The entire list of winners for this year’s SA Music Awards (SAMAs), which is the 28th edition of said awards, were announced at a ceremony held at the Sun City Superbowl in Rustenburg on 28 August.
The award ceremony consisted of two legs, with the first group of winners being announced at the same venue on 27 August. The second leg of the awards ceremony followed the next day on 28 August. Hosted by an eclectic group of personalities, including singer and actress Nandi Madida, actor and presenter Lawrence Maleka, comedians Mpho Popps and Robot Boii, as well as Instagram and Tik Tok sensation Alphi Sipho Mkhwanazi.
The night was graced with performances by Makhadzi, Takie Ndou, Shekinah, Musa Keys, Konke, Da Capo and Lloyiso. Stogie T, A Reece and Tshego, banded together to give a heartfelt tribute performance to the late great Riky Rick.
Chymamusique proved to be the biggest winner of the night as he won the Best Dance Album category, as well as the top awards for Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Songstress Msaki won the Female Artist of the Year award as well as Best Adult Contemporary Album.
The most nominated artist of the night, Zakes Bantwini, won two awards owing to his smash hit ‘Osama’. He won for Best Collaboration and SAMRO Highest Radio Airplay Composer awards. The talented artist recently announced that he would be hanging up his microphone soon. Brain Themba took home the Best R&B/Soul Album award for his album It’s All You, while Shekinah won Best Pop Album for her exceptional sophomore album Trouble In Paradise.
Khanyisile Mthetwa won the White Star Newcomer of the Year as well as winning the Best Classical/Instrumental Album. Reece Madlisa and Zuma won two awards on the night, Best Kwaito Album and Best Duo/Group, while Blxckie triumphed in Best Hip Hop Album for his project B4Now, beating tough competition from the likes of 25K’s Pheli Makaveli and A-Reece’s Today’s Tragedy, Tomorrow’s Triumph: the mixtape.
Jimmy Dludlu, Joe Nina, and McCoy Mrubata were this year’s honorees for the Lifetime Achievement Award, with the three veteran artists each being recognised for their exceptional bodies of work throughout their careers and contributions to the South African and African music industry as a whole.
Black Coffee received the International Achiever Award for his stellar international resume, recognising his contributions that extend beyond South Africa to the rest of the globe.
Below is the full list of both legs of the 28th Annual SA Music Awards winners:
Album of the Year
- Musique – Chymamusique
- African Electronic Dance Music – Sun-El Musician
- Ghetto King – Zakes Bantwini
- It’s All You – Brian Temba
- When House Was House – Mobi Dixon
Best Duo or Group of the Year
- Ama Roto Vol.2 – Reece Madlisa and Zuma
- Elephant In The Room – Watershed
- Franco Prinsloo: Kruis Van Liefde – Franco Prinsloo and Vox Chamber Choir
- Pangaea – Wouter Kellerman and David Arkenstone
- Wangikhulisa uMama – Shwi Nomtekhala
Best Female Artist of the Year
- ‘Platinumb Heart Open’ – Msaki
- ‘African Bird’ – Khanyisile Mthetwa
- ‘Nkulunkulu’ – Kamo Mphela
- ‘Trailblazer’ – Reign Afrika
- ‘Trouble In Paradise’ – Shekhinah
Best Male Artist of the Year
- ‘Musique’ – Chymamusique
- ‘African Electronic Dance Music’ – Sun-El Musician
- ‘Ghetto King’ – Zakes Bantwini
- ‘It’s All You’ – Brian Temba
- ‘When House Was House’ – Mobi Dixon
White Star Newcomer of the Year
- Khanyisile Mthetwa – ‘African Bird’
- Thapelo Lekoane – ‘Tapestry’
- 25K – ‘Pheli Makaveli
- Ncebakazi Msomi – ‘The 34th Psalm’
- Botanist Mr Lamington – ‘The Shift’
Best Hip Hop Album
- B4NOW – Blxckie
- Father Of Zen – Kid X
- Pheli Makaveli – 25K
- Today’s Tragedy, Tomorrow’s Memory: Mixtape – A-Reece
- Logan – Emtee
Best Collaboration
- ‘Osama’ – Zakes Bantwini and Kasango
- ‘Imali’ – Karyendasoul and Zakes Bantwini ft. Nana Atta
- ‘Wamuhle’ – Njelic and Boohle feat. De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef
- ‘Zwivhuya’ – Makhadzi ft. Joe Delinger
- ‘No Rainbow’ – Msaki feat. Da Capo
Best Amapiano Album
- Notumato – Young Stunna
- Nkulunkulu – Kamo Mphela
- Auti eSharp – Mas Musiq
- Kwa Kwa – Mellow and Sleazy
- President Ya Strata – Focalistic
TECNO Record of the Year (ROTY)
- Vula Mlomo – Musa Keys ft. Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi
- Abalele – Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku
- Adiwele – Young Stunna ft. Kabza De Small
- Asibe Happy – Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku
- Banyana – DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU ft. Daliwonga, Sir Trill and Kabza De Small
- Black And White – Nasty C and Ari Lennox
- I’m With You – Matthew Mole
- Osama – Zakes Bantwini and Kasango
- Phakade Lami – Nomfundo ft. Sha Sha and Ami Faku
- Umsebenzi Wethu – Busta 929 and Mpura ft. Zuma, Mr Jazziq, Lady Du and Reece Madlisa
TECNO Music Video of the Year (MVOTY)
- Ghanama – Makhadzi ft. Prince Benza
- Indlovu – DJ Zinhle ft. Loyiso
- Izolo – DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU ft. Mpura, Daliwonga and Visca
- Jola – De Mthuda ft. Sino Msolo and Da Muziqal Chef
- LiYoshona (Main Mix) – Kwiish SA ft. Njelic, MalumNator and De Mthuda
- Mmapula – Busta 929 ft. Mzu M
- Nkulunkulu – Kamo Mphela
- Phakade Lami – Nomfundo Moh ft. Sha Sha and Ami Faku
- Summer Yo Muthi – Blaq Diamond
- Yini Sdakwa – ThackzinDJ, Tee Jay and Sir Trill ft. Dlala Thukzin, Nkosazana Daughter, Rascoe Kaos, Moscow and Mpura
SAMPRA Artist of the Year (AOTY)
- Haksul MUZIQ
- AfroToniQ
- A-Reece
- Brandon Dhludhlu
- Emtee
- Jennifer Zamudio
- Makhadzi
- Millie Ngwalangwala
- Musa Keys
- Rodger KB
TikTok Most Viral Song of the Year are:
- ‘uMlando’ – 9umba & TOSS & Mdoovar
- ‘Trigger’ – DJ Karri
- ‘Abo Mvelo’ – Daliwonga ft. Mellow & Sleazy & M.J.
- ‘Sisonke’ – Thozi ft. Khanyisa, Sphokuhle & Pd Jokes
- ‘Nkao Tempela’ – Ch’cco & Mellow & Sleazy
- ‘Bakwa Lah’ – Major League DJz & Nvcho & Mathandos
- ‘Phakade Lami’ – Nomfundo Moh
- ‘Banyana’ – DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU
- ‘Adiwele’ – Young Stunna ft. Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa
- ‘Big Flexa’ – Costa Titch
Samro Highest Radio Airplay Composers Award
- Osama – Zakes Bantwini
CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year
- ‘Abalele’ – Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku
International Achiever Award
- Black Coffee
Lifetime Achiever Award
- Joe Nina
- Jimmy Dludlu
- McCoy Mrubata
Best Adult Contemporary Album
- Platinumb Heart Open – Msaki
- Tapestry – Thapelo Lekoane
- Where The Light Gets In – Pat McCay
- Elephant In The Room – Watershed
- Brother – Jacob Swann
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
- African Bird – Khanyisile Mthetwa
- Pangaea – Wouter Kellerman and David Arkenstone
- It Takes Three – Charl Du Plessis Trio
- Afrikaans – Scheppel
- Franco Prinsloo: Kruis Van Liefde – Franco Prinsloo and Vox Chamber Choir
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
- Cwaka – Mandisi Dyantyis
- Thetha Mama – The One Who Sings
- Camagu – Ntando
- 2020 – Joe Nina
- The Red Stoep – Nomfusi
Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album
- Volume – Die Heuwels Fantasties
- Al Die Ysters – Jan Jan Jan
- Sangoma Sandilands and Jou Pa Se Posse Maanskyn – Neil Sandilands
- Twintigeenentwintig – Jennifer Zamudio
- Woorde – Jodi Jantjies
Best Traditional Album
- Tshihwilili Tshanga – Dr Mercy Masakona Madzivhandila
- Dlozified – Mkhanyakude
- Dziya Fhirtana – Vha Venda Cultural Group
- Mathotse – Tau Sebata
- Hantam Kerfees – Klipwerf
Best Reggae Album
- Trailblazer – Reign Afrika
- He Crowned I Emperor – Skeleton Blazer
- Hard To Believe – Ras Canly
- The Shift – Botanist Mr Lamington
- Ngatanngwe – Red I Scorch
Best Jazz Album
- History In A Frame – Jimmy Dludlu
- At This Point In Time Voices in Volumes – Herbie Tsoaeli
- Music From My People – Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane
- Revision – Steve Dyer
- Quiet Please – McCoy Mrubata
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
- Sacrificial Worship (Live) – Pulane Maphari
- My Heart To Him – Thabelo
- Denga – Kingdmusic
- Find Me Singing – Lauren Cullen
- The 34th Psalm – Ncebakazi Msomi
Best Traditional Faith Music Album
- Vela Nkosi – Jumbo
- In the Beginning – Paul K
- Heaven’s Scroll – Puleng March
- The Great Revival – Takie Ndou
- Shrubs of Chronicle (Live) – Zaza
Best African Indigenous Faith Music Album
- Similapha Nkosi – NUZ Voices Of Joy
- Ba Bosiu – Isaac and The Mighty Messengers
- Re Kopa Go Wena Ramasedi – JTG Gospel Choir
- Ore Etele Mohloeki – The Harmony Singers Artist Development
- Swi Lava Yeso – Zion Iskhalanga Academy
Best Maskandi Album
- Idaymani – Thokozani Langa
- Ziyashisa – Makhamnandi
- Wangikhulisa uMama – Shwi Nomtekhala
- Phakathi Komhlane nembeleko – Udumakahle
- Ivila Laselawini – Mzukulu
Best Alternative Music Album
- Glow – Alice Phoebe Lou
- City Of God and The Jungle Below – Daniel Baron
- Night Speak – Lo-Ghost
- Romance Was Born – Anna Wolf
- Child’s Play – Alice Phoebe Lou
Best Rock Album
- Partypocalypse – Springbok Nude Girls
- Headlights Dream – Steve Louw
- Revolution – Tim Parr
- Ennui – Deity’s Muse
- Sacred Sound – Albert Frost
Best R&B/Soul Album
- It’s All You – Brian Temba
- Real Talk – P.Postman
- The Arrival – Melleng
- Sour Milk – Joda Kgosi
- It Is What It is – Mikhale Jones
Best Pop Album
- Trouble In Paradise – Shekhinah
- Souvenirs – Jeremy Loops
- Motion – Tresor
- A Journal – Bonj
- Don’t Let Go – Jacky Carpede
Beste Pop Album (Afrikaans)
- Niks Vergelyk – Posduif
- Hier Waar Ek Nou Is – Juan Boucher
- Prisma – Janie Bay
- Rugsak – Elandrê
- Roekeloos – Rita Li
Best Afro Pop Album
- Amagama – Nomfundo Moh
- iStiff – Mnqobi Yazo
- New Faces To Old Problems – Bonga Kwana
- Sukulila – Cici
- Amalobolo – Aubrey Qwana
Best Produced Music Video
- ‘When House Was House’ by Mobi Dixon feat. Mariechan and JNR SA – Mabi Ntuli and Shona
- ‘Inhlupheko’ by Big Zulu – Edward (Gobi Beast) and Ofentse Mwase
- ‘Playback’ by K.O. – Ted Magerman
- ‘Mamezala’’ by Mafikizolo ft. Simmy – Dale Fortune
- ‘Finessin’ by AKA – Mninizo Sitho and Nhlanhla
Best Engineered Album of the Year
- It Takes Three by Charl Du Plessis Trio – Peter Auret
- Candid by Moonga K – Greg Abrahams, Mike Zietsman and Vicente Espi
- Ghetto King by Zakes Bantwini – Zakes Bantwini
- Pheli Makaveli by 25K – Sibabalwe Andile Fiphaza
- City Of God and The Jungle Below by Daniel Baron – Daniel Baron and Darryn Muller
Rest of Africa Award
- ‘If Orange Was A Place’ – Tems (Nigeria)
- ‘Son of A Tribe’ – Edgar Muzah (Zimbabwe)
- ‘Karabo’’ – Malome Vector (Lesotho)
- Boyfriend’ – Ckay (Nigeria)
- ‘Love & Isolation’ – Tay Iwar (Nigeria)
Remix of the Year
- Sun-El Musician, Azana and Da Capo – Uhuru by Sun-El Musician and Azana
- Manyelo Dafro, Bassekou Kouyate and Da Capo – Ladon by Manyelo Dafro ft Basekou Kouyate
- Lira and DJ Maphorisa – Feel Good by Lira
- Da Capo – Mama by Josiah De Disciple and Boohle
- DJ Cleo – Gcina Impilo Yam by Bucy Radebe
Best Kwaito Album
- Ama Roto Vol.2 – Reece Madlisa and Zuma
- Don’t Lose Focus – Sukiri Papa
- Let Dogs Lie Low – Simple Eugene
- Kwaito Pallet – Shisaboy
- Trip To Jozi – King Razo
Best Gqom Album
- Umshunqo Reloaded – Dladla Mshunqisi
- Khula – Bello No Gallo
- Summer Banger – Dlala Thukzin
- Best Of The Best – T-Man
- The Journey – Slenda Da Dancing DJ
Best Dance Album
- Musique – Chymamusique
- Muzika – Miza
- Ghetto King – Zakes Bantwini
- When House Was House – Mobi Dixon
- African Electronic Dance Music – Sun-El Musician
Chairman’s Award
- Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Best Selling Artist
- Notumato by Young Stunner
