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Highlights from the 2024 South African Music Awards

On November 2, 2024, the vibrant atmosphere of the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, South Africa, buzzed with excitement as the winners of the 2024 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) were announced. The evening was a celebration of artistic excellence, with notable performances and emotional speeches as artists from diverse genres came together to honour their achievements.


Leading the pack was the sensational Tyla, who clinched an impressive four awards, including Best Pop Album for her self-titled debut, Newcomer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Best International Act. Her triumph reflects the rising global appeal of South African music and her undeniable talent.



Hot on her heels were Kabza De Small, a prominent figure in the Amapiano genre, and Mthunzi, who both showcased their prowess with four and three awards, respectively. The highly coveted title of Male Artist of the Year went to Ugatsheni, while Lwah Ndlunkulu, QueDj, and Priddy Ugly were celebrated for their contributions to Afro Pop, Gqom, and Hip Hop, respectively.


The gospel music scene also shone brightly at this year's SAMAs. Omega Khunou earned recognition for Best Traditional Faith Music Album, while Xolly Mncwango took home the award for Best Contemporary Faith Music Album for her impactful project, Unusual. This underscores the genre's significant presence in the South African music landscape.

Among the highlights, legendary group Ladysmith Black Mambazo received the award for Best African Indigenous Faith Album with Soothe My Soul: Songs From Our South African Church. The Best Jazz Album award was claimed by Steve Dyer for Enhlizweni: Songs From My Heartland, further affirming the richness of South Africa's musical heritage.


The winners of various categories are a testament to the diversity and creativity within the South African music industry. Here’s a closer look at some of the key categories and their winners:

  • Best Adult Contemporary Album: Stimela – Drakensberg Boys Choir

  • Ikwekwezi FM 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

  • Motsweding FM 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 Engineered Album: Reimagined – The Soil

  • Best Gqom Album: We Don't Play The Same Gqom 2 – QueDj

  • Best Hip Hop Album: Dust – Priddy Ugly

  • Best Jazz Album: Enhlizweni: Song Stories 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

  • Umhlobo Wenene FM Best R&B/Soul Album: Testament – Lordkez

  • Best Rock Album: Dans Deur Die Donker – Francois van Coke

  • Best Traditional Faith Music Album: Mororiseng – Omega Khunou

  • Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album: Estetika – Elandré

  • Beste Pop Album: Almal Gly – Die Piesangskille

  • Remix of the Year: ‘Weekend Special (Jnr SA remix)’ – Jnr SA

  • Best African Indigenous Faith Music Album: Soothe My Soul: Songs from our South African Church – Ladysmith Black Mambazo

  • Best Contemporary Faith Music Album: Unusual – Xolly Mncwango

  • SANTAM Newcomer of the Year: Tyla – Tyla

  • SAMPRA Album of the Year: Isimo – Kabza De Small and Mthunzi

  • Radio 2000 Duo/Group of the Year: Kabza De Small and Mthunzi – Isimo

  • Lesedi FM Male Artist of the Year: Ugatsheni – Uyihlo noNyoko

  • Ukhozi FM Female Artist of the Year: Tyla – Tyla

  • Rest of Africa Award: Son Of A Tribe (Royalty Edition) – Edgar Muzah

  • Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year: ‘Paris’ – Mthandeni SK ft. Lwah Ndlunkulu

  • Best Reggae Album: Give Praises – Skeleton Blazer

  • Best Dance Album: Permanent Music 3 – Dlala Thukzin

  • Best Traditional Music Album: Hamba Naye – Soul Brothers

  • CAPASSO Most Streamed Song Of The Year: ‘Mnike’ – Tyler ICU and Tumelo_za featuring DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha 808, Ceeka RSA, and Tyron Dee

  • RiSA Audio and Visual Music Video of the Year: ‘Lemons (Lemonade)’ – AKA & Nasty C

  • Chairperson Award: Oskido

  • International Achievement: Tyla

  • Lifetime Achievement Awards: Sipho Makhabane & Ringo Madlingozi


The SAMAs serve as a vital platform for recognising and celebrating the talent that shapes South Africa’s music scene. With a wealth of genres represented—from traditional sounds to contemporary hits—the awards highlight the evolving landscape of South African music and its continued influence both locally and internationally.


For the full list of winners and more details, be sure to check out the SAMAs' official announcements and celebrate the incredible achievements of these talented artists.

 
 
 

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