Johannesburg, South Africa The 31st South African Music Awards did not simply hand out trophies last night; they tuned the country into a shared frequency. Broadcast live on SABC1 and simulcast on SABC Plus from Gallagher Estate, SAMA31 unfolded as a carefully curated listening session one that honoured craft, community and continuity across generations of South African sound.
Under the theme “Flowers For Those Who Keep Our Nation Singing,” the awards made a clear statement: celebrate artists while their voices are still resonant, while the music is still breathing.
Goldmax emerged as one of the night’s defining figures. His album Play At Your Own Risk claimed Album of the Year and Best Gqom Album, earning him Male Artist of the Year and firmly positioning gqom at the centre of the national conversation.
Towering with quiet authority was Thandiswa Mazwai, whose album Sankofa dominated the ceremony. She was named Female Artist of the Year and walked away with Best African Adult Contemporary Album, Best Engineered Album, and Best Produced Album a masterclass in intention, memory and musical return.
Collective power was celebrated through Black Motion, who won Duo or Group of the Year and Best Collaboration for Takala, reinforcing the enduring strength of unity in South African music.
The future was ushered forward with purpose as Nontokozo Mkhize claimed Newcomer of the Year for Lindiwe a debut rooted in faith, feeling and promise.
Across genres, the awards reflected the breadth of the country’s sonic landscape. Kelvin Momo won Best Amapiano Album for Ntsako; Dlala Thukzin took Best Dance Album for Finally Famous Too, 25K secured Best Hip Hop Album for Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms, Sjava won Best Afro Pop Album for Isibuko (Deluxe); and Khuzani was honoured with Best Maskandi Album for Angidlali Nezingane. In jazz, Peter Auret received Best Jazz Album for Hope Dies Last.
Technical and artistic excellence were also foregrounded. Shekhinah won Best Produced Music Video for Risk, while awards for adult contemporary, rock, reggae, traditional, alternative and faith based music underscored the depth of South Africa’s creative ecosystem.
Beyond the country’s borders, Nigerian star Ayra Starr received the Rest of Africa Award for The Year I Turned 21 , reinforcing South Africa’s place within a broader continental rhythm.
More than a spectacle, SAMA31 functioned as dialogue between elders and newcomers, between tradition and innovation, between memory and momentum. Elegance on the red carpet mirrored intention on stage, and the performances reminded audiences why live music moments still matter.
As the final notes faded, one truth remained clear: SAMA31 was not only a celebration of excellence, but a living archive of South African sound giving artists their flowers, in real time.