The 2024 South African Music Awards (SAMAs), held on Saturday, November 2, was a spectacular night celebrating the country’s top talent. Hosted by presenter Minnie Dlamini, who wowed in a striking gown inspired by Doja Cat and adorned with elements of the South African flag, the event honoured some of South Africa’s biggest names in music.
Joining Dlamini was “Expresso Morning Show” host Zanele Potelwa, whose voice resonated throughout the venue as the “Voice of God,” perfectly complementing Dlamini’s presence.
One of the night’s biggest winners was international sensation Tyla, who took home multiple awards, including Female Artist of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and Best Pop Album for her debut. Although Tyla couldn’t attend due to a music video shoot, her acceptance speech played, celebrating her International Achievement Award.
Amapiano icons Kabza De Small and Mthunzi also triumphed, winning Album of the Year, Duo/Group of the Year, and Best Amapiano Album for Isimo. Mthunzi, collecting the awards solo, made sure to thank his partner Kabza for their successful collaboration.
It was also a night to remember for Sykes, who clinched his first award for Best Kwaito Album, and rapper Priddy Ugly, who secured Best Hip Hop Album for Dust after a powerful performance.
The night included stunning performances from top artists like Babes Wodumo, Rebecca Malope, Nasty C, Zee Nxumalo, DJ Cleo, and Emtee, making the event as entertaining as it was celebratory.
Here’s a quick look at some of the standout winners from this year’s SAMAs:
• Best Adult Contemporary Album: Stimela – Drakensberg Boys Choir
• Best African Adult Contemporary Album: Sane – Brenda Mtambo
• Best Afro-pop Album: Imizwa – Lwah Ndlunkulu
• Best Alternative Album: I’m With the Singer – I’m With the Singer
• Best Amapiano Album: Isimo – Kabza De Small and Mthunzi
• Best Classical/Instrumental Album: End of the Beginning – Fanie Dick
• Best Collaboration: iPlan – Dlala Thukzin, Sykes, and Zaba
• Best Dance Album: Permanent Music 3 – Dlala Thukzin
• Best Engineered Album: Reimagined – The Soil
• Best Gqom Album: We Don’t Play the Same Gqom – QueDj
• Best Hip Hop Album: Dust – Priddy Ugly
• Best Jazz Album: Enhlizweni: Song From My Heartland – Steve Dyer
• Best Kwaito Album: Most Wanted – Sykes
• Best Maskandi Album: Uyihlo noNyoko – Ugatsheni
• Best Pop Album: Tyla – Tyla
• Best Produced Album: No Other Love – David Watkyns
• Best Produced Music Video: “Dali” by Kamo Mphela – Kudzi
• Best R&B/Soul Album: Testament – Lordkez
• Best Reggae Album: Give Praises – Skeleton Blazer
• Best Rock Album: Dans Deur Die Donker – Fokofpolisiekar
• Best Traditional Faith Music Album: Mo Roriseng – Omega Khunou
• Best Traditional Music Album: Hamba Naye – Soul Brothers
• Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album: Estetika – Elandre
• Beste Pop: Almal Gly – Die Piesangskille
• Remix of the Year: Weekend Special (Jnr SA remix) – Jnr SA
