What Is 25th South African Music Awards

Overview

The 25th South African Music Awards (SAMAs) marked a major milestone in the country’s music history, commemorating a quarter-century of recognizing musical talent across genres. Held on June 1, 2019, at the Sun City Arena in North West Province, the event brought together top artists, industry leaders, and fans for a night of celebration and reflection.

As the flagship music awards in South Africa, the SAMAs are organized by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) and honor achievements in performance, production, and innovation. The 25th edition stood out for its expanded categories, high-profile performances, and a tribute to legends who shaped the nation’s sound over the past 25 years.

• June 1, 2019 was the official date of the 25th SAMAs, making it the longest-running annual music awards show in South Africa.
• The ceremony celebrated the 25th anniversary of the first SAMAs, which were launched in 1995 to elevate local music on the global stage.
• Black Coffee dominated the night, winning four awards including Best Dance Album and Male Artist of the Year.
• The event was co-hosted by Tumi Morolong and Pearl Thusi, blending comedy and glamour in front of a live audience of over 5,000.
• A special SAMA25 Lifetime Achievement Award was introduced, honoring artists with enduring contributions to South African music.

How It Works

The South African Music Awards follow a structured process for nominations, voting, and recognition, ensuring transparency and industry-wide participation. Eligibility, category definitions, and voting procedures are managed by RiSA to maintain integrity and inclusivity across genres and demographics.

• Eligibility Period: Albums and singles must be released between January 1 and December 31 of the preceding year. For SAMA25, this covered music from 2018.
• Nomination Process: Entries are submitted by record labels or independent artists, then reviewed by a panel of 150 industry experts appointed by RiSA.
• Voting System: Final winners are determined by a combination of public voting (40%) and judges’ scores (60%), ensuring both popularity and quality are weighted.
• Category Expansion: SAMA25 featured 36 categories, including new additions like Best Kwaito Album and Best African Indigenous Faith Album.
• Verification: All entries undergo technical and legal screening to confirm originality, copyright compliance, and format standards.
• Award Distribution: Winners receive a gold-plated trophy and a certificate, with winners in major categories also receiving a cash prize of R25,000.

Comparison at a Glance

The 25th SAMAs can be best understood by comparing key metrics across recent editions of the awards:

This comparison highlights the growth in scale and diversity of the SAMAs over five years, with SAMA25 featuring the highest number of categories and a record number of public votes cast—over 1.2 million online ballots. The 2019 ceremony also had the largest live broadcast audience, reaching an estimated 8 million viewers across Africa via SABC.

Why It Matters

The 25th South African Music Awards was more than a celebration—it was a cultural milestone that affirmed the evolution and global reach of South African music. By honoring legacy artists and spotlighting emerging talent, the event reinforced the industry’s role in shaping national identity and fostering economic opportunity.

• The SAMA25 Lifetime Achievement Award recognized Miriam Makeba’s global influence, reminding audiences of music’s power in social activism.
• Winning a SAMA can boost an artist’s sales by up to 300% in the weeks following the ceremony, according to RiSA data.
• The inclusion of indigenous language categories supports linguistic diversity and preserves cultural heritage through music.
• International media coverage of SAMA25 reached outlets in the UK, Nigeria, and the US, enhancing South Africa’s soft power.
• The awards have helped launch global careers, with past winners like Black Coffee later performing at Coachella and winning a Grammy.
• Over 70% of nominees in 2019 were independent artists, reflecting the democratization of music production and distribution.

As South African music continues to gain international acclaim, the SAMAs remain a vital platform for recognition, inspiration, and unity across a diverse and vibrant industry.