Today, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) proudly unveils the nominees for the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32), igniting the countdown to the country’s most prestigious celebration of musical excellence. Across 25 fiercely contested categories, the nominees represent the heartbeat of a nation in song, a vibrant tapestry of voices, sounds, stories, and cultural expressions that continue to shape South Africa’s rich musical landscape. The coveted Top Five categories remain a closely guarded secret, with their reveal set for a few weeks from now — keeping the suspense alive!

This year’s announcement signals more than just the beginning of awards season. It heralds a triumphant homecoming. On 15 August 2026, the spotlight returns to the legendary Sun City Superbowl in North West Province for what has fittingly been dubbed the SAMA32 Homecoming Edition. A venue etched into the collective memory of South African entertainment, Sun City once again becomes the epicentre of the nation’s music industry as artists, creators, fans, and industry leaders gather beneath its iconic lights.

The return to North West Province is both symbolic and celebratory. It marks a reunion between the SAMAs and one of South Africa’s most beloved entertainment destinations – a place where countless musical milestones have been created and where some of the country’s most memorable performances have unfolded. As the awards return to this historic stage, they do so with renewed energy, fresh ambition, and a vision for the future.

This year’s awards promise an unforgettable showcase where artistry meets innovation, where tradition embraces technology, and where South African music takes centre stage before a worldwide audience.“The nominees announced today form a breathtaking symphony of South African sound,” says RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi. “They represent more than outstanding recordings; they represent dreams realised, barriers broken, and creative journeys that continue to inspire. This year’s list is a meeting point between generations, where established legends stand alongside fearless new voices, where Amapiano innovators, Motswako, Jazz virtuosos, Gospel powerhouses, Lekompo, Afro-pop stars, Maskandi storytellers, and Hip-Hop visionaries collectively demonstrate the extraordinary depth of South African talent.

“We are witnessing a golden age of creativity where genres intersect, audiences expand, and South African music continues to command attention on the global stage. SAMA32 celebrates this remarkable moment. It is bigger, bolder, and more representative of the richness of our musical identity than ever before.” Sibisi adds that the awards remain much more than an annual ceremony. “The SAMAs are our industry’s annual love letter to music and the people who create it. Through our theme, Less Noise. More Music, we are reaffirming our commitment to placing artists and their work at the centre of the conversation. The hybrid format allows us to amplify that mission by extending the SAMA experience beyond the venue and beyond geographical boundaries.

With the nominees now officially announced, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Over the coming weeks, conversations will dominate social media timelines, radio airwaves, streaming platforms, and entertainment headlines as fans rally behind their favourites and artists prepare for music’s biggest night. SAMA32 is proudly supported by the North West Department of, Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), SA Tourism, RiSA Audio Visual (RAV), Recording Industry of South Africa(RiSA), South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), with the SABC serving as official media partner.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed judging panel whose expertise, integrity, and dedication made this year’s nomination process possible,” concludes Sibisi. “Their commitment to recognising excellence and nurturing South Africa’s musical heritage is deeply valued. Congratulations to all the nominees. Your music has moved the nation, and your moment has arrived.”

The nominees for the 25 categories of the 32nd South African Music Awards are as follows:

Best Adult Contemporary Album

• Abel Selaocoe’s “Four Spirits” (Live) – Abel Selaocoe, Aurora Orchestra, Nicholas Collon, Bernhard Schimpelsberger
• Buzzhead – Kahn Morbee
• Malachi’s Dream – Tim Parr
• Wrapped in Rhythm, Vol.2 – Tutu Puoane, Metropole Orkest & Jacome Bairos
• You Love Who You Love – Wandile Mbambeni
  Best African Adult Contemporary Album
• Isitifiketi – Jabulile Majola
• KwaNtu – Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba
• Moya – Simphiwe Dana
• Ngimuhle – Zawadi Yamungu
• ZINZA – BandaBanda
  Best African Indigenous Faith Album
• Difela – De Bruin Gospel Projects
• Monghali Mesia – Amadodana Ase Wesile
• NGIYA BONGA BABA – THE NEW BELIEVERS OF GOD GOSPEL SINGERS
• The Journey Continues – Abanqobi
• U TA HLAMULA – Zion Iskhalanga Academy
  Best Afro Pop Album
• Amaciko – Lwah Ndlunkulu
• Busisiwe 2.0 – CiCi
• Inkanyezi 2.0 (Live) – Sjava
• Out The Box – Nomfundo Moh
• Touch is a Move (Good Morning) – Samthing Soweto

Best Alternative Album

• From The Hill – Charles Webster
• Furniture – 44coles
• Handsome Luke & The Heartbreakers – Mars Baby
• Listen Properly – Bombshelter Beast
• THROWING STONES – Archi
  Best Amapiano Album
• Acquiesce – Babalwa M
• Bab’Motha – Kabza De Small
• Mthuthuzeli – De Mthuda
• N’wana Wa Mutsonga – Kelvin Momo
• Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo
  Best Classical Instrumental Album
• First Light – Marius Small-Smith
• Let the Children Play – John Lundun
• Light the Whole Sky – University of Pretoria Camerata
• Orchestrations – Guy Buttery
• Radio Gogo Worldwide – uBeyond
  Best Collaboration
• Abantwana Bakho – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy, Kabza De Small feat Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter
• Dlala Ka Yona – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy Enny Man Da Guitar, Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow & Sleazy
• Shela – Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle, Mano
• Thandaza – Sam Deep, Thatohatsi
• Tobetsa 3.0 – Myztro, Leehleza, Shaunmusiq, Ftears

Best Contemporary Faith Music Album

• Passover – Nqubeko Mbatha
• Testify (Live at 012 Central, Pretoria 2024) – Mmuso Worship
• The 37th Psalm (Live at Emperors Palace) – Ncebakazi Msomi
• The GAP – Brenden Praise
• THE GROUND WE’RE ON – Hle
  Best Dance Album
• Amazwi Okubonga – MaWhoo
• Asante III – MÖRDA
• Indigo Child II: Love & Frequency – Da Capo
• MAYVIS – Dlala Thukzin
• The Most Wanted – JAZZWRLD, Thukuthela

Best Engineered Album

• Bab’Motha – Kabza De Small (Engineered by Thato & Kabza De Small)
• Free – Nasty C (Engineered by Mike Manitshana)
• Ntu Futurism – L8 Antique (Engineered by Matthew)
• Orchestrations – Guy Buttery (Engineered by Guy Buttery & Fuzzy)
• Touch is a Move (Good Morning) – Samthing Soweto (Engineered by Ross Dorkin)
  Best Gqom Album
• Dark or Durban 3 – Funky Qla
• Izinsimbi zaMakoya – DJ Tira
• New Wave – Blacks Jnr, Dankie Boi, GoldMax
• Puku Puku – Dladla Mshunqisi, Beast RSA
• Southside Mixtape – DJ Lag
  Best Hip Hop Album
• Bayede – Danya Devs
• BLVCK & WHiTE – FLVME
• Boss Zonke Forever – Riky Rick
• Free – Nasty C
• THE SECRET FREQUENCY – MashBeatz
  Best Jazz Album
• Ingoma Busuku – Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini
• Intlambululo: Ukuhlambulula – Mandisi Dyantyis
• INTLUNGU. INTLUPHEKO. IMBILINI – Temba Ncetani
• Ithemba Elitsha (A New Hope) – Lumanyano Mzi
• The Y-Factor Project – Billy Monama

Best Maskandi Album

• Amalandi Amathathu – Saliwa
• Izilotshi – Mbuzeni
• Khotha La (A Tribute To Mjikjelwa) – Ntencane
• Ngabe Ngiloyiwe – Smiramira
• Ng’funa intozami – Mzukulu