Kabza De Small Goes Home With the Highest Number of SAMAs

Amapiano sensation Kabza De Small emerged as the top winner at the 29th South African Music Awards (SAMAs) held on Saturday.

The event was held in a last-minute partnership with the inaugural Africa Feat at Sun International’s SunBet Arena in Pretoria.

Kabza victories included Best Duo/Group of the Year with DJ Maphorisa, Best Produced Album, Best Amapiano Album, and Best Kwaito Album. However, like several other South African artists, De Small was notably absent from the ceremony.

Other Notable SAMAs Winners

Other winners included gospel music star Ntokozo Mbambo, who secured three awards for Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Contemporary Faith Album.

The late rapper AKA continued with awards for Male Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Engineered Album.

Despite not being present to accept their awards, artists such as K.O., DJ Maphorisa, and Zakes Bantwini were recognized. Bantwini, represented by his wife, singer Nandi Madida, received an award.

Hosted by DJ Sabby and Nomalanga Shozi, the SAMAs also honored Zakes Bantwini, and Wouter Kellerman. Also, Nomcebo Zikode with the International Achievement Award for their Grammy-winning collaboration on Bayethe earlier in the year.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Mandoza, Ihashi Elimhlophe, Gloria Bosman, and Pops Mohamed.

Fan-voted awards for Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year went to 2Point1 for Stimela. Despite not receiving an award, Makhadzi made a late appearance at the end of the evening. She delivered delivered a performance, accompanied by TikTok sensation Skomota.