Cape Town – At the 31st annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) held on 14 December 2025 at the Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg, several of South Africa’s top musicians were honoured, with Thandiswa Mazwai and Goldmax standing out as the night’s biggest winners.
Mazwai, one of the country’s most influential artists, saw her critically acclaimed album Sankofa sweep multiple categories.
She took home Best Produced Album, Best Engineered Album, Best African Adult Contemporary Album, and the prestigious Female Artist of the Year award.
Reflecting on her success in a post shared online, Mazwai celebrated the moment, saying, “The year of ‘Sankofa’! We won! Big love to my support system, my partner and my daughter… Thank you to my collaborators and co-producers…” as she acknowledged the team behind her project.
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Goldmax (Zipho Mthembu) also had a triumphant evening.
His album Play at Your Own Risk was crowned Album of the Year and Best Gqom Album, and he was named Male Artist of the Year.
In his own social media message after the event, he playfully remarked, “Ngyezwa kthiwa ngenze ICALA angigade ama phoyisa. 3x Sama winner,” a tongue-in-cheek expression celebrating his wins and the buzz around them.
The ceremony, which adopted a hybrid live and digital format to adapt to funding challenges and broaden access for audiences, carried the theme “Flowers For Those Who Keep Our Nation Singing,” focusing on celebrating artists while they can enjoy their achievements first-hand.
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RiSA spokesperson Unati Gwija highlighted the event’s success: “With the 31st edition dusted and artists adorned, the Samas have once again solidified their throne as South Africa’s music night to remember.”
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
