SAMA32 Gospel and Faith Categories Shine as RiSA Reveals Nominees Ahead of Sun City Homecoming

The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) has officially announced the nominees for the 32nd South African Music Awards, setting the stage for a major celebration of gospel, worship and faith-based music across the country. The announcement marks the beginning of SAMA32 season and highlights the continued strength of gospel and spiritual music within the South African music industry. Across 25 categories, the nominees reflect a wide range of voices, but the faith music categories stand out for their depth, diversity and cultural impact. The Top Five categories remain unrevealed for now, keeping anticipation high as the industry moves closer to the final ceremony. For gospel music supporters, this year’s list offers a strong reflection of both established ministries and rising worship voices.

SAMA32 will take place on 15 August 2026 at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West Province, a venue with deep roots in South African entertainment history. The return to Sun City carries symbolic meaning, bringing the awards back to a space known for hosting major musical and cultural moments. For gospel artists, worship leaders and faith-based musicians, the stage represents more than recognition. It represents ministry, message and music meeting a national audience. The homecoming theme adds weight to this year’s event, positioning it as both a celebration and a reflection of the country’s musical journey.

Faith-based music continues to hold a strong place in South Africa’s cultural identity, and this year’s nominees show that the genre remains both relevant and evolving. From large worship productions to intimate spiritual recordings, gospel music continues to expand its reach across languages, styles and communities. Artists are blending traditional worship foundations with modern production, creating soundscapes that appeal to younger and older audiences alike. Live recordings remain especially strong, reflecting the importance of congregational worship experiences in shaping the sound of the genre. The nominees also show how gospel music continues to influence emotional and spiritual expression across the country.

The Contemporary Faith Music category highlights the growing innovation within modern worship and inspirational music. Artists such as Nqubeko Mbatha, Mmuso Worship, Ncebakazi Msomi, Brenden Praise and Hle bring together strong vocal performance, live instrumentation and carefully crafted production. Many of these projects reflect live worship environments, capturing the energy of congregations and the authenticity of spiritual gatherings. This category shows how contemporary gospel continues to bridge church spaces and mainstream listening platforms. It also reflects the increasing professionalism and production quality within the genre.

Traditional and Indigenous Faith Music remains a cornerstone of South African gospel expression. This year’s nominees include De Bruin Gospel Projects, Amadodana Ase Wesile, The New Believers of God Gospel Singers, Abanqobi and Zion Iskhalanga Academy. These projects carry strong cultural and linguistic identity, preserving worship styles rooted in community traditions and spiritual heritage. The music often reflects deep storytelling, call-and-response structure and strong choral arrangements. These elements continue to connect audiences to faith expressions that have been passed down through generations. The category remains essential in maintaining the cultural richness of South African gospel music.

Traditional Faith Music also continues to reflect powerful ministry-driven recordings and live worship experiences. Artists such as Ntethe, Bucy Radebe, Zaza, Sindi Ntombela and Puleng March bring strong vocal delivery and spiritually focused projects that resonate deeply with church audiences. Many of these albums are recorded in live settings, capturing the atmosphere of worship services and faith gatherings. The performances often centre on gratitude, healing and devotion, themes that remain central to gospel music across the country. This category highlights the continued importance of worship leaders who serve both musical and spiritual roles.

As SAMA32 approaches its Sun City ceremony, attention now turns to how these gospel and faith nominees will perform in one of South Africa’s most prestigious music platforms. The recognition of these artists reflects the ongoing growth of gospel music as both a spiritual force and a professional industry. With strong representation across contemporary, traditional and indigenous categories, this year’s list shows a genre that continues to evolve while staying rooted in faith. The upcoming awards will not only honour musical excellence but also celebrate the message and ministry behind the music. All eyes now turn toward August as the gospel community awaits one of the biggest nights in South African music.

Best African Indigenous Faith Album
Difela – De Bruin Gospel Projects
Monghali Mesia – Amadodana Ase Wesile
NGIYA BONGA BABA – THE NEW BELIEVERS OF GOD GOSPEL SINGERS
The Journey Continues – Abanqobi
U TA HLAMULA – Zion Iskhalanga Academy

Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
Passover – Nqubeko Mbatha
Testify (Live at 012 Central, Pretoria 2024) – Mmuso Worship
The 37th Psalm (Live at Emperors Palace) – Ncebakazi Msomi
The GAP – Brenden Praise
THE GROUND WE’RE ON – Hle

Best Traditional Faith Music Album
Back To The Altar – Ntethe
Praise & Worship In The Wilderness, Pt. 1 – Bucy Radebe
Sound of Gratitude (Live at Urban Brew Dome) – Zaza
The Watchmans Camp – Sindi Ntombela
Worship in Newness – Puleng March