For over three decades, the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) have played a key role in recognizing and celebrating the country's musical talent. These awards have become more than just an awards ceremony; they have evolved into a national institution that celebrates the nation's identity and strengthens music as a cultural asset and economic force.
Organized by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), the awards go beyond celebrating chart hits. They function as a platform that fosters the development of South African creativity, creates opportunities for artists, and reinforces the nation's cultural identity.
Music has always been an integral part of South Africa's history. Local music reflects the many cultures, languages, and life experiences of the country, including traditional songs, gospel, jazz, kwaito, amapiano, maskandi, and hip-hop. It serves as a medium for entertainment, heritage preservation, and provides artists with a platform for storytelling understood both at home and abroad.
According to Unathi Gwidhi, SAMAs press secretary, the awards are the primary benchmark for musical excellence in the country, acknowledging exceptional talent, creativity, and innovation. These accolades have played a crucial role in advancing artists from local recognition to widespread and international levels, documenting the evolution of South African music across generations.
Receiving an award or even a nomination at SAMAs often becomes a turning point in a musician's career. Such recognition opens doors to new audiences, business opportunities, and collaborations, increasing performers' visibility in a highly competitive industry.
The impact of the awards extends beyond the artists themselves. In Gwidhi's view, SAMAs act as a powerful driver of the creative economy, sitting at the intersection of music, tourism, fashion, broadcasting, and cultural heritage. Each ceremony generates significant economic activity for the host location, attracting visitors, creating jobs, and showcasing the richness of South African culture to the world.
In an era where digital platforms give listeners access to music from around the globe, supporting local musicians becomes even more vital. Gwidhi emphasized that every stream, ticket purchase, or concert attendance matters, as it is an investment in South Africa's creative future, supporting an industry that employs thousands of people.
As music consumption shifts towards streaming services, SAMAs are adapting to remain relevant. Gwidhi stated that embracing digital innovation has become a central element of the awards' future. SAMAs is implementing a digitally focused approach, ranging from live streaming key moments like nominee announcements to expanding digital engagement across various platforms.
However, the core mission remains unchanged: to recognize excellence, develop new talent, and provide a platform for South African artists to build sustainable careers both at home and on the global stage. The 2026 ceremony, titled 'Homecoming Edition' (#SAMA32), will take place on August 15th at the iconic Sun City Superbowl in the North West province.
The musical talents of the Kemradj family will be a central event at the upcoming Red Mango Arts Festival, which will take place from July 22 to 27 at the Sassridge College in Durban.
This second iteration of the festival is the brainchild of renowned South African actor and director Rajesh Gopi. It promises a dynamic blend of theatrical performances, musical concerts, and spoken word acts, while celebrating South Africa's rich heritage and fostering youth development.
On July 23rd at 7:30 PM, Vishin, along with brothers Vaahir and Vihaan Kemradj, will perform with the program 'Sufis, Mystics and Qawali.' This presentation is viewed not merely as a family event but as a deeper connection to their cultural roots.
Vaahir, aged 18 and recognized for his roles in the films Kandasamys, shared how music has influenced his life. He noted that he has been involved in music since the age of seven. Performing as a singer, he stated: 'It is not just entertainment, but a profound experience.'
His mother, Vireka Kemradj, introduced him to the harmonium at the age of three, and his father continued to develop his musical abilities. Although Vaahir was initially more inclined towards drama and acting, his passion for music led him to embrace his family's musical legacy.
He recounted performing for the first time at age seven, singing a bhajan written by his mother—Satya Sai—which he performed in various Satya Sai temples. Vaahir added that he cannot recall a time when he wasn't a musician and singer, and that he has been performing since seven years old, although he still considers himself a novice professional.
Vaahir mentioned listening to many musical styles, but his favorite remains Shastriya Sangeet. He explained that Shastriya Sangeet encompasses two streams: Hindustani classical and Carnatic music. Hindustani classical is distinguished by covering everything from light music to heavy classical, and it is highly spiritual, requiring great concentration and repeated systematic practice (riyaz).
In Vaahir's opinion, Sufi music represents an 'abstract thought' that transcends a mere genre. He emphasized that a true connection with music demands a deep understanding of the text's meaning; otherwise, one risks missing the opportunity for a passionate performance. He also noted the humility that music teaches him: 'The more you think you know, the less you actually comprehend.'
He performs alongside his younger brother Vihaan, a 13-year-old singer who also plays guitar and dholak. Vihaan started singing at four years old and became one of the youngest dholak performers in the country at nine. Vaahir's father, Vishin, is a renowned South African musician.
Vishin, founder of Taal Music, has performed with famous African jazz musicians such as Lou Daminy, Madala Kunene, and Mabuso, as well as Indian artists including Sunidhi Chauhan, Kumar Sanu, and Sukhwinder Singh. He plays tabla and harmonium.
The event also features other activities, including a comedy night with Jayloshni Naidu and friends on July 24th at 8:00 PM, and the Global Ballie monologue by Kurt Egelhof, scheduled for July 25th at 5:30 PM. The festival will also offer food, outdoor relaxation areas, books for sale, exhibitions, and displays. Further information can be found on the website webtickets.co.za.
