SAMA32 Top 5 Nominees Revealed as Hle and Amadodana Ase Wesile Make History Ahead of the Homecoming Edition

The race to the 32nd Annual South African Music Awards, popularly known as SAMA32, has officially entered an exciting new phase following the announcement of the highly anticipated Top 5 nominees. The Recording Industry of South Africa, RiSA, unveiled the finalists for the prestigious awards, setting the stage for one of the most competitive editions in recent years. This year’s ceremony, dubbed the Homecoming Edition, will take place on 15 August at the iconic Sun City Superbowl in North West. The announcement has already generated significant excitement among artists, fans and the broader music industry as South Africa begins counting down to its biggest celebration of musical excellence. With several established stars and rising talents earning recognition, the competition promises to deliver unforgettable moments on awards night.

One of the biggest highlights of the announcement is the remarkable achievement by gospel artist Hle and legendary gospel group Amadodana Ase Wesile, who have each secured three nominations. Their multiple nominations mark a historic milestone and underline the growing influence of gospel music within the South African music industry. Hle’s acclaimed album, THE GROUND WE’RE ON, has earned recognition across multiple categories, while Amadodana Ase Wesile’s album Monghali Mesia has also received widespread acclaim from judges. Their success reflects not only artistic excellence but also the continued popularity of faith-based music among South African audiences. Their achievements place them among the leading contenders heading into this year’s awards.

Commenting on the announcement, SAMA spokesperson Unathi Gwija praised the quality of this year’s finalists and the diversity represented across the categories. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Top 5 nominees of the 32nd Annual South African Music Awards,” said Gwija. “Our Top 5 categories reflect a new era where talent, artistry and resilience converge. Together, these artists represent a richly layered and highly competitive field where excellence is not confined to one sound, one generation or one genre. Their achievements set the stage for what promises to be one of the most dynamic and unpredictable editions of the SAMAs in recent history.” His remarks highlight the strength of this year’s nominees and the evolving landscape of South African music.

Gwija further explained that the annual Top 5 announcement represents far more than simply revealing the finalists. According to him, “The much-vaunted Top 5 announcement is the ignition point of the SAMA journey. By unveiling the artists competing for Album of the Year, Duo or Group of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, RiSA officially launches the race to SAMA32, taking place on 15 August at Sun City. Dubbed the Homecoming Edition, this milestone builds anticipation, fuels healthy rivalry and galvanises fans across the country to rally behind their favourite artists as South Africa counts down to music’s biggest night.” His comments capture the excitement that surrounds the awards while emphasizing the important role fans play throughout the competition.

The Album of the Year category features an impressive lineup of nominees representing different musical styles and backgrounds. Amadodana Ase Wesile received a nomination for Monghali Mesia, while Hle earned recognition for THE GROUND WE’RE ON. The remaining nominees include Guy Buttery for his self-titled project engineered alongside Fuzzy, JAZZWRLD with Thukuthela for The Most Wanted and Tutu Puoane, Metropole Orkest and Jacome Bairos for Wrapped in Rhythm, Vol. 2. The category reflects the rich diversity of South African music and showcases artists who have delivered exceptional bodies of work over the past year. Selecting a winner from such a talented group will undoubtedly be one of the judges’ most challenging tasks.

The Female Artist of the Year category is equally competitive, bringing together some of South Africa’s most accomplished female musicians. The nominees include lordkez for You, Me & The 90’s, Hle for THE GROUND WE’RE ON, Makhadzi Entertainment for Sesi Ka Rose, Bucy Radebe for Praise & Worship In The Wilderness, Pt. 1 and the celebrated Simphiwe Dana for Moya. Each artist has made a significant contribution to the country’s music scene through unique storytelling, vocal excellence and creative artistry. The category reflects the strength and diversity of female talent currently shaping South African music. With so many deserving nominees, the final outcome remains difficult to predict.

Gospel and faith-based music continue to enjoy strong representation across this year’s nominations. In the Best African Indigenous Faith Album category, nominees include Difela by De Bruin Gospel Projects, Monghali Mesia by Amadodana Ase Wesile, NGIYA BONGA BABA by The New Believers of God Gospel Singers, The Journey Continues by Abanqobi and U TA HLAMULA by Zion Iskhalanga Academy. The Best Contemporary Faith Music Album nominees include Passover by Nqubeko Mbatha, Testify (Live at 012 Central, Pretoria 2024) by Mmuso Worship, The 37th Psalm (Live at Emperors Palace) by Ncebakazi Msomi, The GAP by Brenden Praise and THE GROUND WE’RE ON by Hle. Meanwhile, the Best Traditional Faith Music Album category features Back To The Altar by Ntethe, Praise & Worship In The Wilderness, Pt. 1 by Bucy Radebe, Sound of Gratitude (Live at Urban Brew Dome) by Zaza, The Watchmans Camp by Sindi Ntombela and Worship in Newness by Puleng March. These nominations demonstrate the continued strength and popularity of gospel music within South Africa’s recording industry.

The success of this year’s awards is also supported by an extensive network of partners committed to celebrating South African music. SAMA32 is backed by the Motsepe Foundation, the North West Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, South African Tourism, the SABC, the South African Music Performance Rights Association, the Southern African Music Rights Organisation, the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association, RiSA, RiSA Audio Visual, MNM Funerals and Settlers Media. These partnerships play a vital role in ensuring that the awards continue to honour artistic excellence while promoting the country’s vibrant music industry. Their support strengthens the platform that recognises musicians across multiple genres and generations.

Gwija also acknowledged the dedication of the independent judging panels responsible for selecting this year’s finalists. He thanked them for their professionalism and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the awards process. According to Gwija, their careful deliberations ensure that deserving artists receive recognition based on merit while inspiring future generations of South African musicians. The credibility of the South African Music Awards has long depended on the work of these independent judges, making their contribution essential to the success of the event. Their efforts help preserve the prestige associated with receiving a SAMA nomination or award.

With the Top 5 nominees now officially announced, anticipation for the SAMA32 Homecoming Edition continues to grow across the country. Fans are already rallying behind their favourite artists as excitement builds ahead of the awards ceremony on 15 August at Sun City. Historic achievements by Hle and Amadodana Ase Wesile, alongside fiercely contested categories featuring some of South Africa’s finest musicians, have created all the ingredients for an unforgettable celebration of local talent. As the countdown continues, the music industry eagerly awaits the moment when this year’s winners will be crowned. SAMA32 promises to celebrate artistic excellence, showcase the diversity of South African music and honour the performers whose creativity continues to shape the nation’s rich musical heritage.