Open call: South African Music Awards 2025 entries

11 déc 2024 - 09:39

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) is inviting musicians and record labels to submit entries for the 2025th edition of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

South African artist, DJ, and producer Oskido won the Chairperson's Award at SAMAs 2024.

Submissions opened on 10 December 2024. Entries eligible for the 31st instalment in over 30 genre categories, should have been released between 16 April 2024 and 31 January 2025. They can be uploaded via the SAMAs official website here or delivered physically at Unit 1, 152 Bram Fisher Drive, Randburg in Johannesburg, South Africa during office hours before 31 January 2025.

According to RiSA, the call for entries is geared towards hosting the SAMAs in the first half of the year, unlike in the past two years when they were hosted in November, in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Submission process

Electronically: The preferred method is online submission. A dedicated link will be sent out to RiSA members for a smooth process. Non-RiSA members can access the form directly via the official website.
Offline help desk: Entrants unable to submit online, don’t worry. RiSA has a help desk available at their offices located at 152 Bram Fischer Drive, Randburg. Staff will be happy to assist you during office hours.
Visit the About Us page on the website for a step-by-step guide on how to enter.

Entry eligibility

Albums: As per SAMA31 rules, an album must contain at least four previously unreleased singles, excluding remixes and live recordings of existing songs.
Singles: For categories like Best Collaboration and Remix of the Year, entrants can submit a single entry.

Timeline

Eligibility vetting: Once the submission window closes, the SAMAs office and a committee made up of representatives from recording companies will review all entries for eligibility.
Nominees announcement: After a thorough adjudication process, five nominees will be announced for each category.
When submitting an entry, entrants should ensure that it adheres to the SAMAs rules. This will help ensure a smooth and fair submission process.
Commercial release: A single or album must have been commercially released (available for purchase) in South Africa between 16 April 2024, and 31 January 2025.

“We have had an incredible year, marked by the triumphant staging of the milestone SAMA30,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said. “Now we are fired up and raring to go with SAMA31 preparations. We have seen an increased number of entries in the past years and we hope to maintain this. It is a much-valued vote of confidence in our systems from the industry that we cherish. We call on the industry to come along and ensure that SAMA31 is for the books. We look forward to an overwhelming response from deserving music practitioners.”

Below are the categories:

Top 5 categories