South Africa’s biggest music stars gathered at the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday, 15 August, for a spectacular 32nd South African Music Awards ceremony.
SAMA32 celebrated the artists, songs and albums that shaped the country’s music scene during the eligibility period. Moreover, the event brought together amapiano, gospel, maskandi, traditional music, pop, hip-hop and several other genres under one roof.
Cassper Nyovest and Zanele Potelwa co-hosted the ceremony, guiding viewers through a packed evening of performances, emotional speeches and major award announcements.
However, it was HLE and Kabza De Small who emerged as the night’s biggest winners. Both artists collected three awards and strengthened their positions among South Africa’s most influential musicians.
HLE and Kabza De Small dominate SAMA32
HLE won Best Contemporary Faith Music Album for The Ground We’re On. The project also received the prestigious SAMPRA Album of the Year award, while HLE walked away with the Lesedi FM Female Artist of the Year title.
Her success highlighted the continued strength of contemporary gospel music in South Africa. It also confirmed that faith-based projects can compete strongly across major industry categories.
Meanwhile, Kabza De Small extended his dominance of the amapiano scene.
The producer’s Bab’Motha won Best Amapiano Album. In addition, “Abantwana Bakho” won Best Collaboration for Kabza, DJ Maphorisa, XDuppy, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter.
Kabza’s third victory came through the “Eningi” remix featuring Njelic, Mthunzi, Mkeyz, GL_Ceejay and Simmy, which won Remix of the Year.
“Abantwana Bakho” also received the CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year award, showing the track’s powerful reach among South African listeners.
Tyla makes her first SAMA appearance
Global superstar Tyla added international glamour to the celebration as she made her first appearance at the SAMAs.
The Grammy-winning artist received the AfriPure International Achievement Award in recognition of her growing global influence and contribution to taking South African music to international audiences.
Tyla’s appearance became one of the ceremony’s biggest moments. Although her career now regularly takes her around the world, the award offered a special homecoming celebration in front of the local music industry.
Veteran musician and producer Oskido also received one of the night’s most important honours. The influential Kalawa Jazmee co-founder was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long contribution to South African music.
New talent and established stars share the spotlight
SAMA32 did not focus only on household names. Emerging singer Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini received the SABC1 Newcomer of the Year award, marking a major breakthrough in his career.
Gospel singer Bucy Radebe won Best Traditional Faith Music Album for Praise & Worship in the Wilderness, Pt. 1. She received the award alongside her husband, Thapelo Thoboke, before delivering a performance that brought gospel energy to the stage.
Makhadzi Entertainment won Best Traditional Music Album for Sesi Ka Rose, while Sjava claimed Best Afro Pop Album with Inkanyezi 2.0 (Live).
Elsewhere, Mzukulu received the Motsweding FM Male Artist of the Year award. Amadodana Ase Wesile won Radio 2000 Duo/Group of the Year and Best African Indigenous Faith Album, while Tiwa Savage’s This One Is Personal secured the Rest of Africa Award.
Nontokozo Mkhize received the SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award for “Esandleni”, further reflecting the range of talent recognised during the ceremony.
Performances and viral moments energise the ceremony
The night also featured performances from Lordkez and Cassper Nyovest, Makhadzi, Bucy Radebe and Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini.
Bonang Matheba, Oskido, Anele Zondo, L-Tido and several other entertainment personalities added further star power to the occasion. Meanwhile, L-Tido and Anele Zondo created one of the evening’s most talked-about moments when they shared a kiss on stage.
Beyond the trophies and viral moments, SAMA32 showed the remarkable range of South African music. Established legends received recognition, current hitmakers celebrated major victories and emerging performers gained a national platform.
For HLE and Kabza De Small, the ceremony delivered three awards each. For Tyla, it marked a celebrated first appearance at the country’s premier music awards. Meanwhile, Oskido’s lifetime honour connected South Africa’s musical history with a new generation of artists taking its sound to the world.
Sources: Daily Sun
