The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) have announced the nominees for the 2023 edition. The gala ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Durban International Convention Centre on the weekend of 17 and 18 November 2023. The announcement was made at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani on 3 October, following thorough preparations by committees of officials from major and independent labels, defining rules, judging criteria, and selecting judges.
The judges are professionals drawn from the music industry, media, academic institutions, and cultural bodies. Organized by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), this year’s awards, named #SAMA29, will honor outstanding albums and singles released between 1 February 2022 and 14 April 2023.
The nominations encompass a diverse range of genres, showcasing the vibrant South African music scene. AKA, the late rapper, leads the nominations with seven nods for his posthumous album “Mass Country.” Other notable nominees include rapper K.O with six nominations, Sjava with four, and amapiano artist Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa with four and three nominations respectively. Additionally, they both received two nominations for their collaboration as Scorpion Kings.
Sincerely Anne received three nominations for Newcomer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Best Engineered Album for “To Whom it May Concern.” Ntokozo Mbambo’s “Lavish Worship” is the sole album by a woman competing in the Album of the Year category. She is also nominated for the Female Artist of the Year and Best Contemporary Faith Album awards.
For the complete list of nominees, please refer to the official SAMAs announcement.
 have been officially announced, building anticipation for the upcoming gala ceremony scheduled to take place at the Durban International Convention Centre.){kind=link}