SAMA 31: Honouring Legacy, Celebrating Women, and Preserving South Africa’s Musical Heritage

The South African Music Awards (SAMAs), now in their 31st year, continue to stand as the nation’s highest recognition of musical excellence, cultural pride, and creative achievement. Established in 1995, the SAMAs have grown into more than just an annual awards ceremony—they have become a cornerstone of South Africa’s creative economy, driving market access, rewarding artistic innovation, strengthening social cohesion, and positioning the country as a vibrant hub of cultural tourism.

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‎Speaking on the enduring relevance of the awards, Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of RiSA, reflected:

‎“The SAMAs are not just about trophies – they’re about legacy, impact, and the stories we tell as a nation through music. In our 31st year, we remain committed to honouring the voices that shape our culture and the beats that move our people.”

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‎This year’s nomination announcement, scheduled during Women’s Month, carries a deeper resonance. It is not only a procedural milestone but also a symbolic recognition of women’s leadership, resilience, and artistic brilliance. From producers and DJs to vocalists and label owners, women in South Africa’s music industry are claiming their rightful space, and the SAMAs aim to give them their flowers while they are still here.

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‎Remembering the Queens Who Paved the Way

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‎South Africa’s rich musical tapestry would be incomplete without acknowledging the fallen queens who shaped its sound. Winnie Khumalo, the powerhouse vocalist remembered for her soulful delivery; Sibongile Khumalo, affectionately known as “The First Lady of Song”; Brenda Fassie, the fearless “Madonna of the Townships”; Mshoza, the Kwaito trailblazer; Miriam Makeba, Mama Africa, whose music echoed across the globe; Zahara, whose soulful ballads captured a nation; and Gloria Bosman, who elevated jazz with elegance and depth.

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‎Their collective legacies are more than music—they are living symbols of resilience, cultural pride, and artistry. These women carried South Africa’s voice across the world, ensuring that their sound became part of the nation’s identity.

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‎The Rise of a New Royal Court

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‎While we honour the past, it is equally important to spotlight the women currently shaping South Africa’s music scene and preparing to take the mantle of modern royalty. The industry has witnessed great performances from artists like Money Badoo, who continues to push creative boundaries with her genre-bending sound; DJ Zinhle, a household name whose influence extends beyond music into entrepreneurship and empowerment; Judy Jay, whose deep house sets have made her one of the most exciting young DJs to watch; AnchorBeeDJ, steadily carving her lane in the ever-competitive Amapiano and house scenes; and Babalwa M, known for her soulful collaborations that bring richness to Amapiano.

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‎The rising wave also includes Zee Nxumalo, a young starlet making waves with her fresh Amapiano hooks; Ciniso, whose artistry reflects the depth of South African storytelling; Lebo Sekgobela, the gospel powerhouse whose voice continues to inspire worshippers across the country; and Maleh, whose jazz-infused Afro-soul keeps her among the most respected voices in the industry.

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‎Together, these women are not just performers—they are building legacies that may soon see them counted among South Africa’s music royalty. They represent a future where female artistry takes center stage, not as an exception, but as a defining force.

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‎Looking Ahead

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‎As the industry awaits the nominees in key categories such as Hip-Hop, Amapiano, Gospel, Traditional, R&B, and Afro Jazz, anticipation grows over which artists will dominate 2025’s stage. But beyond the trophies and applause, the SAMAs hold a greater responsibility: to honour the continuum of South African music—where the legacies of the past empower the voices of the present and future.

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‎In doing so, the SAMAs become more than an awards ceremony; but a living archive of South Africa’s soundscape, ensuring that the women who paved the way are remembered, and those shaping the now are celebrated as tomorrow’s legends.

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‎Now they are questions that will arise as to whether the rise of artists such BrotherKupa, xDuppy, Zan'Ten, MSI, BabyDaiz, Kea014, LastLetter, Filah Lah Lah, Firdy, Ntombela BantuSpeaking, will be looked into and actions put to place to make sure the ceremony shows that they are updated on what the Kids are listening to?