The 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) made a triumphant return to the Sun City Superbowl, delivering a night filled with glitz, history-making moments, and emotional celebrations of local music royalty.
From global pop icons uniting the stage to gospel powerhouses walking away with top honours, the ceremony proved that South Africa’s cultural footprint is stronger than ever.
Here are the key moments and biggest triumphs that defined the night.
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Tyla’s stage callout and homecoming
Taking home the AfriPure International Achievement Award for the second time, two-time Grammy-winner Tyla marked her very first time physically attending the SAMAs.
Instead of soaking in the spotlight alone, the pop superstar created the night’s most memorable moment by inviting her fellow South African peers, including Cassper Nyovest, Makhadzi, Babalwa M, Zee Nxumalo, and Maglera Doe Boy, to join her live on stage.
Tyla invited artists from across the South African music industry present at the awards to join her on stage and celebrate this remarkable achievement together 🔥 #SAMA32 pic.twitter.com/Jfnqx4iaEM
— tyger4lyf (@mzansity) August 15, 2026
“There was no other Tyla before me, and I don’t have a roadmap,” she shared during her acceptance speech. “As I stumble through my career and my life growing up as an artist in front of the world, I just thank South Africa for being there for me and supporting me.”
HLE’s major double sweep
Gospel sensation HLE emerged as one of the night’s most celebrated winners, dominating two of the ceremony’s most coveted categories.
Her acclaimed project The Ground We’re On earned both the SAMPRA Album of the Year and the Lesedi FM Female Artist of the Year awards, cementing her status as a powerhouse voice in modern South African gospel music.
See Also: From SA to the continent: Nontokozo Mkhize’s Lagos win marks a gospel breakthrough
Oskido’s lifetime achievement tribute
Legendary producer, DJ, and music entrepreneur Oskido was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long role as a pioneer of South Africa’s music ecosystem.
In a moving acceptance speech, the Kalawa Jazmee co-founder dedicated his trophy to the independent artists and pioneers of the past who never got their moment on the SAMA stage.
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“This is for the late Lebo Mathosa. This is for Trompies, Thebe Lenyora, and every artist who’s been part of the Kalawa journey who never won the awards they deserved,” Oskido said. “Awards don’t define you, your impact does.”
SAMA32 key winners at a glance
- AfriPure International Achievement Award: Tyla
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Oskido
- SAMPRA Album of the Year: HLE – The Ground We’re On
- Lesedi FM Female Artist of the Year: HLE
- Motsweding FM Male Artist of the Year: Mzukulu – Ng’funa Intozami
- SABC 1 Newcomer of the Year: Paras ‘Sibalukhulu’ Dlamini – Ingoma Busuku
- Best Amapiano Album: Kabza De Small – Bab’Motha
- Best Traditional Music Album: Makhadzi Entertainment – Sesi Ka Rose
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