The 32nd South African Music Awards brought together generations of artists, from amapiano and gqom stars to gospel icons and global hitmakers.

Sun City, South Africa (Running Africa) — South Africa’s music industry took center stage on Saturday as the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) concluded at the Sun City Superbowl in North West Province, celebrating the artists, albums, and sounds shaping the country’s music scene.

Billed as the “Homecoming Edition,” the 2026 ceremony brought together some of South Africa’s biggest names, with Tyla, HLE, Oskido, and Kabza De Small among the standout honorees.

Sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation and hosted by rapper Cassper Nyovest and media personality Zanele Potelwa, SAMA32 showcased the diversity of South African music while recognizing artists whose influence has extended beyond the country’s borders.

Tyla Receives International Achievement Award at SAMA32

Global superstar Tyla made her South African Music Awards debut and received the AfriPure International Achievement Award in recognition of her growing impact on the global music industry.

The Grammy-winning singer marked the occasion by inviting fellow African artists onto the stage to share in the recognition, turning the moment into a broader celebration of African music’s expanding international reach.

Tyla’s appearance comes as South African sounds continue to gain global visibility, with genres including Amapiano and Afrobeats-influenced pop reaching increasingly diverse international audiences.

HLE Among Biggest Winners at 2026 South African Music Awards

Gospel star HLE emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, collecting two major awards for her album The Ground We’re On.

She won the prestigious SAMPrA Album of the Year award as well as Lesedi FM Female Artist of the Year, cementing her place among the leading voices in contemporary South African gospel music.

Her double victory was one of the defining moments of the ceremony and highlighted gospel’s enduring influence within the country’s diverse music landscape.

Oskido Honored With SAMA Lifetime Achievement Award

South African music pioneer Oskido received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long contribution to the industry.

The veteran DJ, producer, and entrepreneur has played an influential role in the evolution of South African dance music while helping develop and promote generations of independent artists.

His career has spanned major shifts in the country’s music industry, from the rise of kwaito to the emergence of new electronic sounds that have increasingly found audiences worldwide.

The SAMA honor recognized both his work as an artist and his broader influence behind the scenes.

Kabza De Small Wins Best Amapiano Album

Amapiano heavyweight Kabza De Small added another major accolade to his career, winning Best Amapiano Album for Bab’Motha.

The award reflects the continued dominance of Amapiano within South African popular culture and its growing influence on the global music industry.

The genre has expanded from South African townships and clubs into an international movement, with artists, producers, and DJs increasingly appearing on global charts, festival stages, and collaborations.

SAMA32 Celebrates South Africa’s Musical Diversity

Beyond the major winners, SAMA32 highlighted the extraordinary range of genres driving South Africa’s music industry.

Mzukulu won Best Maskandi Album for Ng’funa Intozami, while Will Linley took home Best Pop Album.

Makhadzi Entertainment claimed Best Traditional Music Album, while Jazzwrld and Thukuthela were recognized with Best Dance Album.

The mix of winners reflected an industry where traditional African sounds, gospel, pop, dance music, and Amapiano continue to coexist and evolve.

SAMA32 ‘Homecoming Edition’ Celebrates South African Music

The 32nd edition of the South African Music Awards positioned itself as both a celebration of the country’s established stars and a showcase of an industry enjoying growing international attention.

From Tyla’s global recognition and HLE’s double victory to Oskido’s lifetime achievement honor and Kabza De Small’s continued Amapiano success, SAMA32 captured multiple generations of South African music on one stage.

As South African artists continue to reach audiences far beyond the continent, the “Homecoming Edition” offered a reminder that many of the sounds now traveling around the world still have their roots firmly at home.