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Empty seats steal the spotlight at #SAMA32 as many nominees and winners stay away
The 32nd South African Music Awards returned to the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday night under the banner of a “Homecoming Edition,” but a familiar problem returned with it: a noticeable number of nominees and winners were nowhere to be seen.
Reports from the ceremony highlighted empty chairs and unclaimed trophies as awards were announced. Viewers and industry observers quickly noted that several category winners failed to appear on stage to collect their statues, prompting questions about the prestige and pull of the country’s flagship music awards.
The absence is not entirely new. Previous editions have seen high-profile Amapiano and other artists skip the event.
Public reaction was swift. Social media users and commentators called for a firmer “no show, no award” policy, arguing that recognition should come with the responsibility of showing up.
The ceremony, hosted by Cassper Nyovest and Zanele Potelwa and broadcast on SABC1, still featured performances and special honours, including recognition for Tyla and lifetime awards for Oskido.
Whether the gaps reflect logistical hurdles, shifting priorities, or deeper questions about the awards’ relevance remains the talking point as the night continues.