Today, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) unveiled the nominations for the 31st Annual South African Music Awards (SAMA31), igniting anticipation across the nation with a dazzling lineup that reflects the heartbeat of the country’s sound. Among the most celebrated categories is Best Amapiano Album — a stage where trailblazers and rising stars are set to clash in what promises to be one of the most competitive races of the year.
Amapiano, South Africa’s defining sonic export, once again cements its dominance in the cultural landscape, with five powerhouse entries in contention:
- Vigro Deep – Your Piano Is Not My Piano
- Kelvin Momo – Sewe
- Kelvin Momo – Ntsako
- Mellow & Sleazy – Midnight in Sunnyside 3
- Zee Nxumalo – Inja Ye Game
Each nominee reflects a unique thread in the tapestry of amapiano’s evolution. Vigro Deep’s Your Piano Is Not My Piano asserts his reputation as a fearless pioneer, pushing the genre into darker, more experimental corners. Meanwhile, Kelvin Momo dominates the shortlist with two critically acclaimed projects — Sewe and Ntsako — a testament to his unrivalled consistency and influence as one of amapiano’s most respected architects.
Dynamic duo Mellow & Sleazy bring the pulse of the streets with Midnight in Sunnyside 3, a project that underscores their ability to capture South Africa’s party spirit with infectious grooves and bold collaborations. Rising star Zee Nxumalo completes the category with Inja Ye Game, marking a powerful statement of arrival and signalling the fresh voices reshaping the scene.
Speaking on the significance of this year’s nominations, Unati Gwija, SAMA spokesperson, emphasised that SAMA31 represents “the wisdom of age meeting the exuberance of youth, as emerging voices and established icons go head-to-head across categories.” Nowhere is this more evident than in amapiano, where veterans and newcomers share the spotlight, collectively showcasing why the genre has become a global phenomenon.
The awards, set for November 2025, will unfold in an evolved hybrid format, blending the glamour of a live stage with the accessibility of a worldwide digital broadcast. This innovative approach ensures fans everywhere can experience the magic of South Africa’s biggest music night, while amplifying the theme: Less Noise. More Music.
With amapiano carrying the cultural flame into SAMA31, fans can expect the category to be one of the most closely watched battles. Will Vigro Deep reclaim the crown? Can Kelvin Momo’s double nomination translate into triumph? Or will a fresh force like Zee Nxumalo seize the moment?
One thing is certain: come November, the SAMA stage will once again prove why amapiano is more than a genre — it’s the rhythm of a generation, the soundtrack of Mzansi’s present, and a global movement with no signs of slowing down.
