The 32nd South African Music Awards celebrated at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West Province on Saturday 15 August 2026. Gospel star HLE won Album of the Year and Female Artist of the Year in the biggest individual performance of the night. Image: supplied
The 32nd South African Music Awards took place on Saturday 15 August 2026 at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West Province. The SAMA32 Homecoming Edition crowned gospel star HLE as the biggest winner of the night. Maskandi and gospel dominated the major categories. As a result, SAMA32 will be remembered as the night traditional music returned to the centre of the South African music conversation.
Cassper Nyovest and Zanele Potelwa hosted the Homecoming Edition, marking SAMA32’s return to the North West Province. Bonang Matheba, Anele Zondo and L-Tido presented awards on the night. Furthermore, Fresh By Caddy and Munaka Muthambi hosted the official Red Carpet. Performers included Babalwa M, Makhadzi, Ntencane, Langa Mavuso, Beast RSA and Sam Deep. As a result, the ceremony celebrated both the current state of South African music and the genres that built it.
HLE was the star of the evening. The gospel artist won Album of the Year for The Ground We’re On and Female Artist of the Year. Her double win was the biggest individual achievement of the night. Furthermore, maskandi legend Mzukulu won Male Artist of the Year and Best Maskandi Album for Ng’funa Intozami. Traditional vocal group Amadodana Ase Wesile won Group of the Year. As a result, traditional South African music genres dominated all three major individual categories at SAMA32.
Amapiano kept its grip on South Africa’s streaming landscape. Kabza De Small won Best Amapiano Album for Bab’Motha. The viral anthem Abantwana Batho by DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy and Kabza De Small claimed Most Streamed Song of the Year. Furthermore, Umafikizolo claimed the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year for Uyoncengwa Unyoko. As a result, amapiano remains the dominant commercial force in South African music.
Tyla received the AfriPure International Achievement Award for another year of global success. She delivered an emotional speech on the night. “South Africa runs through my veins,” Tyla said. Furthermore, kwaito pioneer Oskido received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to South African music across decades. As a result, the ceremony honoured both the present and the past of South African music.
Newcomer Sminofu won SABC1 Newcomer of the Year for Ingoma Busuku. Will Linley won Best Pop Album for Don’t Cry Because It’s Over. Brendan Peyper won Best Pop Album for Troumateriaal. Makhadzi won Best Traditional Music Album for Sesi Ka Boss. Bucy Radebe won Best Traditional Faith Music Album for Praise and Worship in the Wilderness Part 1. Furthermore, Nontokozo Mkhize won the Sampro Highest Airplay Composer Award for Esandleni. As a result, SAMA32 spread its awards widely across genres and generations of South African music.
For more on SAMA32 visit samusicawards.co.za.
Editors Note All SAMA32 winners referenced in this article are based on confirmed results published by the Recording Industry of South Africa and TimesLIVE on 15 and 16 August 2026.