Kelvin Momo, Sjava, Thandiswa Mazwai and More Bag the Most SAMA31 Nominations
- The long-awaited annual music awards in Mzansi, the SAMAs, are back again this year
- As the nominees list was shared on social media on Thursday, 28 August 2025, Kelvin Momo, Sjava and Thandiswa are among the artists that bagged the most nominations
- Speaking to Briefly News, the new SAMA spokesperson, Unathi Gwija, shared this year's theme and the meaning behind it
Source: Getty Images
The wait is finally over, and the highly anticipated annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) are back and better than before. Though many netizens were unimpressed by the changes made this year regarding the awards, many buzzed with excitement after seeing which of their favourite musicians bagged the most nominations.
On Thursday, 28 August 2025, the SAMAs hosted their nominee announcement virtually and also shared which artists this year dominated in most categories. Musicians: Sjava, Kelvin Momo and Thandiswa Mazwai were the artists who bagged the most nominations, followed by Blxckie and Black Motion.
Sjava was nominated twice for the Best Afro Pop Album and also nominated for the Best Engineered Album category, while Thandiswa bagged the Best African Adult Contemporary Album, Best Produced Album and Best Engineered Album.
On the other Kelvin Momo, just like Sjava, bagged two nominations in the same category, which is the Best Amapiano Album and also bagged Best Collaboration.
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It's safe to say that these top artists deserved the nominations and recognition they have received, as they have been working tirelessly to give their fans and supporters the best music, not only those in Mzansi but also their followers globally.
What is this year's SAMA31's theme?
Meanwhile, everyone buzzed with excitement regarding the nominee list, the new SAMA31 spokesperson, Unathi Gwija, shared with Briefly News what this year's theme is for the awards and the meaning behind it.
He said:
"The SAMAs go beyond being just an awards show; they serve as our yearly tribute to the industry. This updated format embodies our theme: Less Noise. More Music, marking a new, daring era where digital innovation merges with live entertainment. The hybrid experience isn't aimed at immersion but at amplification."
RiSA CEO, Nhlanhla Sibisi, also shared with Briefly News why they decided to announce the nominations during Women's Month this year.
"Unveiling our nominees during Women’s Month honours the phenomenal women shaping our lives' soundtrack – on stage, in the studio, and behind the scenes. The virtual nominee reveal spotlights every voice daring to dream and rhythm that refuses to be ignored. We celebrate the beat of a nation," Sibisi said.
Source: Instagram
Cici reacts to Arthur Mafokate's performance
In a previous report from Briefly News, singer Cici reacted to seeing her former boyfriend, Arthur Mafokate, performing at the 30th SAMAs.
The disgraced record label owner performed his old hit song at the main ceremony on Saturday, 2 November 2024, alongside Chomee at the ceremony, which took place at Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. Many people flooded the comment section, comforting the award-winning singer.
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Source: Briefly News
