SAMAs Day 1: All the winners

The theme for this year’s edition is #ForThaKultcha and the first night was run under the subtheme #ForThaRoots, which celebrated traditional music and awarded artists who exemplify what it means to be proudly South African.

The internationally acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir delivered a rousing opening performance of Toto’s 'Africa'. Other performers included Afro-soul vocalist Amanda Black, who sang a rendition of her hit 'Ndizele Wena'.

The virtual show was hosted by actress Dineo Langa and comedian Donovan Goliath and featured running commentary from comedian Skhumba Hlophe and radio presenter DJ Ankletap. Radio personality Thuso Motaung and singer-songwriter Arno Carstens also joined in from their homes to announce some of the awards.

Ndabo Zulu & Umgidi Ensemble walked away with the Newcomer of the Year and Best Jazz Album awards while Gospel musician Dumi Mkokstad clinched his first SAMA after 20 years in the industry, winning the Best Traditional Faith Music Album Award.

Legendary a cappella group Amadodana Ase Wesile took the Best African Indigenous Faith Album Award and acoustic duo Qadasi & Maqhinga won in the Best Traditional Music Album cateogry.

K.O and Nandi Madida scooped the Best Collaboration Award for their duet 'Say U Will', and Thokozani Langa won the Best Maskandi Album Award. Riana Nel took the Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album Award while Nigerian Afrobeat star Davido received the Rest of Africa Award for his album A Good Time.

“This has been both a challenging and exciting time,” Recording Industry of South Africa CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said. “On the one hand, we had to get the show on the road after the disruption of COVID-19. On the other hand, the new conditions of lockdown and social distancing provided an opportunity for our creatives to think outside the box and try new things.

“I’m proud of what we saw this evening and applaud the production team and all hands that contributed to the success. I also wish to extend my congratulations to all the winners from tonight. I look forward to the next four nights as we honour the best our country has to offer.”

The second instalment of the 2020 SAMAs will run under the subtheme #ForThaSoul, and will be broadcast on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) and My Muze on 4 August on from 9pm CAT.

Newcomer of the Year

• Ndabo Zulu & Umgidi Ensemble – Queen Nandi: The African Symphony
• Sbu Noah – A David Kind of Psalm (Live)
• Ami Faku – Imali
• Spha Mdlalose – Indlel’eyekhaya
• Viwe Mkizwana – Tributes

Best Maskandi Album

• Upopayi – Thokozani Langa
• Bawucisha ngo Paraffin – Abafana baka Mgqumeni
• Hlanga Lomhlabathi – Izingane Zoma
• Inhloko Nes’Xhanti – Khuzani
• Inyoka Yodumo – Sgwebo Sentambo

Best Traditional Music Album

• Ungabanaki – Qadasi & Maqhinga
• Botshelo – Makopanela Pineng
• Richang – Tswelelang Cultural Dancers
• Sialala – Vha Venda Cultural Group
• Tshimo Ea Tlholwa – Mma Ausi

Best Collaboration

• ‘Say U Will’ – K.O ft. Nandi Madida
• ‘Akulaleki’ – Samthing Soweto ft. Sha Sha, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small
• ‘Fetch Your Life’ – Prince Kaybee ft. Msaki
• ‘Love You Tonight’ – MFR Souls ft. DJ Maphorisa, Sha Sha and Kabza De Small
• ‘Tender Love’ – Sha Sha ft. DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small

Best Traditional Faith Music Album

• Calvary – Dumi Mkokstad
• Re-Birth – TYGC Family
• Psalm 103 – Jeffrey Mkansi
• Praise & Repentance 2nd Offering – Muzie B
• OkaJehova Akanqotshwa – Deborah Fraser

Best Contemporary Faith Music Album

• A David Kind of Psalm (Live) – Sbu Noah
• Friends in Praise, Vol.2 – Neyi Zimu and Omega Khunou
• Glory in His Presence – Benjamin Dube
• Project 17 Live at Carnival City – Worship House
• Seasons, Volume II – We Will Worship

Best African Indigenous Faith Album

• Lona Ba Ratang Ho Phela – Amadodana Ase Wesile
• Uyalalelwa – The General Universal Zion Church of God (Isitimela)
• Thobela Morena – Matsobane Maifo
• Themba Lami – Amagoduka
• Modula Sione Ore Utlwe, Mookamedi – Wacha Mkhukhu Wachumlilo

Best Jazz Album

• Queen Nandi: The African Symphony – Ndabo Zulu & Umgidi Ensemble
• Genesis of a Different World – Steve Dyer
• Indlel’eyekhaya – Spha Mdlalose
• Tributes – Viwe Mkizwana
• Amanzi Nemifula: Umkhuleko – Sibusiso 'Mash' Mashiloane

Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album

• Sterker – Riana Nel
• Coenie 2.2 – Coenie de Villiers
• Boomhuis – Elandré
• Jou Huis – Elvis Blue
• Pure Plaas – Ricus Nel

Rest of Africa Award

• A Good Time – Davido (Nigeria)
• Blossom – Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)
• I Love Girls With Trobul – Sarz and WurlD (Nigeria)
• Metamorfose – Isabel Novella (Mozambique)
• YPSZN2 – PsychoYP (Nigeria)