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The South African Music Awards have decided to go hybrid, meaning smaller, less glamourous and definitely robbing the culture. This is an injustice to the SAMAs institution which most artists still aim to win. The drama at RiSA should not be the undoing of the SAMAs. Lesser award shows have been gearing better production, these includes the Metros and Basadi Music Awards. This hybrid move, coupled by choosing a date in December cheapens the Awards which should return to June. The current team should relook this going into 2026, with many an artist still greatly in love with the organisation and need the SAMAs to be back to its former glory
The SAMAs delivered this press release to substantiate the decisioning of going hybrid, read as smaller.
“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, and reach of the SAMAs while adapting to the changing cultural and economic landscape. For over three decades, the SAMAs have stood as the pinnacle of recognition for South African music, celebrating artistry, innovation, and cultural impact.
“By embracing a hybrid format, SAMA31 aims to expand access, enabling fans across South Africa and beyond to participate in the celebration through multi-platform engagement and interactive digital experiences.
While some may see this as a departure from tradition, we view it as an evolution an opportunity to reimagine how South African music is experienced and to bring the SAMAs closer to more fans than ever before,” says Unati Gwija, SAMA Spokesperson.
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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