SAMA31 Reveals Top Five Nominees for Major Categories

The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) has announced the top five nominees for the 31st South African Music Awards (SAMA31). The announcement highlights artists competing in the five major categories: Male Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Duo or Group of the Year, Album of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year.

Leading the pack are Black Motion, Kelvin Momo, and Thandiswa Mazwai, each earning five nominations. Following closely are Sjava and Goldmax, who have secured three nominations each. These five artists represent the top contenders in this year’s most competitive categories.

RiSA spokeswoman Unati Gwija described the top five announcement as a milestone for the awards. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the top five nominees of the 31st Annual South African Music Awards. Our top five categories reflect a new era where talent, artistry and resilience converge,” she said.

Gwija added that the nominees showcase diversity across genres and platforms, making this year’s edition of the Samas particularly dynamic. “Together, these artists represent a layered and competitive field where excellence is not confined to one sound or one era but spread across genres and platforms, setting the stage for one of the most dynamic and unpredictable editions of the Samas in recent history,” she explained.

The announcement also marks the start of the countdown to the ceremony. “The much-vaunted top five announcement is more than just a rollcall of nominees, it’s the ignition point for the SAMA31 countdown. By revealing the musicians vying for Album of the Year, Duo or Group of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year, RiSA sets the stage for the awards,” said Gwija.

Fans are encouraged to support their favourites as the race toward the ceremony heats up. “This moment signals the start of the race toward the ceremony, building hype, sharpening the rivalries and rallying fans behind their favourites as the nation counts down to SAMA31,” she added.

The 31st South African Music Awards are scheduled to take place in November, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. This year promises intense competition and a celebration of South Africa’s diverse musical talent.