The 30th Annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) highlighted two of South Africa’s most iconic musical groups, Soul Brothers and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, recognizing their contributions to traditional and indigenous music. Both groups received top honors at the event held on November 2, 2024, showcasing their resilience, innovation, and dedication to celebrating South African heritage through music.
Soul Brothers Win Best Traditional Music Album with Hamba Naye
The legendary Soul Brothers won the Best Traditional Music Album award for Hamba Naye, an album that captures their enduring influence on the mbaqanga genre. Led by the last founding member, Black Moses Ngwenya, the Soul Brothers have continued to evolve while staying true to their roots. Hamba Naye is a vibrant reflection of their journey, blending classic mbaqanga rhythms with fresh sounds to captivate both loyal fans and new listeners alike.
Ngwenya, renowned for his expertise on the organ, emphasized the album’s role in honoring the memories of his late bandmates, David Masondo, Zenzele Mchunu, and Tuza Mthethwa. “This award is for our fans and the members who have come before us. It’s their spirit that keeps our music alive,” Ngwenya shared. The album’s songs carry the soulful and danceable beats that defined the golden era of mbaqanga, bringing the group’s traditional sound to a modern audience.
Celebrating nearly five decades in music, the Soul Brothers continue to shape South Africa’s musical landscape, demonstrating the timeless appeal of mbaqanga music with every release.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Honored with Best African Indigenous Faith Music Traditional Album for Sooth My Soul – Songs from Our South African Church
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, South Africa’s celebrated choral group, was awarded the Best African Indigenous Faith Music Traditional Album for Sooth My Soul – Songs from Our South African Church. The album represents six decades of blending faith, culture, and tradition, resonating with fans across the globe. Each track celebrates the group’s devotion, with reimagined hymns and original pieces inspired by South African church traditions.
“Our gift of reimagining songs has crossed bridges and brought a lot of joy and comfort to the world. We are honored that our unique style resonates with the people,” said group member Sbongiseni Shabalala. The album was both a spiritual and creative journey for the group, who spent months perfecting each piece to capture its essence.
Shabalala highlighted the group’s motivation to provide healing and joy to fans, saying, “This album was deeply inspired by our desire to show our fans that we care for them and that we walked through tough times together.”
A Celebration of South African Legacy and Innovation
These SAMA wins for Soul Brothers and Ladysmith Black Mambazo reinforce the global impact of South African music and the deep connection between the artists and their audiences. Hamba Naye and Sooth My Soul – Songs from Our South African Church are now available on all major digital platforms, allowing fans to experience the vibrant soundscapes crafted by these iconic groups.
Listen to their new releases and follow their journeys:
Both groups continue to honor South Africa’s rich musical traditions while embracing new generations of listeners worldwide, keeping the spirit of their music alive.
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