The South African Music Awards are back with a bang, and this year’s nominee list has given fans plenty to talk about. On 28 August 2025, the SAMA31 nominations were revealed online, sparking both excitement and debate. At the top of the list is Black Motion, who scored four nominations, followed closely by Amapiano star Kelvin Momo, Afro-soul favourite Sjava, and cultural icon Thandiswa Mazwai, each bagging three nods.
Who bagged the most nods?
Black Motion dominated this year’s announcements with four nominations, proving their staying power in South Africa’s evolving music scene. Just behind them, Sjava earned recognition for Best Afro Pop Album, Best Engineered Album and one more category. Thandiswa Mazwai walked away with three nods, including Best African Adult Contemporary Album, Best Produced Album and Best Engineered Album. Kelvin Momo, one of amapiano’s most consistent hitmakers, secured nominations for Best Amapiano Album, Best Collaboration, and an additional category.
Other artists who impressed include Blxckie, who continues to make waves across genres, showing the diversity and depth of talent in the local industry.
A theme for a new era
While fans digested the nominee list, attention also turned to this year’s theme: Less Noise. More Music. Unathi Gwija, the new spokesperson for the SAMAs, explained that the updated format is designed to strip away distractions and put the music itself front and centre. The hybrid model merges digital innovation with live entertainment, aiming to amplify voices rather than overwhelm them.
RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi added that unveiling the nominations during Women’s Month was deliberate. “It honours the phenomenal women shaping the soundtrack of our lives, on stage, in the studio, and behind the scenes,” he said.
Mixed reactions from fans
Online, the nominations quickly became a trending topic. Many celebrated the recognition of long-serving stars like Thandiswa Mazwai and Sjava, while others applauded Black Motion’s dominance. Still, some fans remained sceptical, questioning whether the awards in their new format will truly represent the best of South African music.
A celebration of music’s heartbeat
Despite the debates, the SAMAs remain one of the country’s most important cultural milestones. They celebrate the tireless efforts of artists who not only shape South Africa’s music scene but also carry its sound across the globe. With Black Motion leading the charge and artists like Kelvin Momo, Sjava, and Thandiswa Mazwai close behind, SAMA31 promises to capture the spirit of South African music in 2025: bold, diverse, and unapologetically powerful.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: African Music Library