Call for entries: South African Music Awards

Entries will be accepted for music released from 1 February 2018 to 31 January 2019. The application deadline is 31 January.

At the next edition, the SAMAs will be celebrating 25 years and the organisers have said it "promises to be its biggest year".

"It's that time of the year," the organisers tweeted. "The entries for #SAMA25 are now open. If you're a South African artist and you think your album has what it takes to win a SAMA Award make sure you submit it for entries."

This year, the awards received 778 eligible entries, a rise from 700 in 2017 and around 400 in 2016. "This sustained and substantial increase is a vote of confidence in the integrity and prestige of the SAMA as the ultimate music honour for local and continental musicians," says the organisers.

The body also released the total list of entries before nominees were announced. The big winner at the ceremony was Shekhinah. She won the Newcomer of the Year, Album of the Year and Female Artist of the Year awards.

"We look forward to the 25th edition of the SAMA," said Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), organisers of the event. "We continue to be the biggest and most consistent music award ceremony and as we look back over the years, we see how our journey has been paved with dedication and commitment to the cause of making SA music recognised for its greatness."

For more information on how to submit entries, visit the SAMAs official website.