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Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa won the Best African Adult Contemporary Album award.
Award-winning musician and producer Zakes Bantwini has publicly questioned the relevance and credibility of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), arguing that the institution has become disconnected from the artists and cultural movements it was created to honour.
This year’s 31st Annual SAMAs took place at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) CEO, Nhlanhla Sibisi says the SAMAs are not just about trophies but legacy, impact and stories the nation is told through music.
Bantwini has called on South African artists to rally behind the SAMAs instead of attaching more value to international recognition than domestic recognition.
“RiSA needs to lead from the front and I trust RiSA and I know there’s been challenges with regards to sponsors and also artists not showing up because when this goes out to different business community asking them to support the awards and then there the awards are happening at the SABC, but no artist is showing up, so the community isn’t supporting it.
“Obviously, the sponsor will say ‘why would I support these awards when the community is not even supporting these particular awards?’. So it’s that. It’s RiSA leading it forward. Also, musicians taking a decision to say when it’s the day of the awards, we need to avail ourselves, participate in these particular awards so that the awards go back to where they used to be,” Bantwini explains.
The Queen, @thandiswamazwai didn’t just arrive; she reigned. 👑
A night of absolute mastery!✨The industry bowed in reverence as Sankofa—a spiritual masterpiece—swept the night, securing 4 SAMA Awards and reminding us all why she is the blueprint.
🏆 Female Artist of the Year… pic.twitter.com/shbRCjBSrp
— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) December 17, 2025
