Black Motion, Kelvin Momo shines on SAMAs 2025 nominees' list
The Recording Industry of South Africa has announced the nominees for the 31st South African Music Awards (SAMA31). The reveal took place at a private gathering in Johannesburg and was streamed live on social media. Amapiano star Kelvin Momo and jazz icon Thandiswa Mazwai lead this year’s pack with three nominations each. Momo earned nods for Best Amapiano Album with Sewe and Ntsako, as well as Best Collaboration for Ntsako. “I appreciate the recognition. It means we are doing something right,” he said. Mazwai scored nominations for Best Produced Album, Best Engineered Album, and Best Adult Contemporary Album for her project Sankofa. Reflecting on the album, she explained, “Sankofa, in the Ghanaian language Twi, means to go back and fetch what’s been left behind for healing.” Other highlights include Makhadzi’s nomination for Best Traditional Album with Miracle Child, and the return of Zama Jobe, who secured a spot with her comeback project Umi. SAMAs spokesperson Unati Gwija described this year’s nominations as “a symphony of South African sound, a playlist that celebrates not only genres but the journeys behind them.” The main event will take place in November under the theme Less Noise. More Music, blending a live audience with virtual broadcast. The top five categories will be announced in September. THE FULL LIST OF NOMINEES Best Adult Contemporary Album An African Christmas – Just 6 Seven – Melanie Scholtz Room For Everyone – Tony Drake Anthony Nonyezi – Nue Sam Look At You Now – The Morning After   Best African Adult Contemporary Album UMI – Zamajobe Zama Sankofa – Thandiswa Mazwai Nomthandazo – Zoe Modiga Isibusiso Sami – Ndu Shezi Indumiso YabeNguni – Mthuthu   Best Afro Pop Album Twenty Four – Nomfundo Moh Malik – Malik Isibuko (Deluxe) – Sjava Inkanyezi (Live) – Sjava Collaborations With Friends – Dalom Kids Montana Thokozai Mhlongo   Best Alternative Album Unyazi – Yoav & Jabulile Majola Perspective: Black – Zādok Hindsight 2020 – Francis Soal Emlotheni Th&o. – Thando Kunene Berge – Spoegwolf   Best Amapiano Album Your Piano Is Not My Piano – Vigro Deep Sewe – Kelvin Momo Ntsako – Kelvin Momo Midnight in Sunnyside 3 – Mellow & Sleazy Inja Ye Game – Zee Nxumalo   Best Classical/Instrumental Album In the morning – John Lundun By Alle Skone Dinge – Chris Vale, Eugene Joubert & Franco Prinsloo, Marlize Hattingh Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper – Derek Gripper A Season in Paradise – Vox Chamber Choir & Franco Prinsloo Awake for 22 Hours – Orecchiette   Best Collaboration Waze Wamuhle – Kelvin Momo Takala – Black Motion Ematshwaleni – Kususa Stay With Me – Matt Davies Mas Musiq, Lawd Weezy & DJ Maphorisa ft TO Starquality, Chley & Kabza De Small – Amalanga Mas Musiq   Best Dance Album The Cradle Of Art – Black Motion Finally Famous Too – Dlala Thukzin Cr4zy!!… – MÖRDA Dreaming – Shimza Caiiro – Caiiro Patrick Mthimunye   Best Engineered Album The Cradle Of Art – Black Motion Sankofa – Thandiswa Mazwai Isibuko (Deluxe) – Sjava Reawakening – Keenan Meyer Feathers & Stone – Jeremy Loops   Best Gqom Album Tronics Land 3 – Mr Thela The Rebellion – DJ Lag Play At Your Own Risk – Goldmax NANDE 3.0 – DJ Sandiso Next Level – Lelowhatsgood   Best Hip Hop Album See You Soon Delux – Blxckie Red October: Induction – Tony Dayimane Pray for Tori – Loatinover Pounds Audio 2D: Dear Darkie – Sizwe Alakine Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms – 25K   Best Jazz Album uNomkhubulwane – Nduduzo Makhathini Terra Solus – Nick Ford Ndilapha – Nomfundo Xaluva Hope Dies Last – Peter Auret Apho Kungenje – Ncesh Nonxishi   Best Maskandi Album Ngathi Nguye – Umafikizolo iPolotiki – Phuzekhemisi Angidlali Nezingane – Khuzani Alingeni – Ntencane Amathambo Kagogo – Imithente   Best Produced Album UMI – Zamajobe The Cradle Of Art – Black Motion Sankofa – Thandiswa Mazwai Reprise on 2nd Avenue – Qü iLadi – Linda Sikhakhane   Best Produced Music Video Umbuzo – Soa Mattrix Gucci (official music video) feat. MaWhoo Mthandeni SK Tshwala Bam (Remix) – TitoM and Yuppe South – Blxckie Shekhinah ft. Moliy – Risk Shekhinah