SAMA32 Winners: HLE, Mzukulu, Tyla, Oskido and more take top honours

Gospel singer and songwriter HLE, was one of the biggest winners at the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) Homecoming edition.

Hle took home both the Lesedi FM Female Artist of the Year award and the SAMPrA Album of the Year award for “The Ground We’re On”.  During the Industry Awards, Hle won Best Contemporary Faith Music Video.

Mzukulu also enjoyed a strong showing, winning the Motsweding FM Male Artist of the Year and uKhozi FM Best Maskandi Album awards for Ng’funa Intozami. The Maskandi star was not in attendance to collect his awards, as he was at the funeral of Inkosi Yamagcokama.

Other winners included Amadodana Ase Wesile, who were named Radio 2000 Duo/Group of the Year and won Best African Indigenous Faith Album at the Industry Awards.

Nontokozo Mkhize claimed the SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award for “Esandleni”. Rising star Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini was recognised as SABC 1 Newcomer of the Year, underlining the SAMAs’ continued commitment to recognising both established excellence and emerging talent.

Bucy Radebe won Best Traditional Faith Music Album for “Praise & Worship in the Wilderness, Pt. 1”, and she later took the audience to church with her moving performance.

Makhadzi Entertainment took Best Traditional Music Album for “Sesi Ka Rose” and in her speech expressed her gratitude to God for keeping her alive to receive the award.

Will Linley was named winner of Best Pop Album for “Don’t Cry Because It’s Over”, while Brendan Peyper took home Beste Pop Album for “Troumateriaal”.

Kabza De Small was recognised for Best Amapiano Album for “Bab’Motha”, but was not in attendance to collect his award, making his fans wonder will he ever attend an award ceremony.

The CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year went to “Abantwana Bakho”, by DJ Maphorisa and XDuppy, featuring Thatohatsi, Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter, reflecting the continued dominance and evolution of South African music on streaming platforms.

The Lifetime Achievement and International Recognition segment provided one of the evening’s most memorable moments.

Legendary producer, DJ and music entrepreneur Oskido, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award , and global superstar Tyla, who received the AfriPure International Achievement Award, used their moments on stage to celebrate the broader music community.

Both icons congratulated their fellow nominees and encouraged artists to remain committed to their craft and continue working towards their dreams.

RiSA CEO, Nhlanhla Sibisi, said the second night of SAMA32 demonstrated the depth, diversity and resilience of South African music.

“SAMA32 has once again reminded us that South African music is built on generations of talent, creativity and perseverance. Tonight we celebrated artists who are shaping the sound of our country today, while also honouring those whose contribution has laid the foundation for future generations.

“From emerging voices to established icons, this is the story of a music industry that continues to evolve, inspire and reach audiences far beyond our borders.”

SAMA32 Spokesperson, Unati Gwija said the Homecoming Edition had delivered on its promise to celebrate the full breadth of the country’s music industry.

“The beauty of SAMA32 is that every award tells a different story. Tonight we celebrated excellence across genres, generations and musical traditions, while also recognising the international impact of South African artists. The moments shared by Oskido and Tyla captured the spirit of this year’s SAMAs perfectly – a celebration of where we come from, where we are now and the limitless possibilities of where South African music can go next.”

Backed by a formidable partnership that includes the MotsepeFoundation, the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), SA Tourism, SABC, IOL, Great Africa Group, the South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), the Southern African Music Rights Organisation(SAMRO), the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), RiSA Audio Visual (RAV), MNM Funerals, Settlers Media and NX – the SAMA32 has evolved into far more than South Africa’s premier music awards. It has become a dynamic destination- marketing platform placing the North West Province in the international spotlight as a vibrant centreof culture, tourism, creativity and investment.

SAMA32 Day Two Winners:

• Lesedi FM Female Artist of the Year: HLE

• Motsweding FM Male Artist of the Year: Mzukulu

• Radio 2000 Duo / Group of the Year: “Amadodana AseWesile”

• SAMPrA Album of the Year: HLE – “The Ground We’re On”

• CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year: “Abantwana Bakho” – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy, featuring Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter

• SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award: NontokozoMkhize – “Esandleni”

• SABC 1 Newcomer of the Year: Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini

• AfriPure International Achievement Award: Tyla

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Oskido

• Best Traditional Faith Music Album: Bucy Radebe – “Praise & Worship in the Wilderness, Pt. 1”

• Best Traditional Music Album: Makhadzi Entertainment – “Sesi Ka Rose”

• Best Pop Album: Will Linley – “Don’t Cry Because It’s Over”

• uKhozi FM Best Maskandi Album: Mzukulu – “Ng’funaIntozami”

• Beste Pop Album: Brendan Peyper – “Troumateriaal”

• Best Amapiano Album: Kabza De Small – “Bab’Motha”

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