RiSA Announces 2025 South African Music Awards Nominees

JOHANNESBURG — 29 August 2025

The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) revealed nominees for the 31st South African Music Awards (SAMA31) during a virtual showcase.

RiSA confirmed the Top Five Categories will be announced in September 2025, with the main ceremony occurring in November 2025 in a new hybrid format.

Musicians across 25 categories received nominations, with strong representation in popular genres. Kelvin Momo earned two Best Amapiano Album nods for “Sewe” and “Ntsako”, competing against Vigro Deep’s “Your Piano Is Not My Piano”.

Established artists secured multiple nominations, including Thandiswa Mazwai (“Sankofa”) and Zoe Modiga (“Nomthandazo”) for Best African Adult Contemporary Album. Sjava appears twice in Best Afro Pop with “Isibuko (Deluxe)” and “Inkanyezi (Live)”.

Hip Hop contenders include Blxckie’s “See U Soon (Delux)” and 25K’s “Loyal To The Plug”, while Elaine’s “Stone Cold Heart” competes in Best R&B/Soul Album.

The Rest of Africa category features international stars like Ayra Starr (“The Year I Turned 21”), Wizkid (“Morayo”), and Tems (“Born In The Wild”).

The November ceremony will showcase winners from all categories following September’s Top Five reveal.