Amapiano sensation Kabza De Small emerged as the standout performer at the 29th South African Music Awards (SAMAs), held at Sun International\u2019s SunBet Arena in Pretoria. The event, presented in collaboration with the inaugural Africa Feat, witnessed a last-minute venue change after the KwaZulu-Natal government withdrew from hosting.<\/p>\n
Kabza De Small seized the spotlight, securing multiple victories, while gospel singer Ntokozo Mbambo followed closely with three prestigious awards, including Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Contemporary Faith Album.<\/p>\n
The late AKA posthumously received accolades for Male Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration for “Lemons (Lemonade),” featuring Nasty C. His album, Mass Country, was also honored with the Best Engineered Album Award.<\/p>\n
Newcomer Myztro claimed the Newcomer of the Year title for 2.0 Nkwari, and Makhadzi triumphed in the Best Traditional Album category with African Queen 2.0. Solo artist M\u00f6rda showcased his versatility, securing victories in the Best Dance Album and Remix of the Year categories for Ndinovalo, a collaboration with Yallunder. Lloyiso’s Seasons earned him the Best Pop Album Award.<\/p>\n
K.O’s “Sete,” featuring Young Stunna and Blxckie, excelled as it received the SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award and CAPASSO Most Streamed Song Award.<\/p>\n
Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini, and Nomcebo Zikode received the International Achievement Award for their Grammy-winning track “Bayethe.”<\/p>\n
In a touching moment, Lifetime Achievement Awards were posthumously bestowed upon Mandoza and Gloria Bosman, alongside Ihhashi Elimhlophe and Pops Mohamed for their remarkable contributions to the music industry. Mozambican saxophonist Moreira Chongui\u00e7a secured the Rest of Africa Award for his album “Sounds of Peace.”<\/p>\n
The non-broadcast categories featured Nduduzo Makhathini’s Best Jazz Album win, Khuzani’s triumph in the Best Maskandi Album category, and Dumi Mkokstad’s victory for Best Traditional Faith Album. Bernice West and Nathi claimed Best Pop Album and Best African Adult Contemporary Album, respectively.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the challenges faced, RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi expressed gratitude for the collaborative spirit that allowed the celebration of the winners. Absentees such as K.O, DJ Maphorisa, and Zakes Bantwini were represented, underscoring the significance of the evening.<\/p>\n
The SAMAs, hosted by DJ Sabby and Nomalanga Shozi, concluded with electrifying performances, including a surprise appearance by Makhadzi, who, despite not being on stage to collect her award, captivated the audience with a memorable performance accompanied by TikTok sensation Skomota.<\/p>\n
See a selection of the winners below or check out the full list here.<\/p>\n
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
\nWinner: Ntokozo Mbambo \u2013 Lavish Worship
\nKelly Khumalo \u2013 From A God To A King
\nSincerely Anne \u2013 To Whom It May Concern
\nHle \u2013 Take Heart
\nThandi Ntuli \u2013 Blk Elijah & The Children of Mero\u00eb
\nMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
\nWinner: AKA \u2013 Mass Country
\nKabza De Small \u2013 KOA II Part 1
\nSjava \u2013 Isibuko
\nK.O \u2013 SR3
\nLloyiso \u2013 Seasons
\nDUO\/GROUP OF THE YEAR
\nWinner: DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small \u2013 Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena
\nDJ Maphorisa and Visca \u2013 Ba Straata
\nVenom and Shishiliza \u2013 Love Is Pain
\nMafikizolo \u2013 Idwala
\nMsaki and Tubatsi \u2013 Synthetic Hearts
\nALBUM OF THE YEAR
\nWinner: Lavish Worship \u2013 Ntokozo Mbambo
\nMass Country \u2013 AKA
\nSR3 \u2013 K.O
\nIsibuko \u2013 Sjava
\nKOA II Part 1 \u2013 Kabza De Small
\nNEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
\nWinner: Myztro \u2013 2.0 Nkwari
\nBlakka Yut \u2013 Unleashed
\nSincerely Anne \u2013 To Whom It May Concern
\nLloyiso \u2013 Seasons
\nVenom and Shishiliza \u2013 Love Is Pain<\/p>\n
Source : Okay Africa<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.google.com\/amp\/s\/www.okayafrica.com\/amp\/south-africa-music-awards-2023-winners-2666316202<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Kabza De Small dominates 29th SAMAs with multiple wins. Gospel sensation Ntokozo Mbambo shines, AKA receives posthumous honors and heartfelt recognitions mark an unforgettable night of South African music excellence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12963,"featured_media":36212,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,31],"tags":[7,14,32],"class_list":{"0":"post-36215","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entertainment","8":"category-music","9":"tag-apie-project","10":"tag-entertainment","11":"tag-music"},"yoast_head":"\n