Open call: 2026 South African Music Awards – Music In Africa |

A woman with braided hair styled in a sculptural updo, wearing a patterned wrap and gold jewelry, poses against a neutral background—radiating the elegance often seen at the 2026 South African Music Awards.

The awards cover over 30 genre categories, recognising a wide range of South African music from chart-topping hits to underground releases.

“We have had an incredible year, marked by the hybrid triumphant staging of the milestone SAMA31,” RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said. “Now we are fired up and raring to go with SAMA32 preparations. We have seen an increased number of entries in the past years and we hope to maintain this.

“It is a much-valued vote of confidence in our systems from the industry that we cherish. We call on the…