The 31st South African Music Awards (SAMA31) unfolded as a powerful celebration of sound, storytelling, and legacy, honouring the artists shaping South Africa’s musical identity.
Broadcast live on SABC1 and simulcast on SABC Plus on 14 December 2025, the glittering ceremony took place at Gallagher Estate, marking one of the most memorable editions in the awards’ history.
Major Wins and Historic Moments
The night delivered triumphs and firsts, with Mthandeki SK’s “Gucci” featuring Mawhoo securing both Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year. Goldmax emerged victorious with Album of the Year for Play At Your Own Risk, cementing his status as a dominant force in South African music.
Towering above the evening’s winners was Thandiswa Mazwai, who claimed the title of most decorated artist of the night. Her album Sankofa earned Best Engineered Album, Best African Adult Contemporary Album, Best Produced Album, and Female Artist of the Year, underscoring a body of work praised for its depth, intention, and cultural resonance.
Genre Excellence and Artistic Diversity
Black Motion showcased the strength of collaboration at SAMA31, walking away with Best Collaboration and Duo or Group of the Year for Takala. In traditional genres, Khuzani claimed Best Maskandi Album for Angidlali Nezingane, while Sjava’s Isibuko (Deluxe) secured Best Afro Pop Album.
Amapiano maestro Kelvin Momo won Best Amapiano Album for Ntsako, while hip hop found its champion in 25K, whose Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms earned Hip Hop Album of the Year. Jazz excellence was recognised with Peter Auret’s Hope Dies Last, while Ayra Starr claimed the Rest of Africa Award, reinforcing South Africa’s connection to the broader continental soundscape.
The late Solly Moholo was honoured posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating a legacy that continues to influence generations. Rising star Nontokozo Mkhize was crowned Newcomer of the Year.
Unforgettable Live Performances
Beyond the trophies, the SAMA31 stage came alive with electrifying performances. Zee Nxumalo delivered a show-stopping opening, setting the tone for the evening, while Kusasa and Kaylow captivated the audience with soulful, immersive sets that highlighted the depth of local talent.
“There were a lot of winners and surprises as SAMA31 unfolded, and it’s been a memorable hybrid event that will go into the history books,” said SAMA spokesperson Unati Gwija. “History was made, legends were cemented, and those building their own legacies left us speechless.”
Honouring Those Who Keep the Nation Singing
Guests arrived dressed to the nines, reflecting the night’s theme, Flowers For Those Who Keep Our Nation Singing. The theme served as a reminder to celebrate artists in the present, honouring the musicians, producers, composers, and collaborators who continue to shape South Africa’s soundtrack.
“With the 31st edition concluded, the SAMAs have once again solidified their place as South Africa’s music night to remember,” Gwija added. “The cream of the crop rose to the top, and the talent on display was nothing short of extraordinary.”
Supported by partners including the Motsepe Foundation, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, SAMPRA, SAMRO, CAPASSO, YouTube, GAC Motor, and media partner SABC, SAMA31 stood not only as an awards ceremony, but as a living archive of South African sound.
As the lights dimmed and the final notes faded, one truth remained clear: SAMA31 was more than a celebration of awards, it was a defining moment in South African music history.
Here’s the list of SAMA31 Winners
Special Category Winners
- Male Artist of the Year: Goldmax – Play At Your Own Risk
- Female Artist of the Year: Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa
- Duo or Group of the Year: Black Motion – Takala
- Album of the Year: Goldmax – Play At Your Own Risk
- Newcomer of the Year: Nontokozo Mkhize – Lindiwe
Genre and Technical Category Winners
- Best Adult Contemporary Album: Melanie Scholtz – Seven
- Best African Adult Contemporary Album: Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa
- Best Afro Pop Album: Sjava – Isibuko (Deluxe)
- Best Alternative Album: Francis Soul – Hindsight 2020
- Best Amapiano Album: Kelvin Momo – Ntsako
- Best Classical / Instrumental Album: Derek Gripper – Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper
- Best Collaboration: Black Motion – Takala
- Best Dance Album: Dlala Thukzin – Finally Famous Too
- Best Engineered Album: Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa
- Best Gqom Album: Goldmax – Play At Your Own Risk
- Best Hip Hop Album: 25K – Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms
- Best Jazz Album: Peter Auret – Hope Dies Last
- Best Maskandi Album: Khuzani – Angidlali Nezingane
- Best Produced Album: Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa
- Best Produced Music Video: Shekhinah – “Risk”
- Best R&B / Soul Album: Elaine – Stone Cold Heart
- Best Reggae Album: Luwe Da Lion – After All
- Best Rock Album: MaxX & Love – These Blues Might Get You Too
- Best Traditional Faith Music Album: Ayanda Ntanzi – According to Grace, A One Man Show
- Best Traditional Music Album: Makhadzi Entertainment – Miracle Child (Deluxe)
- Best Contemporary Music Album: Spoegwolf – Eindbestemming
- Remix of the Year: Mpho.Wav – “Hlala”
- Rest of Africa Award: Ayra Starr – The Year I Turned 21
- Best African Indigenous Faith Album: JTG Gospel Choir – Morena Re Ya Leboga
- Best Contemporary Faith Music Album: Takie Ndou – The Glory
Well, there you have, a list of all the SAMA31 Winners. Feel free to comment below if you have any thoughts.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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