North West Province to host 32nd South African Music Awards

The announcement was made on 27 May by North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation Galerekwe Tsotso Tlhapi, alongside representatives from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

The North West Province has previously hosted several editions of the awards and is widely associated with the event’s history.

Speaking during the announcement, Tlhapi said the province was prepared to host the awards again.

“It feels like yesterday when we hosted the 28th instalment of the SAMAs here in North West. This province has always been a proud and capable host, and we are ready once again to welcome the nation,” she said.

Tlhapi added that the return of the awards would highlight the province’s cultural sector and hospitality industry.

RiSA spokesperson Unati Gwija said preparations for the event had already started, including consultations with stakeholders involved in the production.

“We have already begun extensive stakeholder consultations in preparation for the SAMAs. There is a strong sense of excitement and unity as we return to the North West, a province that has proven itself as an exceptional host,” Gwija said.

The SAMAs are regarded as one of South Africa’s major music industry events, recognising achievement across multiple genres and categories within the local recording sector.

Organisers said further details regarding the venue, nominees and performance line-up for the 2026 edition would be announced at a later stage.