Ayanda Ntanzi Poised to Make History at the SAMAs with Album of The Year Nomination

Ayanda Ntanzi is now in contention to join Ntokozo Mbambo as one of the only South African gospel artists in the 2020s to win the Album of The Year award at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs). A win for Ntanzi would also mark a historic moment, as he would become the first South African gospel male artist in the last two decades to claim the top prize.

Over the past five years, the Album of The Year award has largely been dominated by artists from other genres. In 2020, Prince Kaybee’s Re Mmino won the award. In 2021, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa’s Once Upon a Time in Lockdown took the top honor. Chymamusique’s Musique won in 2022, while Ntokozo Mbambo’s Lavish Worship earned the prize in 2023. Most recently, in 2024, Kabza De Small and Mthunzi’s Isimo claimed the award.

Ntanzi’s nomination positions him among these notable winners, signaling the growing influence of gospel music in South Africa’s mainstream music scene. His music blends contemporary gospel sounds with heartfelt worship, appealing to both gospel audiences and broader music listeners.

A win would not only solidify Ntanzi’s status as a leading figure in South African gospel music but also highlight the continued relevance and impact of gospel artists in major national music awards. Fans and industry observers are watching closely, as his potential victory could mark a turning point for male gospel artists seeking recognition in the broader music industry.

If successful, Ayanda Ntanzi will join Ntokozo Mbambo as the only gospel artists in the 2020s era to win Album of The Year and become the first male gospel artist in the last 20 years to achieve the honor at the SAMAs.