The 30th annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs), held at Gallagher Convention Centre on Saturday, celebrated a vibrant year in South African music by honouring standout artists and top releases across various genres.
This year saw the rise of breakout talent and the affirmation of established stars, with some of the top honours going to genre leaders and newcomers alike.
Tyla, who has recently been breaking international ground with her hit “Water,” took home the prestigious Artist of the Year award. She also won in three additional categories, solidifying her position as a major force in South African pop music. Kamo Mphela, known for her contributions to the amapiano genre, received multiple awards, including Amapiano Artist of the Year. Her song “Dali,” featuring Khalil Harrison and Tyler ICU, was particularly celebrated, securing her spot among the night’s most successful artists.
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Another highlight was Lwah Ndlunkulu, who won Song of the Year for her emotionally resonant track “Eyami.” Lwah’s win marked a significant achievement, as she competed against well-established artists in a category that reflects the most beloved songs of the year. The night also recognized rising talents like DJ Tshegu for Newcomer of the Year with his track “Mzokwana,” showcasing the diversity of styles and innovation within South Africa’s music scene.
Here is the complete list of the 2024 Samas 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 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: Dalie 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 Kontemporêre Musiek Album: Estetika – Elandré
- Beste Pop: Almal Gly – Die Piesangskille
- Remix of the Year: Weekend Special (Jnr SA remix) – Jnr SA
- Rest of Africa: Son of a Tribe (Royalty Edition) – Edgar Muzah (Zimbabwe)
- Best African Indigenous Faith Album: Soothe My Soul: Songs From Our South African Church – Ladysmith Black Mambazo
- Best Contemporary Faith Album: Unusual – Xolly Mncwango
- Lesedi FM Male Artist of the Year: UGatsheni – Uyihlo noNyoko
- Ukhozi FM Female Artist of the Year: Tyla – Tyla
- Radio 2000 Duo/Group of the Year: Isimo – Kabza De Small and Mthunzi
- Santam Newcomer of the Year: Tyla – Tyla
- Sampra Album of the Year: Isimo – Kabza De Small and Mthunzi
The SAMAs underscored the growth of the local music industry, celebrating artists from gospel to hip-hop, and acknowledging their contributions to South Africa’s cultural landscape
