The 31st South African Music Awards (SAMA31) recognised defining achievements across genres, with major wins for Thandiswa Mazwai, Mthandeki SK, Goldmax, and Black Motion. Held at Gallagher Estate and broadcast nationally, SAMA31 honoured emerging talent, celebrated legacy artists, and reflected South Africa’s musical breadth under the theme “Flowers For Those Who Keep Our Nation Singing.”
From Newcomers To Icons: A Snapshot Of South African Music At SAMA31
The 31st South African Music Awards took place on 14 December 2025 at Gallagher Estate, broadcast live on SABC1 and simulcast on SABC Plus. The ceremony recognised artistic achievement across genres while reflecting on the cultural movements and milestones shaping South African music today.
Among the night’s standout achievements, Mthandeki SK’s Gucci featuring Mawhoo secured both Record of the Yearand Music Video of the Year, while Goldmax claimed Album of the Year. Thandiswa Mazwai emerged as the most decorated artist, with Sankofa earning Best Engineered Album, Best African Adult Contemporary Album, Best Produced Album, and Female Artist of the Year.
Group and collaborative excellence was recognised through Black Motion, who won Best Collaboration and Duo or Group of the Year. Genre awards highlighted South Africa’s musical diversity, including Khuzani for Best Maskandi Album (Angidlali Nezingane), Sjava for Best Afro Pop Album (Isibuko – Deluxe), Dlala Thukzin for Best Dance Album, Kelvin Momo for Best Amapiano Album (Ntsako), and 25K for Hip Hop Album of the Year.
International recognition extended to Ayra Starr, who received the Rest of Africa Award, while Peter Auret won Best Jazz Album for Hope Dies Last. The late Solly Moholo was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Nontokozo Mkhize was named Best Newcomer of the Year.
Live performances by Zee Nxumalo, Kusasa, and Kaylow added to the evening’s significance. Reflecting on the night, SAMA spokesperson Unati Gwija said, “There were a lot of winners and surprises as SAMA31 dropped, and it’s been a memorable hybrid event that will go into the history books.” She added, “History was made, legends were born, and the South African music scene is still reeling.”
Held under the theme “Flowers For Those Who Keep Our Nation Singing,” SAMA31 positioned itself as both a celebration and a record of South Africa’s evolving musical legacy, supported by partners across cultural, public, and media sectors.
Social media handles:
Instagram: @thesamas_
Twitter: @TheSAMAs TikTok: thesamas_
YouTube: samusicawards
Facebook: South African Music Awards
Hashtag: #SAMA31
Website: www.samusicawards.co.za
Here is the list of the SAMA31 winners:
SPECIAL CATEGORY WINNERS
The organisers are proud to announce the winners in the Special Categories, celebrating outstanding artistic achievement and musical excellence:
- Male Artist of the Year: Goldmax — Play At Your Own Risk
- Female Artist of the Year: Thandiswa Mazwai — Sankofa
- Duo or Group of the Year: Black Motion — Takala
- Album of the Year: Goldmax — Play At Your Own Risk
- Newcomer of the Year: Nontokozo Mkhize — Lindiwe
GENRE & TECHNICAL CATEGORY WINNERS
The awards also honoured excellence across a wide range of musical genres and technical categories:
- 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
Featured Image(s): Supplied
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