Thandiswa Mazwai Wins Big at the 31st Annual SAMA Ceremony: Full List of Winners
The 31st annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) unfolded last night at the Gallagher Estate in Midrand, with the ceremony shining a spotlight on the depth, diversity and evolution of South African music. Held under the theme “Flowers For Those Who Keep Our Nation Singing,” the night honoured industry veterans while also making space for rising stars and genre-defying projects. The awards were broadcast live on SABC1, drawing in viewers from across the country.
It was a triumphant evening for Thandiswa Mazwai, who emerged as the most decorated artist of the night. Her critically acclaimed album Sankofa dominated the ceremony, earning her four major awards and reaffirming her status as one of South Africa’s most influential musical voices.
Co-Hosts of the Red Carpet Luyanda Zuma and Qhawekazi Mazaleni | SUPPLIED
Mthandeni SK and MaWhoo came up as fan favourites, winning Record of the Year for “Gucci”, in addition to winning Music Video of the Year. Nontokozo Mkhize took home Newcomer of the Year while Black Motion were crowned Duo/Group of the Year on top of winning Best Collaboration. The ceremony also took a poignant turn as the late gospel icon Solly Moholo was posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, an emotional tribute that drew a standing ovation from the audience.
Full List of SAMA31 Winners:
Top Awards & Special Categories
Record of the Year: Mthandeni SK and MaWhoo – “Gucci”
Newcomer of the Year: Nontokozo Mkhize — Lindiwe
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
General Field Awards:
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Melanie Scholtz — Seven
Best African Adult Contemporary Album: Thandiswa Mazwai — Sankofa
Thandiswa Mazwai | Credit: The SAMAs
Best Alternative Album: Francis Soul — Hindsight 2020
Best Amapiano Album: Kelvin Momo — Ntsako
Best Afro Pop Album: Sjava — Isibuko (Deluxe)
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
Music Video of the Year: Mthandeki SK (feat. MaWhoo) – “Gucci”