Sama Awards 2023, Winners List, and More
by Jayasree D | Updated Nov 18, 2023
Sama Awards 2023
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.
The late AKA leads with 7 nominations for his posthumous album "Mass Country." The awards were delayed due to financial challenges, and nominees were announced on October 3, 2023.
The ceremony covers various categories like Female and Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Hip Hop Album. Special awards include the Rest of Africa Award and Lifetime Achievement Awards. The event aims to celebrate and honor outstanding contributions to South African music.
Sama Awards 2023 Winners List
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 Engineered Album: AKA - "Mass Country" (engineered & produced by Robin Kohl and Itu)
Best African Adult Contemporary Album: Dumza Maswana - "Celebrating African Song"
Best Alternative Album: uBeyond - "Glitch Vol 2: The Future Is Now"
Best Produced Album: Kabza De Small - "KOA II Part 1" (producer: Leslie George Theko, Artwork Sound, Da Muziqal Chef, Mdu aka TRP, Stakev, DJ Maphorisa, and Felo Le Tee)
Best Amapiano Album: Kelvin Momo - "Amukelani"
Best Collaboration: K.O, Young Stunna featuring Blxckie - "Sete"
Best Pop Album: Lloyiso - "Seasons"
Best Produced Music Video: AKA featuring Nasty C - "Lemons (Lemonade)" (producer: Tebogo Mabaso; director: Nate Thomas)
Best Reggae Album: Blakka Yut - "Unleashed"
Best Hip Hop Album: Maglera Doe Boy - "Diaspora"
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"
Sama Awards 2023 Host
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
The SAMA Awards 2023 are taking place from November 17 - November 18 at the SunBet Arena in Time Square, Pretoria.
The late AKA leads with 7 nominations for his posthumous album "Mass Country."
Categories include Female and Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Hip Hop Album.
The hosts are DJ Sabby, Nomalanga Shozi, Hope Mbhele, and Thuthuka Mthembu.
The awards were delayed due to financial challenges, and nominees were announced on October 3, 2023.