The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) dropped the full nominee list for SAMA31 on 28 August 2025. There are 25 categories, covering everything from amapiano to faith music, and local stars to artists from all over Africa.
Here are some of the standout names & races to watch - and yes, I’m making some predictions in my head already…
Key Nominees & Heavyweights
These are artists who show up multiple times, or in categories that tend to have extra prestige. Expect the spotlight on them.
| Artist | What They're Nominated For |
| Kelvin Momo | Best Amapiano; Best Collaboration for 'Waze Wamuhle"). |
| Sjava | Best Afro Pop Album (two entries: Isibuko; Inkanyezi (live)). |
| Thandiswa Mazwai | Best African Contemporary Album, plus nods in engineering and production ballots. |
| Black Motion | Best Dance Album, Best Collaboration, Best Engineered, Best Produced |
Categories & Nominees: What’s Hot
Here are some of the category races that look especially interesting. Might be the ones people are talking about after the winners are announced.
• 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 Afro Pop Album
Nomfundo Moh – Twenty Four; Malik – Malik; Sjava – Isibuko (Deluxe); Sjava – Inkanyezi (Live); Dalom Kids – Collaborations With Friends.
• Best Album Genre Super Categories & Faith / Traditional / Indigenous
These include categories such as Best Adult Contemporary Album, Best African Indigenous Faith Album, Best Traditional Music Album, etc.
• Best Produced / Best Engineered
Names like Black Motion, Thandiswa, Sjava, Zamajobe show up for production/editorial categories - signaling that it’s not just about the song but how you make it.
• Rest of Africa Award
International names like Ayra Starr, Tems, Wizkid, Fireboy DML, Bensoul.
What Makes This Nominee List Pop
• Diversity of Genre: From gospel to rock, maskandi to amapiano, indigenous faith albums, pop, R&B, alt - everyone’s invited!
• Multiple Nods for Certain Acts: Artists like Kelvin Momo, Sjava, Black Motion, and Thandiswa Mazwai aren’t just showing up once - they’ve got skin in the game. Always a good sign.
• Hybrid Format & Excitement: The ceremony is being held in a hybrid format (virtual + live). Also, the Top Five categories (Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, etc.) winners will only be revealed later this September, meaning the suspense is real.
Predictions (Because We Can’t Help It) Because what’s an article without at least some wild guesses?
• Kelvin Momo might take home the Best Amapiano Album (unless someone surprises).
• Sjava has strong chances in Afro Pop and Best Engineered.
• Black Motion could win Best Produced Album or Best Engineered, given their multiple nominations in technical categories.
Final Word
The SAMA31 nominees list reads like a love letter to South Africa’s richly layered music scene in 2024-2025. It’s full of artists who are pushing boundaries, showing respect to tradition, collaborating across genres, and leveling up production. If you love music, this list is your playlist waiting to happen.