Who’s in? More Samas 2025 nominees announced across major categories

The heat is on at the 31st annual South African Music Awards (Samas).

The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) has revealed more nominees across major categories, and fans are already talking.

With top artists from across genres in the running, this year’s awards promise strong competition and lively debates about who will take home the trophies.

The top five categories and nominees are as follows:

Male Artist of the Year

• Ayanda Ntanzi - “According to Grace, A One Man Show”
• Luwe Da Lion - “After All”
• Khuzani - “Angidlali Nezingane”
• Kelvin Momo - “Ntsako”
• Goldmax - “Play At Your Own Risk”

Female Artist of the Year

• Makhadzi Entertainment - “Miracle Child (Deluxe)”
• Thandiswa Mazwai - “Sankofa”
• Melanie Scholtz - “Seven”
• Elaine - “Stone Cold Heart”
• Zee Nxumalo - “Inja Ye Game”

Duo or Group of the Year

• MaxX & Love - “These Blues Might Get You Too”
• Black Motion - “Takala”
• JTG Gospel Choir - “Morena Re Ya Leboga”
• Spoegwolf - “Eindbestemming”
• Kususa - Ematshwaleni”

Album of the Year

• Ayanda Ntanzi - “According to Grace, A One Man Show”
• Luwe Da Lion - “After All”
• Kelvin Momo - “Ntsako”
• Goldmax - “Play At Your Own Risk”
• Thandiswa Mazwai - “Sankofa”

Newcomer of the Year

• Ncesh Nonxishi - “Apho Kungenje”
• House of Mercy - “Busa Jeso”
• Nontokozo Mkhize - “Lindiwe”
• Mmangaliso - “Living Word”
• Umafikizolo - “Ngathi Nguye”

Taking to social media, Khuzani shared his reaction to his nominations. He said that there are big things that the ‘Angidlali Nezingane’ album did for him and that he does not even know what to say. Khuzani said that he is grateful to be nominated twice this year.

Besides the Male Artist of the Year award, Khuzani is also up for the Best Maskandi Album award.

MaxX & Love also shared their excitement: “We said it before, and we’ll say it again! These Blues Might Get You Too! We’re in disbelief, but more so, we’re honoured to be nominated alongside such talent.

"It’s been a wild journey for MaxX & Love, a journey we have put into our music and craft. Thank you to all those who’ve taken a ride on this blues train!” The duo is also nominated under the Best Rock Album category.

Nontokozo Mkhize wrote: “Another one! 2X @thesamas_ nominee. Ngicela ningiblocke tuuuu (please block me). Joking! Ngiyabonga kakhulu (Thank you).” Mkhize is also nominated for the Best Contemporary Faith Music Album.

Unati Gwija, a spokesperson for the Samas, extended congratulations to the nominees.

“Our Top 5 categories reflect a new era where talent, artistry and resilience converge. Together, these artists represent a layered and competitive field where excellence is spread across genres and platforms."

"This sets the stage for one of the most dynamic and unpredictable editions of the Samas in recent history.”

Gwija added that the Top 5 announcement is more than a roll-call of nominees.

“It’s the ignition point for the Sama countdown. This moment signals the start of the race toward the ceremony, building hype, sharpening rivalries and rallying fans behind their favourites as the nation counts down to #SAMA31.”