SAMA32 Homecoming: HLE, Mzukulu, Tyla and Oskido among big winners

The 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) Homecoming edition celebrated a wide cross-section of South African music, with HLE, Mzukulu, Tyla and Oskido among the evening’s top honourees.

Standout winners and performances

HLE was one of the biggest winners on the night, taking Lesedi FM Female Artist of the Year and the SAMPrA Album of the Year award for The Ground We’re On. During the Industry Awards she also won Best Contemporary Faith Music Video.

Mzukulu won Motsweding FM Male Artist of the Year and the uKhozi FM Best Maskandi Album award for Ng’funa Intozami. The Maskandi star was not in attendance to collect his awards because he was at a funeral.

Tyla received the AfriPure International Achievement Award, and Oskido was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Both used their moments on stage to celebrate the wider music community.

Other winners and recognitions

The awards recognised established acts and emerging talent across genres and categories. Notable additional winners included:

• Amadodana Ase Wesile Radio 2000 Duo/Group of the Year and Best African Indigenous Faith Album (Industry Awards)
• Nontokozo Mkhize SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award for “Esandleni”
• Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini SABC 1 Newcomer of the Year
• Bucy Radebe Best Traditional Faith Music Album for Praise & Worship in the Wilderness, Pt. 1
• Makhadzi Entertainment Best Traditional Music Album for Sesi Ka Rose
• Will Linley Best Pop Album for Don’t Cry Because It’s Over
• Brendan Peyper Beste Pop Album for Troumateriaal
• Kabza De Small Best Amapiano Album for Bab’Motha (not in attendance)
• CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year “Abantwana Bakho” by DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy, featuring Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter

Moments and industry response

The Lifetime Achievement and International Recognition segment was described as one of the evening’s most memorable moments, with both Oskido and Tyla speaking to peers on stage.

“SAMA32 has once again reminded us that South African music is built on generations of talent, creativity and perseverance. Tonight we celebrated artists who are shaping the sound of our country today, while also honouring those whose contribution has laid the foundation for future generations,”

“The beauty of SAMA32 is that every award tells a different story. Tonight we celebrated excellence across genres, generations and musical traditions, while also recognising the international impact of South African artists,”

Full list of day two winners

• Lesedi FM Female Artist of the Year: HLE
• Motsweding FM Male Artist of the Year: Mzukulu
• Radio 2000 Duo / Group of the Year: Amadodana AseWesile
• SAMPrA Album of the Year: HLE – The Ground We’re On
• CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year: “Abantwana Bakho” – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy, featuring Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter
• SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award: Nontokozo Mkhize – “Esandleni”
• SABC 1 Newcomer of the Year: Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini
• AfriPure International Achievement Award: Tyla
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Oskido
• Best Traditional Faith Music Album: Bucy Radebe – Praise & Worship in the Wilderness, Pt. 1
• Best Traditional Music Album: Makhadzi Entertainment – Sesi Ka Rose
• Best Pop Album: Will Linley – Don’t Cry Because It’s Over
• uKhozi FM Best Maskandi Album: Mzukulu – Ng’funa Intozami
• Beste Pop Album: Brendan Peyper – Troumateriaal
• Best Amapiano Album: Kabza De Small – Bab’Motha

Organisers and partners highlighted SAMA32 as a platform that showcases South African music’s diversity and international reach. The event included a range of institutional partners and stakeholders who support the awards and its positioning of the North West Province as a centre for culture and creativity.