Kwesta & Kabza De Small
• R Mashesha – Big Nuz
• Jukebox – Shisa Boy
• Barabbas – Taylor K

Best Traditional Faith Album

• Ndiyabulela – Hush
• The Overflow Gcwala Kimi – Dumi Mkokstad
• Hoja Ke Sena Wena – IPCC
• The Grace Encounter, Vol. 1 – Bucy Radebe
• Sedi Laka – Soweto Gospel Choir

Best Contemporary Faith Album

• Take Heart – Hle
• Lavish Worship – Ntokozo Mbambo
• Mhalamhala – Brenden Praise
• Restored (Live Recording) – The Jesus Collective
• Hope – Soweto Gospel Choir

Best Traditional Album

• Obe Happy – Ntata Mafahla
• Inkabi Nation – Inkabi Nation
• African Queen 2.0 – Makhadzi
• Ke Bone Molelo O Timile – MmaAusi
• A Reyeng Bahurutshe – Thebe Arts Group

Beste Pop Album

• Hittegolf – Eloff
• Insomnia – Brendan Peyper
• Loufi Flippen Loufi – Loufi
• Die Onbekende – Rooksein
• Jona – Bernice West

Mark your calendars for November 17 and 18, 2023, when SAMA29 will dazzle audiences at the Durban ICC and be broadcast live on SABC1. It promises to be an unforgettable celebration of South African music and talent. Don’t miss it!

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