Sama gives kwaito, amapiano and gqom their own categories

The Best Amapiano Album category honours excellence by musicians in the amapiano genre; the Best Gqom Album category honours excellence by musicians in the gqom genre; and the Best Kwaito Album category has been reinstated after it was bundled together with amapiano and gqom genre as sub-genres since 2017.

All the SAMA26 winners

11 Aug 2020

Remarked RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi: "This move is a reflection of the changing local music landscape as seen in the rise in popularity of these three genres. The consistent number of entries and the competitiveness of the music justified the unbundling of the old Best Kwaito/Amapiano/Gqom Album category. The Samas remain relevant and responsive to the trends in the music industry. We look forward to a great run in the new categories. I also wish to encourage our musicians to submit entries for Sama consideration before the deadline of midnight on 31 January 2021."

The SAMAs are back and entries are now open! If you have released music between 1 February 2020 and 31 January 2021, then you are eligible to enter. For more info, visit our offices or click here https://t.co/k4UHcJTQxx. #SAMA27 #TheNewWave pic.twitter.com/XMb0Vbu2s0

— The SA Music Awards (@TheSAMAs) November 26, 2020