SAMA 31 Announces Best Reggae Album Nominees - Roots, Riddims, and Recognition.

18 September 2025

Johannesburg, South Africa. SAMA 31 Announces Best Reggae Album Nominees - Roots, Riddims, and Recognition

The South African Music Awards (SAMA 31) proudly lift the flag for reggae music, a sound of resistance, upliftment, and unity that continues to resonate with the people. The nominees for the Best Reggae Album category bring together a powerful line-up of voices, each chanting down Babylon in their own way while celebrating the Irie spirit of African creativity.

This year’s nominees are those who will battle it out, including Black Dillinger – The Legacy, Don Dada – The Heart & The Mind, Dimahr – Proof of Life, LUWE DA LION – After All and Botanist Mr Lamington – Area Code

From Black Dillinger’s seasoned sound that has carried South African reggae to international stages, to Don Dada’s fusion of hip hop and roots vibrations, Dimahr’s soulful chants, LUWE DA LION’s fresh fire, and Botanist Mr Lamington’s mountain-high echoes from Lesotho – this line-up is truly a gathering of lion hearts.

SAMA spokesperson Unati Gwija gave thanks to the movement: “The Best Reggae Album nominees show I-n-I that reggae is alive, strong, and ever-growing in the Southern tip of Africa. These artists keep the trod of roots and culture, while bringing new energy and vision. Reggae has always been the people’s music, and the SAMAs are honoured to hail up these voices who chant truth and uplift the nation.”

“On behalf of RiSA and the SAMA office, we extend heartfelt thanks to the judges, whose tireless listening and deliberation honour the integrity of this process. Their work ensures that Reggae is celebrated with the respect it deserves,” concluded Gwija. 

DIMAHR is a renowned singer-songwriter from Soweto, known for her powerful vocals and inspiring lyrics that blend Reggae, Dancehall, and Trap influences. Her career highlights include SAMA nominations for her albums *Proof of Life* and *Flaws in Frame*, as well as four Basadi in Music Awards nominations, including Reggae Artist of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. She frequently collaborates with her husband, producer Botanist Mr. Lamington, and has worked with artists like Skeleton Blazer and Phumi Maduna. 

DIMAHR has performed alongside international acts such as Pressure Busspipe and Queen Omega. Her discography features the debut *The Truth* (2022), critically acclaimed *Proof of Life* (2024), and *Flaws in Frame* (2024), showcasing her artistic growth and emotional depth. She continues to inspire through her authentic sound and presence in the Reggae and Dancehall scenes.

BOTANIST MR LAMINGTON is a skilled South African Reggae and Dancehall artist, songwriter, and producer, serving as CEO of Concrete Jungle Studios. Renowned for his conscious lyrics and impactful sound, he has earned five SAMA nominations, including for his breakthrough album *The Shift*, and won Jamaica’s TVJ Lyrical Competition. He has performed alongside notable artists like Chronixx, Pressure Busspipe, and Queen Omega. As a producer, he has crafted music for artists such as DIMAHR, Skeleton Blazer, and Phumi Maduna. 

His discography includes *The Shift*, *Ghetto Youths Cry* (2023), *Area Code*, *Humanoid*, and *Unrewarded*. His music emphasizes motivational and spiritual themes, blending traditional and progressive Reggae and Dancehall sounds.

DON DADA is a multi-platinum, multi-award-winning South African Hip Hop and Reggae artist, a Grammy Voting Member, and the first African artist to release an album through Bob Marley's iconic label, Tuff Gong International (The Heart & The Mind, 2024).

Renowned for his electrifying stage presence and global appeal, Don Dada has performed across South Africa, Jamaica, Canada, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, igniting audiences with his powerful messages and infectious energy. His Mandela tribute single "VIVA Mandela" went multi-platinum in just 4 months, and his 2024 chart-topping single "Rise Up" reached #1 on the Reggae VIP Charts. His latest double album (Reggae & Hip Hop) earned him a first South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Reggae Album Nomination. Adding Don Dada means adding global credibility and unstoppable stage energy.

BLACK DILLINGER, a compelling voice in modern reggae, was born and raised in the vibrant Cape Town township of South Africa. His sound, blending deep roots reggae with African rhythms, sharp lyricism, and a revolutionary spirit, resonates with authenticity and global relevance. His career, spanning over a decade, began with international acclaim in 2007 with his debut album *Live and Learn*, a collaboration with German reggae label MKZWO. 

Extensive touring across Europe and Africa, sharing stages with reggae legends like Anthony B, Jah Mason, and Luciano, has solidified his reputation while maintaining a deep connection to the struggles and triumphs of his South African roots.

LUWE DA LION, a South African reggae artist, has gained recognition with his album "After All" receiving a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the South African Music Awards (SAMA). Released through Blackness Blue Productions, the album features socially conscious lyrics, rich reggae rhythms, and organic instrumentation.

Known for his raw authenticity and lion-hearted delivery, Luwe Da Lion's music reflects resilience, cultural roots, and a passion for truth, earning him a loyal following both locally and internationally. The SAMA nomination highlights his role as a powerful voice in African reggae, inspiring change, unity, and self-empowerment.