Sjava, Sho Madjozi and Black Motion were some of the big winners at the 25th South African Music Awards (Samas) at the Sun City Superbowl this weekend.
The awards began on Friday, with Joyous Celebration winning best selling artist and best selling DVD.
The awards’ theme, 25toLife, celebrated its 25-year history.
Six presenters were chosen for the awards, each representing a different era of South African music.
Sjava won best Afro pop album and the album of the year. Sho Madjozi took home the female artist of the year and newcomer of the year awards.
Black Motion won for best dance album and the best group/duo of the year, while Nasty C won best hip hop album and best produced album of the year for Strings And Bling.
The best kwaito/gqom/amapiano award went to Spikiri for his King Don Father album, while Tresor won best pop album.
Black Coffee led the nominations, but only won male artist of the year award and best collaboration award for his song Drive.
Stand-out performances last night were a throwback segment with memorable tracks performed by legendary bands Bongo Maffin and Trompies, along with other kwaito artists.
Gospel legend Rebecca Malope joined SAMA25 nominee Ntokozo Mbambo for a rousing gospel segment.
The grand finalé featured the best of local music with a medley by nominees Kelly Khumalo, Sho Madjozi, DJ Sumbody, Dladla Mshunqisi and Mobi Dixon.
Award winners:
SAMA25 Main Awards Winners list
SAMRO & CAPASSO BEST SELLING DIGITAL ARTIST (COMPOSER’S AWARD)
Joyous Celebration 22 - All for you :Lindelani Mkhize, Mnqobi Nxumalo, Siphiwe Ngcobo, Thobeka Mahlangu
SAMPRA HIGHEST AIRPLAY OF THE YEAR AWARD
Lady Zamar -Collide
BEST TRADITIONAL FAITH MUSIC ALBUM
Spirit of Praise - Spirit of Praise Vol.7
BEST AFRICAN INDIGENOUS FAITH MUSIC ALBUM
Ithimba Le-Africa - Sesiphunyukile
BEST TRADITIONAL ALBUM
Candy - Hupenyu Unenge Viri
BEST KWAITO/GQOM/AMAPIANO ALBUM
Spikiri - King Don Father
BEST AFRO POP ALBUM
Sjava - Umqhele
BESTE POP ALBUM
Snotkop - SOUS
BEST POP ALBUM
Tresor - Nostalgia
BEST ROCK ALBUM
Dan Patlansky - Perfection Kills
BEST HIP HOP ALBUM
Nasty C - Strings and Bling
BEST DANCE ALBUM
Black Motion - Moya Wa Taola
BEST MASKANDI ALBUM
Sgwebo Sentambo -Yekani Umona
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Sho Madjozi - Limpopo Champions League
DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
Black Motion - Moya Wa Taola
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Sho Madjozi - Limpopo Champions League
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Black Coffee - Music is King
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Sjava - Umqhele
RECORD OF THE YEAR
Holly Rey - Deeper
LIFETIME ACHIEVERS AWARD X3
TKZEE, Mango Groove and HHP
