“Some of the biggest songs are born when exceptional artists come together to share ideas, blend styles and create something greater than the sum of its parts,” said South African Music Awards (Samas) spokesperson Unathi Gwija.
That spirit is at the heart of the Best Collaboration category at the 32nd Samas, where some of the country’s biggest stars are competing for one of the night’s most exciting prizes.
The “Homecoming Edition” of SAMA32 takes place on Saturday, August 15 at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West.
The awards celebrate not only standout artists but also the partnerships that continue to shape South African music. Tickets are available through Ticketpro.
“This year’s ‘Homecoming Edition’ celebrates not only outstanding individual talent but also the spirit of collaboration that drives artistic innovation and musical excellence,” said Gwija.
“It also reinforces the North West Province as the proud home of the South African Music Awards and one of South Africa’s premier destinations for music, culture and entertainment.”
This year’s nominees showcase the power of teamwork across amapiano and afro-house.
The category features DJ Maphorisa and XDuppy featuring Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter with “Abantwana Bakho”, DJ Maphorisa and XDuppy with Enny Man Da Guitar, Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow and Sleazy on “Dlala Ka Yona”, Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle and Mano with “Shela”, Sam Deep and Thatohatsi with “Thandaza” and Myztro, Leehleza, Shaunmusiq and Ftears with “Tobetsa 3.0”.
“Abantwana Bakho” united some of amapiano’s biggest names and quickly became a streaming success.
The song passed 10 million Spotify streams within months and cemented DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small’s place among the country’s top-streamed artists.
“Dlala Ka Yona” became a favourite on dance floors and across social media.
The song exploded through TikTok dance challenges while its music video and audio release attracted millions of views, turning it into one of the biggest amapiano hits of the year.
“Shela” made history by becoming the most streamed song in a single day on South African Spotify with more than 455,000 streams on New Year’s Eve.
The multilingual track explores the excitement of romance over amapiano rhythms, and its music video raced past 10 million YouTube views just months after release.
“Thandaza” offered something different by mixing spiritual themes with club sounds.
Released as the lead single from Sam Deep’s album “Who I Am”, the song reached number one on the Apple Music chart while helping the album climb to the top of Spotify’s weekly album rankings. Its message of hope and faith connected with listeners across the country.
“Tobetsa 3.0” continued the success of a song series that has become a favourite at parties and festivals.
After months of social media teasers from Myztro, the collaboration arrived to eager fans and added another chapter to one of amapiano’s best-known dance anthems.
The Best Collaboration category recognises more than chart success. It celebrates the creative spark that happens when artists from different backgrounds and styles work together.
These partnerships often introduce new talent to wider audiences, inspire fresh sounds and create songs that dominate playlists and dance floors.
As the countdown to SAMA32 continues, one thing is certain. Whether it is a club anthem, a love song or an uplifting anthem of hope, South Africa’s biggest musical moments are often created when artists join forces.
