The prestigious awards will be held in Sun City on Sunday 28 August. Over the years the SAMAs have been a resounding success honouring musical giants who have significantly contributed to the development, upliftment, and advancement of the South African music industry over at least two decades across 30 categories.
This year the competition is tough again and Zakes Bantwini is leading the pack.
Who are the nominees?
Zakes Bantwini has scored seven nominations. He earned nods in the Record of the Year (ROTY) Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Best Dance Album and Best Engineered Album categories in addition to two recognitions in the Best Collaboration category for Imali with Karyendasoul featuring Nana Atta and the Kasango assisted Osama. DJ Maphorisa is not far behind with a Music Video of the Year (MVOTY), four ROTYs nominations, and a Remix of the Year recognition.
Mobi Dixon and Msaki bagged four nominations each. Brian Temba, Sun-El Musician an,d Chymamusique earned three nods a piece and will battle it out for Album of the Year and Male Artist of the year award. Khanyisile Mthetwa matches the trio with three nods for White Star Newcomer of the Year, Best Classical/Instrumental Album, and Female Artist of the Year. Other nominees for the Female Artist of the Year are Msaki, Kamo Mphela, Reign Afrika and Shekhinah.
Makhadzi bagged herself 3 nods and finally this year she was not snubbed. In the past Makhadzi called out the SAMAs for not nominating her. The Ghanama hitmaker is nominated for Sampra Artist for The Year, Music Video of a the Year for her smash hit fearing Prince Benza and Best Collaboration for Zwivhuya.
Legendary musicians Joe Nina, Jimmy Dludlu and McCoy Mrubata are set to receive the #SAMA28 Lifetime Achievement Award this year.
Acclaimed house maestro, Black Coffee, will be presented with the International Achievement Award in recognition of his prolific international musical career and setting a gold standard of excellence.
Who are the hosts?
TV personality Lawrence Maleka returns as a host, joined by Nandi Madida as his co-host. Comedian and actor Mpho Popps and Robot Boy will host the non-broadcast awards.
Where can you watch The SAMAs?
The SABC is the official broadcast partner of the South African Music Awards, to broadcast on Sunday, 28 August 2022, at 8 pm. The public broadcaster will kick off the festivities with the Open Mic Official Pre-Party broadcast on Saturday, 27 August 2022, at 10 pm.
The pre-party is set to feature some of the country’s hottest SAMA nominees that Open Mic Productions stars. The Open Mic Pre-Party hosts are Metro FM’s DJ Sabby and Matt Ell. Zanele Potelwa, from HotSpot Seli, joins them as one of the hosts of the pre-party and will also host the official red carpet. SABC1, in collaboration with SAMA28, will broadcast the red carpet live on YouTube.
In a statement, the SABC said “SABC1 prides itself on being the platform that unearths and recognizes talent. Each year of the partnership, The South African Music Awards and SABC1, as a collective, shines a light on the music industry and the artists in their respective genres. A huge congratulations to all the nominees that have made it through this year, sithi umculo uhamba pambili.”- Thulisile Nhlapo – Acting Channel Head.
