After announcing that he would be hosting this year’s South African Music Awards, Cassper Nyovest won’t be taking on the job alone.
On Thursday, July 23, the rapper announced on social media that he would be hosting this year’s South African Music Awards (SAMAs), revealing that he and the awards had finally reached an agreement after not seeing eye to eye for a decade.
“After 10 years of not seeing eye to eye, they called me in and we have come to an agreement!!! This is gonna be huge!!!! 15 August!! We are going to Sun City and I am your OFFICIAL HOST!!!” he wrote.
In the accompanying video, Nyovest reflected on his once-strained relationship with the awards.
“You know me and the SAMAs have had a lot of issues, but they called me, we sat down, and I’m very excited to be here,” he said.
Later that same day, while discussing the announcement during an interview on 5FM, Nyovest revealed that TV personality and radio presenter Zanele Potelwa would be joining him as co-host.
He came to the studio with an envelope from the SAMAs which had the Potelwa’s name, giving listeners the big co-host reveal.
The pairing brings together one of South Africa’s biggest hip hop stars and one of the country’s fastest-rising media personalities for music’s biggest night.
Speaking about the opportunity, Nyovest said returning to the SAMAs in this capacity means a lot, especially after years of publicly clashing with the awards.
“I’m very excited to be going home and reuniting with the SAMAs in such an incredible way. It’s an honour to follow in the footsteps of legends like HHP and Kabelo Mabalane, who have also hosted the SAMAs,” he said.
The “Kusho Bani” hitmaker also shared that he’s looking forward to sharing the stage with Potelwa.
“I’m also really looking forward to working with Zanele Potelwa. I look forward to learning from her while also bringing my own energy and vibe to the stage. Together, I think we’re going to create the kind of hosting experience people will remember for years to come.”
Potelwa landing the hosting gig marks another major milestone in a career that has continued to grow across radio, television and live events.
“It feels unbelievable. All glory to Jesus Christ. My heart is pumping custard because this is a dream come true. All those interviews meant everything to me and I’m so grateful for them and to every person that was part of them. The fact that it truly was all leading to this moment? What a surreal moment,” she said.
Together, the duo will lead this year’s ceremony as South Africa’s biggest names in music gather to celebrate the industry’s biggest achievements.
The 2026 edition of the awards also marks the return of the SAMAs to Sun City after last year’s ceremony was held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Nyovest becomes the latest musician to host the awards, following in the footsteps of artists including Kabelo Mabalane, Loyiso Bala and Khuli Chana. Last year’s ceremony was hosted by Pamela Mtanga and Scoop Makhathini.
