The 29th edition of the South African Music Awards (SAMA) in 2023, held at the Sun Bet Arena on November 17–18, celebrates excellence in the South African music industry.
Introduction
The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) 2023 is the 29th edition of an annual event recognizing excellence in the South African music industry. It will take place on November 17–18, 2023, at the Sun Bet Arena in South Africa and will be aired live on SABC 1.
AKA Dominates with 7 Nominations
The late AKA leads with an impressive 7 nominations for his posthumous album “Mass Country.” The awards were delayed due to financial challenges, and nominees were announced on October 3, 2023.
A Diverse Range of Categories
The SAMA Awards 2023 covers various categories, highlighting the diverse talent in the South African music scene. Some of the key categories include:
- Female Artist of the Year: Kelly Khumalo – “From A God To A King”
- Male Artist of the Year: AKA – “Mass Country”
- Duo or Group of the Year: DJ Maphorisa and Visca – “Ba Straata”
- Newcomer of the Year: Myztro – “2.0 Nkwari”
- Album of the Year: AKA – “Mass Country”
- Best Hip Hop Album: Maglera Doe Boy – “Diaspora”
- Best African Adult Contemporary Album: Dumza Maswana – “Celebrating African Song”
- Best Alternative Album: uBeyond – “Glitch Vol 2: The Future Is Now”
- Best Amapiano Album: Kelvin Momo – “Amukelani”
- Best Collaboration: K.O, Young Stunna featuring Blxckie – “Sete”
- Best Pop Album: Lloyiso – “Seasons”
- Best Produced Album: Kabza De Small – “KOA II Part 1”
- Best Produced Music Video: AKA featuring Nasty C – “Lemons (Lemonade)”
- Best Reggae Album: Blakka Yut – “Unleashed”
- Best Jazz Album: Nduduzo Makhathini – “In the Spirit of Ntu”
- Best Kwaito Album: Shisaboy – “Jukebox”
- Best Maskandi Album: Khuzani – “Umqhele Nethawula”
- Best R&B Album: Sihle Sithole – “4LUV (Deluxe)”
- Best Rock Album: Francois Badenhorst – “Kanniedood”
- Best Traditional Faith Album: Drakensberg Boys Choir – “Memories”
- Best Afro-pop Album: Kelly Khumalo – “From A God to a King”
- Best Dance Album: Mörda – “Asante”
- Best African Indigenous Faith Album: JTG Gospel Choir – “Emmanuel”
- Best Gqom Album: DJ Lag – “Meeting with the King”
- Remix of the Year: Mörda, Yallunder – “Ndinovalo”
Dynamic Hosts for SAMA Awards 2023
The hosts for the SAMA Awards 2023 are DJ Sabby ‘The Best Thing Ever’ Mtshali, Nomalanga ‘The Flame’ Shozi, Hope Mbhele, and Thuthuka Mthembu. Announced by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), these hosts bring diverse talents to the stage. DJ Sabby, known for his radio presence and TV hosting, partners with Nomalanga Shozi, recognized for her international contributions.
Hope Mbhele, a beloved figure, adds her flair to the #SAMA29 red carpet, while Thuthuka Mthembu, known for acting and hosting, provides behind-the-scenes insights. RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi is confident that this dynamic quartet will elevate the SAMA experience, promising an unforgettable show during the event held in collaboration with Africa Fest at Pretoria’s SunBet Arena.
When is SAMA Awards 2023?
The SAMA Awards 2023 are taking place from November 17 to November 18 at the SunBet Arena in Time Square, Pretoria. The 29th edition of the awards is being organized by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). Despite facing challenges, such as the last-minute change in hosting location after the KZN government withdrew, the event, in collaboration with the inaugural Africa Fest, is promising to be unforgettable.
The awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding achievements in the South African music industry, is currently being broadcast live on SABC 1.
RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi has expressed confidence in delivering a memorable show. The event features various categories recognizing excellence in music, along with performances by industry heavyweights during the Africa Fest that follows the awards.
SAMA Awards 2023 – FAQs
- When and where are the SAMA Awards 2023 held? The SAMA Awards 2023 are taking place from November 17 – November 18 at the SunBet Arena in Time Square, Pretoria.
- Who leads the nominations for SAMA Awards 2023? The late AKA leads with 7 nominations for his posthumous album “Mass Country.”
- What categories are covered in the SAMA Awards 2023? Categories include Female and Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Hip Hop Album.
- Who are the hosts of the SAMA Awards 2023? The hosts are DJ Sabby, Nomalanga Shozi, Hope Mbhele, and Thuthuka Mthembu.
- Why were the SAMA Awards 2023 delayed? The awards were delayed due to financial challenges, and nominees were announced on October 3, 2023.
In conclusion, the SAMA Awards 2023 are a celebration of South African music excellence, with AKA leading the nominations and a diverse range of categories recognizing the best in the industry. The dynamic hosting team promises an unforgettable show, and despite challenges, the event is set to shine. Don’t miss out on this musical extravaganza!
