Warner Music Group proudly celebrates an outstanding showing at the 32nd South African Music Awards, following yesterday’s announcement of the 2026 nominees. Across Warner Music Africa and Africori, the group has earned 12 nominations spanning 10 of the awards’ 25 categories, reinforcing its commitment to championing exceptional African talent across every corner of the country’s musical landscape.
From contemporary classical and alternative music to Afro Pop, Amapiano, Dance, Hip Hop, Gqom, Faith, Traditional Music and music video production, this year’s nominations reflect the diversity, creativity and cultural impact of Warner Music Group’s artists and partners.
Warner Music Africa is represented in the Best Adult Contemporary Album category by internationally acclaimed cellist Abel Selaocoe, whose acclaimed Four Spirits (Live), recorded alongside the Aurora Orchestra, Nicholas Collon and Bernhard Schimpelsberger, earns a well-deserved nomination.
Africori continues its strong legacy at the SAMAs with eleven nominations across nine categories. CiCi (Busisiwe 2.0) and Sjava (Inkanyezi 2.0 (Live)) are both nominated for Best Afro Pop Album, while celebrated producer Kelvin Momosecures two nominations in Best Amapiano Album for N’wana Wa Mutsonga and Thato Ya Modimo. MaWhoo also earns recognition in Best Dance Album for her acclaimed project Amazwi Okubonga, further highlighting Africori’s continued impact across South Africa’s vibrant dance music scene.
Additional nominations include Charles Webster (From The Hill) for Best Alternative Album, Brenden Praise (The GAP) for Best Contemporary Faith Music Album, Blacks Jnr, Dankie Boi and GoldMax (New Wave) for Best Gqom Album, MashBeatz (THE SECRET FREQUENCY) for Best Hip Hop Album, and Kamo Mphela, Aymos, QUE DJ & Jay Music featuring SpacePose for Best Produced Music Video with Partii.
The group’s success is rounded off in Best Traditional Music Album, where Pleasure Tsa Manyalo (Pleasure in 20 Years) and Makhadzi Entertainment (Sesi Ka Rose) both receive nominations.
“These nominations are a reflection of the incredible depth and diversity of talent coming out of Africa today. From Amapiano and Afro Pop to Hip Hop, Faith and Traditional Music, we’re privileged to work alongside artists who continue to shape culture while pushing creative boundaries. At Africori, our mission has always been to empower African artists to build lasting careers on their own terms, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see so many of our partners recognised on one of the country’s biggest stages. Congratulations to every nominee, their teams and everyone who played a part in bringing these remarkable projects to life.” — Adam Tiran, General Manager, Africori
These nominations underscore Warner Music Group’s continued investment in artist development and its commitment to supporting music that moves culture, transcends genres, and connects audiences across South Africa and beyond.
As the industry prepares to celebrate the year’s biggest achievements, Warner Music Group congratulates all of its nominated artists, producers, creative collaborators and teams whose passion and dedication continue to shape the future of African music.
Warner Music Group’s 32nd South African Music Awards Nominations
Warner Music Africa
- Best Adult Contemporary Album
- Abel Selaocoe – Four Spirits (Live)
Africori
- Best Afro Pop Album
- CiCi – Busisiwe 2.0
- Sjava – Inkanyezi 2.0 (Live)
- Best Alternative Album
- Charles Webster – From The Hill
- Best Amapiano Album
- Kelvin Momo – N’wana Wa Mutsonga
- Kelvin Momo – Thato Ya Modimo
- Best Dance Album
- MaWhoo – Amazwi Okubonga
- Best Contemporary Faith Music Album
- Brenden Praise – The GAP
- Best Gqom Album
- Blacks Jnr, Dankie Boi & GoldMax – New Wave
- Best Hip Hop Album
- MashBeatz – THE SECRET FREQUENCY
- Best Produced Music Video
- Partii – Kamo Mphela, Aymos, QUE DJ & Jay Music featuring SpacePose
- Best Traditional Music Album
- Pleasure Tsa Manyalo – Pleasure in 20 Years
- Makhadzi Entertainment – Sesi Ka Rose
