SAMAs to open entries in Q1 of 2023

RiSA added that the awards show would only take place in the second half of the year. In recent years, the SAMAs have seen an increase in submissions across all categories, with last year’s instalment receiving more than 1 300 entries, a record for the awards platform.

Additionally, after months of industrywide consultations and reflections, the awards are set to undergo fundamental transformations that will be made public in due course.

“It gives me pleasure to inform the industry, fans and supporters of the local music industry that the SAMAs continue to prove to be an enduring feature in the South African music landscape and this year will not be different,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said.

“We are confident that as we push towards the milestone 30th year of the awards, we will have an event that is agile, engaging and puts the artist first.”

The SAMAs have faced criticism from artists and the general public, with a number of musicians slamming the awards for corruption as well as poor planning and execution.