‘Mnike’ by Tyler ICU and Tumelo.za, featuring DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA, and Tyrone Dee has been nominated in the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year category at the SAMAs. Picture: Supplied
The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) have announced the nominees for their 30th Annual event.
This year's categories include the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year and RiSA Audio Visual (RAV) Music Video of the Year.
Despite challenges last year, including the withdrawal of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs as host, the SAMAs are back to celebrate the vibrant South African music scene.
In the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year category, amapiano a genre that has taken South Africa and the world by storm dominates the nominations.
Leading the list is "Mnike" by Tyler ICU and Tumelo.za, featuring DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA, and Tyrone Dee. This track’s dance challenge has resonated widely, marking it as a strong contender.
Also making waves are “IPlan” by Dlala Thukzin, Zaba, and Sykes, and “Imithandazo” by Kabza De Small and Mthunzi, featuring Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine, and Umthakathi Kush.
“Sgudi Snyc” by De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef, Eemoh, and Sipho Magudulela adds to the Amapiano dominance, highlighting the genre’s depth and creativity.
Tyla’s international hit "Water" also makes the list, adding a global flavour to the nominations.
This track has reached international audiences, helping spread South African music and establishing Tyla as one of the country’s rising stars.
In the RiSA Audio Visual Music Video of the Year category, competition is equally fierce. Tyla’s "Water" stands out again, alongside "Mnike" by Tyler ICU and Tumelo.za.
Other strong contenders include "Awukhuzeki" by DJ Stokie, "Hamba Juba" by Lady Amar, JL SA, Cici, and Murumba Pitch, and "Kulula" by MaWhoo, DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza De Small.
The nominations also highlight Lowsheen’s visual storytelling in "Thula" with Master KG and Nkosazana Daughter, and "Uthando Lwakho" with Master KG and Basetsana.
“Sgudi Snyc” is acknowledged for its innovative video production, alongside “Lemons (Lemonade)” by AKA and Nasty C, “Mohigan Sun” by Mörda and Oscar Mbo featuring Murumba Pitch, and “Ronda” by Blxckie.
This year’s SAMAs are supported by major sponsors, including the Motsepe Foundation, CAPASSO, SAMPRA, and SAMRO, with SABC 1 serving as the official media partner.
Public voting is open, allowing fans to vote by sending an SMS with the artist code to 33485.
Organisers are keeping details about this year’s awards close to their chest with details about the event’s venue, date, yet to be announced.
RiSA communications manager Lesley Mofokeng expressed excitement about the milestone event.
“The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) is proud to announce the nominees for the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year and RiSA Audio Visual Music Video of the Year awards.
This is the first step as we build up to the milestone #SAMA30. Further details about the event will be communicated at a later stage. We thank the media and the public for their continued interest and support for the SAMA,” he said.
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