Black Motion, Kelvin Momo shines on SAMAs 2025 nominees’ list
The Recording Industry of South Africa has announced the nominees for the 31st South African Music Awards (SAMA31).
The reveal took place at a private gathering in Johannesburg and was streamed live on social media.
Amapiano star Kelvin Momo and jazz icon Thandiswa Mazwai lead this year’s pack with three nominations each.
Momo earned nods for Best Amapiano Album with Sewe and Ntsako, as well as Best Collaboration for Ntsako. “I appreciate the recognition. It means we are doing something right,” he said.
Mazwai scored nominations for Best Produced Album, Best Engineered Album, and Best Adult Contemporary Album for her project Sankofa. Reflecting on the album, she explained, “Sankofa, in the Ghanaian language Twi, means to go back and fetch what’s been left behind for healing.”
Other highlights include Makhadzi’s nomination for Best Traditional Album with Miracle Child, and the return of Zama Jobe, who secured a spot with her comeback project Umi.
SAMAs spokesperson Unati Gwija described this year’s nominations as “a symphony of South African sound, a playlist that celebrates not only genres but the journeys behind them.”
The main event will take place in November under the theme Less Noise. More Music, blending a live audience with virtual broadcast. The top five categories will be announced in September.
THE FULL LIST OF NOMINEES
Best Adult Contemporary Album
An African Christmas – Just 6
Seven – Melanie Scholtz
Room For Everyone – Tony Drake Anthony
Nonyezi – Nue Sam
Look At You Now – The Morning After
Best African Adult Contemporary Album
UMI – Zamajobe Zama
Sankofa – Thandiswa Mazwai
Nomthandazo – Zoe Modiga
Isibusiso Sami – Ndu Shezi
Indumiso YabeNguni – Mthuthu
Best Afro Pop Album
Twenty Four – Nomfundo Moh
Malik – Malik
Isibuko (Deluxe) – Sjava
Inkanyezi (Live) – Sjava
Collaborations With Friends – Dalom Kids Montana Thokozai Mhlongo
Best Alternative Album
Unyazi – Yoav & Jabulile Majola
Perspective: Black – Zādok
Hindsight 2020 – Francis Soal
Emlotheni Th&o. – Thando Kunene
Berge – Spoegwolf
Best Amapiano Album
Your Piano Is Not My Piano – Vigro Deep
Sewe – Kelvin Momo
Ntsako – Kelvin Momo
Midnight in Sunnyside 3 – Mellow & Sleazy
Inja Ye Game – Zee Nxumalo
Best Classical/Instrumental Album
In the morning – John Lundun
By Alle Skone Dinge – Chris Vale, Eugene Joubert & Franco Prinsloo, Marlize Hattingh
Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper – Derek Gripper
A Season in Paradise – Vox Chamber Choir & Franco Prinsloo
Awake for 22 Hours – Orecchiette
Best Collaboration
Waze Wamuhle – Kelvin Momo
Takala – Black Motion
Ematshwaleni – Kususa
Stay With Me – Matt Davies
Mas Musiq, Lawd Weezy & DJ Maphorisa ft TO Starquality, Chley & Kabza De Small – Amalanga Mas Musiq
Best Dance Album
The Cradle Of Art – Black Motion
Finally Famous Too – Dlala Thukzin
Cr4zy!!… – MÖRDA
Dreaming – Shimza
Caiiro – Caiiro Patrick Mthimunye
Best Engineered Album
The Cradle Of Art – Black Motion
Sankofa – Thandiswa Mazwai
Isibuko (Deluxe) – Sjava
Reawakening – Keenan Meyer
Feathers & Stone – Jeremy Loops
Best Gqom Album
Tronics Land 3 – Mr Thela
The Rebellion – DJ Lag
Play At Your Own Risk – Goldmax
NANDE 3.0 – DJ Sandiso
Next Level – Lelowhatsgood
Best Hip Hop Album
See You Soon Delux – Blxckie
Red October: Induction – Tony Dayimane
Pray for Tori – Loatinover Pounds
Audio 2D: Dear Darkie – Sizwe Alakine
Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms – 25K
Best Jazz Album
uNomkhubulwane – Nduduzo Makhathini
Terra Solus – Nick Ford
Ndilapha – Nomfundo Xaluva
Hope Dies Last – Peter Auret
Apho Kungenje – Ncesh Nonxishi
Best Maskandi Album
Ngathi Nguye – Umafikizolo
iPolotiki – Phuzekhemisi
Angidlali Nezingane – Khuzani
Alingeni – Ntencane
Amathambo Kagogo – Imithente
Best Produced Album
UMI – Zamajobe
The Cradle Of Art – Black Motion
Sankofa – Thandiswa Mazwai
Reprise on 2nd Avenue – Qü
iLadi – Linda Sikhakhane
Best Produced Music Video
Umbuzo – Soa Mattrix
Gucci (official music video) feat. MaWhoo Mthandeni SK
Tshwala Bam (Remix) – TitoM and Yuppe
South – Blxckie
Shekhinah ft. Moliy – Risk Shekhinah