Funding crunch forces 31st Samas to embrace hybrid format: date revealed

The 31st annual South African Music Awards (Samas) will take place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Johannesburg. 

In a statement, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) confirmed that the awards will adopt a hybrid format, blending live and digital elements. 

“Faced with a challenging sponsorship climate and the realities of a constrained funding environment, RiSA has opted to pivot from the traditional large-scale live gala to a more streamlined event - innovative, accessible, hybrid and digitally driven,” the organisation said.

Samas spokesperson Unati Gwija said that the hybrid approach will allow more fans to participate. 

“By embracing a hybrid format, #SAMA31 aims to expand access, enabling fans across South Africa and beyond to participate in the celebration through multi-platform engagement and interactive digital experiences."

"While some may see this as a departure from tradition, we view it as an evolution, an opportunity to reimagine how South African music is experienced and to bring the Samas closer to more fans than ever before.” 

Gwija acknowledged the pressures facing cultural institutions nationwide. 

“Like cultural institutions across the country, the Samas are navigating reduced government funding, inconsistent corporate sponsorship and shifting audience behaviours. Rather than retreat, RiSA is choosing to adapt and evolve."

"Prestige is not defined by chandeliers or banquet halls. It lies in what the Samas have always represented - artistic credibility, cultural relevance and national pride. The hybrid edition showcases our resilience and the innovative spirit of our music industry.”   

Leading the nominations this year are Black Motion, Kelvin Momo and Thandiswa Mazwai, each recognised for their contributions to South Africa’s music landscape.