Inside the 2025 Backing Vocalist and Session Music Awards in SA

This year’s ceremony brought together artists, industry figures and visitors from across Africa and abroad. Twenty-six musicians received awards, each accompanied by a cash prize of R25 000 (about $1450). The evening featured performances and tributes, underscoring the importance of collaboration and the depth of talent within the sector.

Chaka Chaka, who created the awards to acknowledge behind-the-scenes contributors, emphasised the central role of supporting vocalists and instrumentalists in the music-making process. Her initiative aims to promote recognition for those who provide the foundations of many well-known recordings.

Four Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Bruce Sebitlo, Shumi Diseko, Thembi Kubheka and Tiny Mbuli in acknowledgment of their long-standing influence on the South African music industry.

The atmosphere at the ceremony reflected the awards’ broader purpose: to reinforce the value of every contribution within the creative ecosystem. As the event marked another successful year, it also aligned with a personal milestone for Chaka Chaka, who turned 60 in 2025 and continues to be an influential figure in African music.

The awards highlighted a growing movement to recognise a wider range of creative professionals, affirming that the richness of the musical landscape depends on contributions both visible and unseen.

Below is the full list of winners:

Best Guitarist

• Sunnyboy Mthimunye

Best Bass Guitarist

• Michael Phillips

Best Piano & Keys

• Camillo Lombard

Best Drummer

• David Klaasen

Best Percussionist

• Veli Shabangu

Woodwinds

• Khaya Dlamini

Best Digital Session Musician

• Thasman

Best Male Vocalist

• Reuben Malgas

Best Female Vocalist

• Nelisiwe Kunene

Best Afrikaans Musician

• Mel Botes

Best Rock & Pop Musician

• Albert Frost

Best Gospel Musician

• Buhle Nhlangulela

Best Reggae Musician

• Mulalo Mukwevho

Best Traditional Musician

• Nomsa Magwaza

Best Jazz Instrumentalist

• Mark Fransman

Best Jazz Vocalist

• Mimi Mtshali

Best Rookie Vocalist

• Thatohatsi

Best Rookie Instrumentalist

• Moscow On Keyz

Brass Section

• Bez Roberts

Special Awards Posthumous Honour

• Phumzile Ntuli

Lifetime Achievement

• Bruce Sebitlo
• Shumi Diseko
• Thembi Kubheka
• Tiny Mbuli

Special Award

• Phil Hollis
• Sungu