Awards Ceremony Heads Back to North West for a Historic Homecoming Edition
The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) has officially unveiled the nominees for the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32), setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most anticipated celebrations of local music in recent years. The announcement marks the beginning of the countdown to South Africa’s premier music awards ceremony, which will return to the iconic Sun City Superbowl in North West Province on 15 August 2026.
Dubbed the “SAMA32 Homecoming Edition,” this year’s event celebrates not only musical excellence but also a symbolic return to one of the country’s most legendary entertainment venues, where countless milestones in South African music history have been made.
A Showcase of South Africa’s Diverse Musical Landscape
Across 25 competitive categories, the nominees reflect the depth, diversity and creativity of South Africa’s music industry. From Amapiano and Afro-pop to Jazz, Gospel, Hip-Hop, Maskandi and Dance music, this year’s list showcases both established stars and emerging talent making their mark on the industry.
While the nominees for the highly anticipated Top Five categories remain under wraps for now, the current announcement has already sparked widespread conversation among music fans and industry insiders alike.
Amapiano Continues Its Dominance
One of the most closely watched categories this year is Best Amapiano Album, where some of the genre’s biggest names will battle it out for top honours.
Nominees include Babalwa M for Acquiesce, Kabza De Small for Bab’Motha, De Mthuda for Mthuthuzeli, and double nominee Kelvin Momo, whose albums N’wana Wa Mutsonga and Thato Ya Modimo both earned nominations.
The category further highlights Amapiano’s continued influence on South African popular culture and its growing international footprint.
Dance Music Heavyweights Lead Strong Showing
South Africa’s electronic music scene is also strongly represented in the Best Dance Album category.
Nominees include MaWhoo for Amazwi Okubonga, MÖRDA for Asante III, Da Capo for Indigo Child II: Love & Frequency, Dlala Thukzin for MAYVIS, and JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela for The Most Wanted.
The category reflects the growing global recognition of South African electronic music and the artists driving its evolution.
Hip-Hop, Afro-Pop and R&B Stars Earn Recognition
The Best Hip Hop Album category sees notable nominations for Nasty C, whose album Free continues to earn critical acclaim, alongside projects from FLVME, Danya Devs, MashBeatz and the late Riky Rick through Boss Zonke Forever.
In Afro-pop, artists such as Lwah Ndlunkulu, CiCi, Sjava, Nomfundo Moh and Samthing Soweto are all in contention for Best Afro Pop Album.
Meanwhile, the Best R&B Soul Album category features strong contenders including Gemma Fassie, Langa Mavuso and lordkez.
RiSA Celebrates a Golden Era of South African Music
According to RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi, this year’s nominees represent a defining moment for South African music.
“The nominees announced today form a breathtaking symphony of South African sound,” said Sibisi, describing the list as a reflection of a creative landscape where established legends and emerging artists coexist and thrive.
He added that SAMA32 embodies a “golden age of creativity” in which genres continue to evolve, audiences expand and South African music commands increasing attention on the global stage.
Less Noise. More Music.
This year’s awards are built around the theme “Less Noise. More Music.”, reinforcing the SAMAs’ commitment to placing artists and their work at the centre of the national conversation. The hybrid event format is also expected to expand audience reach beyond the venue and across international markets.
With nominations now officially revealed, excitement is expected to intensify across social media, radio and streaming platforms as fans rally behind their favourites ahead of music’s biggest night.
The Road to SAMA32 Begins
As South Africa’s music industry prepares for its annual celebration of excellence, the return of the SAMAs to Sun City promises a night that honours the country’s rich musical heritage while showcasing the artists shaping its future.
For nominees, the countdown to 15 August has officially begun. For fans, the debate over who deserves to take home the coveted trophies is only just getting started.
