PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ THANDISWA MAZWAI
Multi-award-winning songstress Thandiswa Mazwai is among the frontrunners in the 31st edition of the South African Music Awards (SAMA).
She secured multiple nominations that include Best African Adult Contemporary Album, Best Engineered Album and Best Produced Album.
The full list of nominees in 25 categories was revealed recently by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA). The remaining Top Five categories will be revealed in September. The awards ceremony itself will take place in November 2025 in a hybrid format, combining a live event with a virtual broadcast.
Speaking to IOL, SAMA Spokesperson Unati Gwija said: “The SAMAs are more than an awards show; they are our annual love letter to the industry. This evolved format allows us to fully embrace our theme: Less Noise. More Music, and usher in a bold, enterprising era where digital innovation meets live spectacle.
“The hybrid experience is not about immersion; it’s about amplification. It extends the SAMA stage beyond the physical venue, inviting fans, creators, and partners from every corner of the world to join in real time, without losing the intimacy and magic of being in the room,” said Unati.
Full list of nominations
Best Adult Contemporary Album
uKhisimusi – 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
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
Collaboration With Friends Dalom Kids
Best Alternative Album
Unyazi Yoav & Jabulile Majola
Perspective: Black Zādok
Hindsight 2020 Francis Soal
Emlotheni Th&o.
Berge Spoegwolf
Best Amapiano Album
Your Piano Is Not My Piano Vigro Deep
Sewe Kelvin Momo
Ntsako Kelvin Momo Thato
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 & FrancoPrinsloo
Awake for 22 Hours Orecchiette
Best Collaboration
Waze Wamuhle Kelvin Momo
Takala Black Motion
Ematshwaleni Kususa
Stay With Me Matt Davies
Amalanga Mas Musiq, Lawd Weezy & DJMaphorisa ft TO Starquality, Chley and Kabza De Small
Best Dance Album
The Cradle Of Art Black Motion
Finally Famous Too Dlala Thukzin
Cr4zy!!.. MÖRDA
Dreaming Shimza A
Caiiro Caiiro
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 U Soon Delux Blxckie
Red October: Induction Tony Dayimane
Pray 4 Pitori Loatinover Pounds
Audio 2D; Dear Darkie Sizwe Alakine
Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times ofDon 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 MaWhoo Mthandeni SK
Tshwala Bam (Remix) TitoM and Yuppe
South Blxckie
Risk Shekhinah
Best R&B/Soul Album
Too Many Promises Mikhalé Jones
Stone Cold Heart Elaine
On Air Filah Lah Lah
It’s Clear To See Clxrity
Heartbreak Hotel (deluxe) The Big Hash
Best Reggae Album
Mekwei Dread Lloyd
The Rise Anela Jahmena
Flaws in Frame Dimahr
After All LUWE DA LION
Area Code Botanist Mr Lamington
Best Rock Album
Vir Mekaar Bloumoord
These Blues Might Get You Too MaxX & Love
The World We Know Prime Circle
Old Wounds The Man Motels
Look At You Now The Morning After
Best Traditional Faith Music Album
Uyinqaba Yam (Jehovah Nissi) Betusile
The Journey (Part 1) Tebs David
The Full Circle Revival Malusi Mbokazi
Rofhiwa Dzina Rofhiwa Manyaga
According to Grace, A One Man Show Ayanda Ntanzi
Best Traditional Music Album
O moleele Keitumetse Mangate Production
Mmakgodu MmaAusi
Miracle Child (Deluxe) Makhadzi Entertainment
Kwanomthandazo Sabu Jiyana
Bakokota (EP) Pleasure Tsa Manyalo
Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album
Vaalsand Pietman Geldenhuys
Niemandsland Ampie
Eindbestemming Spoegwolf
Land & Sand Neil Sandilands
Geraamtes Majo
Remix of the Year
Tshwala Bam TitoM
Skuta Baba Woodblock DJs
Mngani Jnr SA
Iza Mawala Tycoon
Hlala Mpho.Wav
Rest of Africa Award (SOUTH AFRICANSEXCLUDED)
The Year I Turned 21 Ayra Starr
The Party & After Party Bensoul
Morayo Wizkid
Born In The Wild Tems
adedamola Fireboy DML
Best African Indigenous Faith Album
Re Kgoeletsa Magodimong Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo
Morena Re Ya Leboga JTG Gospel Choir
Busa Jeso House Of Mercy
Ikutana Barongoa Ba Morena
Nkapese Ka Maatla Di Bruin Gospel Projects
Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
Crosspower Experience 4 Jabu Hlongwane
The Glory Takie Ndou
Heavenly Psalms Level 2 (Live at Goshen City Church 2023) SbuNoah
Lindiwe Nontokozo Mkhize
Living Word Mmangaliso