SAMA31 Goes Hybrid: A New Chapter In Celebrating South African Music
10 November 2025
The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) has announced that the 31st Annual South African Music Awards (SAMA31) will take place on 14 December 2025, in a reimagined hybrid format that ushers in a bold new era for the country’s premier music celebration.
In the build-up to the event, RiSA is proud to announce the release of the SAMA31 Top 20 nominees, celebrating South Africa’s most outstanding musical talent of the year. The reveal marks the final phase of the journey to the main event, setting the stage for one of the most exciting editions of the SAMAs yet.
Faced with a challenging sponsorship climate and the realities of a constrained funding environment, RiSA has opted to pivot from the traditional large-scale live gala to a more streamlined event - innovative, accessible, hybrid, and digitally driven. This evolution
ensures wider participation, greater reach, and a celebration that resonates with today’s audiences while maintaining the prestige and spirit of honouring excellence in South African music.
This bold decision reflects RiSA’s commitment to sustaining the integrity, prestige,
Like cultural institutions nationwide, the SAMAs are navigating reduced government funding, inconsistent corporate sponsorship, and shifting audience behaviours. Consequently, rather than retreat, RiSA is choosing to adapt and evolve.
“Prestige is not defined by chandeliers or banquet halls. It lies in what the SAMAs have always represented - artistic credibility, cultural relevance, and national pride. The hybrid edition showcases our resilience and the innovative spirit of our music industry,” Gwija adds.
The hybrid format offers unique advantages: broader accessibility, deeper fan engagement, and cross-platform storytelling. Through livestreamed performances, interactive fan zones, and behind-the-scenes content, it amplifies both iconic and emerging artists.
Importantly, the credibility and integrity of the awards remain unchanged. Judging, auditing, and category structures will continue under strict independent oversight to ensure that every SAMA win maintains its significance as South Africa’s highest musical honour.
“This pivot also ensures the long-term sustainability of the SAMAs. By embracing digital-first strategies, we open the door to new sponsorship models, international collaborations, and creative revenue streams that will keep the awards vibrant for generations to come.
The move to a hybrid SAMA31 marks not the end of an era, but the beginning of a bold new chapter one that merges innovation with tradition, accessibility with prestige, and local excellence with global reach” added Gwija.
With powerhouse partners including the Motsepe Foundation, Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO),
YouTube, and media partner SABC - SAMA31 stands tall as the gold standard of South African music.
“The SAMAs remain committed to amplifying diverse voices, fuelling inclusivity across
genres, and celebrating the nation’s vibrant music ecosystem. This December, trophies will
be awarded, yes - but the true victory lies in the artistry, journeys, and stories already
shaping South Africa’s golden era of sound. As our mantra goes Less Noise. More Music”
concludes Gwija.
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