In a dazzling spectacle at the SunBet Arena, Time Square, Menlyn Maine, the prestigious SAMA29 Awards unfolded on Saturday evening. Hosted by the charismatic duo, Nomalanga Shozi and Dj Saaby, the ceremony was a star-studded affair, with the enchanting Hope Mbele and Thuthuka Mthembu gracing the red carpet as hosts.
The evening unfolded with a kaleidoscope of performances, featuring some of the music industry’s brightest stars. Kabza De Small, Makhadzi, Loatinover, Msaki, Alter Ego, 25K, and Maglera Doe Boy delivered electrifying performances, leaving the audience in awe.
However, it was Kabza De Small who emerged as the night’s big winner, claiming an impressive four awards. Sis Ntokozo Mbatha followed closely, securing three awards, while 2point1 Music clinched two accolades. The late AKA was posthumously honored with Male Artist of The Year and Best Collaboration for ‘Lemons (Lemonade)’ featuring Nasty C.
AKA’s album, ‘Mass Country,’ also posthumously received the Best Engineered Album award, a poignant acknowledgment of his musical legacy. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as the industry paid tribute to the late artist, affirming that his blessings will continue to follow him, and his legacy lives on.
Here is the complete list of winners:
- Female Artist of the Year: ‘Lavish Worship’ – Ntokozo Mbambo
- Male Artist of the Year: ‘Mass Country’ – AKA
- Duo/Group of the Year: DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small – ‘Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena’
- Album of the Year: ‘Lavish Worship’ – Ntokozo Mbambo
- Newcomer of the Year: Myztro – ‘2.0 Nkwari’
- Best Engineered Album: ‘Mass Country’ – AKA, Engineered by Robin Kohl & Itu
- Best Dance Album: ‘Asante’ – Mörda
- Best African Adult Contemporary: ‘Usiba Lwe Gazi’ – Nathi
- Best Adult Contemporary Album: ‘Dark Secrets’ – Louise Carver
- Best Afro-Pop Album: ‘Isibuko’ – Sjava
- Best Alternative Album: ‘On The Romance of Being’ – Desire Marea
- Best Amapiano Album: ‘KOA II Part 1’ – Kabza De Small
- Best Classical/Instrumental Album: ‘Fire Beast’ – Vox Chamber Choir & Franco Prinsloo
- Best Collaboration: AKA feat Nasty C – ‘Lemons (Lemonade)’
- Best Hip-Hop Album: ‘This Is Religion’ – MashBeatz
- Best Jazz Album: ‘The Spirit of Ntu’ – Nduduzo Makhathini
- Best Kwaito Album: ‘Speak N Vrostaan’ – Kwesta & Kabza De Small
- Best Maskandi Album: ‘Umqhele neThawula’ – Khuzani
- Best Pop Album: ‘Seasons’ – Lloyiso
- Best Produced Album: ‘KOA II Part 1’ – Kabza De Small, Produced by Da Muziqal Chef, Mdu aka TRP, Stakev, DJ Maphorisa, Felo Le Tee
- Best Produced Music Video: Elaine – ‘Shine’, Directed by Jesse Ray Diamond, Produced by Shayna Gianelli
- Best R&B/Soul Album: ‘But Could The Moments in Between’ – Manana
- Best Reggae Album: ‘Unleashed’ – Blakka Yut
- Best Rock Album: ‘Kanniedood’ – Francois van Coke
- Best Traditional Faith Album: ‘The Overflow Gcwala Kimi’ – Dumi Mkokstad
- Best Contemporary Faith Album: ‘Lavish Worship’ – Ntokozo Mbambo
- Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album: ‘Toe Roep Ek Jou Naa’m – Jan Blohm & RynoVelvet
- Best Traditional Album: ‘African Queen 2.0’ – Makhadzi
- Beste Pop Album: Jona – Bernice West
- Remix of the Year: Mörda & Yallunder – ‘Ndinovalo’
- Rest of Africa award: ‘Sounds of Peace’ – Moreira Chonguiç
- Best Gqom Album: ‘Meeting With The King’ – DJ LAG
- Best African Indigenous Faith Album: ‘Emmanuel’ (Farewell to Phodiso Joel Kgaudi) – JTG Gospel Choir
- SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award: ‘SETE’ (feat. Young Stunna & Blxckie)
- CAPASSO Most Streamed Song Award: ‘SETE’ (feat. Young Stunna & Blxckie)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mandoza (posthumous), Ihhashi Elimhlophe