The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) has officially revealed the nominees for the 31st South African Music Awards (SAMA).

RiSA made the announcements through a livestream on Friday.

RiSA CEO, Nhlanhla Sibisi says the SAMAs are not just about trophies but legacy, impact, and stories the nation is told through music.

The 25 categories include Best Afro Pop Album, Best Jazz Album and Best Collaboration.

Nominees for the Top Five Categories will be unveiled next month, while the main awards presentation ceremony will take place in a new hybrid format in November this year.

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Best Traditional Music Album

Tradition meets timelessness. 🎶

The nominees for Best Traditional Music Album are:
Keitumetse Mangate — O Molele
MmaAusi Lekoma — Mmakgodu
Makhadzi — Miracle Child (Deluxe)
Sabu Jiyana — Kwanomthandazo
Pleasure Tsa Manyalo — Bakokota (EP)

Keeping… pic.twitter.com/LFO7jjydAx

— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) August 28, 2025

Rest of Africa Award (South Africans)
Across the continent, SA’s sound shines. 🌍

The nominees for Rest of Africa Award are:
Ayra Starr — The Year I Turned 21
Bensoul — The Party & After Party
Wizkid — Morayo
Tems — Born In The Wild
Fireboy DML — Adedamola

Mzansi to the world.… pic.twitter.com/EbaF2qfpQM

— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) August 28, 2025

Best Produced Album
Where vision meets precision.

The nominees for Best Produced Album are:
Zamajobe Sithole — UMI
Black Motion — The Cradle of Art
Thandiswa Mazwai — Sankofa
Qü — Reprise on 2nd Avenue
Linda Sikhakhane — iLadi

Crafted to perfection. #sama31#NomineeReveal… pic.twitter.com/LCb8KVvp6L

— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) August 28, 2025

Best Amapiano Album
The keys, the bass, the log drum. 🔥

The nominees for Best Amapiano Album at #SAMA31 are:
Vigro Deep — Your Piano Is Not My Piano
Kelvin Momo — Sewe
Kelvin Momo — Ntsako
Mellow & Sleazy — Midnight in Sunnyside 3
Zee Nxumalo — Inja Ye Game… pic.twitter.com/UuJd3bqIlF

— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) August 28, 2025