Shekhinah, Langa Mavuso, and Nduduzo Makhathini lead the race for the SAMA32 Best Produced Album award

As the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) approaches, attention is shifting from the stage to the recording studio, focusing on the nominees for Best Produced Album.

SAMA32 Nominations

Several albums are competing for this prestigious award. Among them are 'Ingoma Busuku' by Paras 'Sibalukhulu' Dlamini, which was produced by Nduduzo Makhathini; 'Less Trouble' by Shekhinah, whose production team includes Shekhinah, Rudolf Willemse, imnotgoofy, Mzizi, Gregory Abrahamsa, Iam6teen, Brandon-Lee Earl Johnson, and Master A Flat; 'Sacred Cycle' by Maurice Lotz, who served as the producer himself; 'Therapy: The Other Side' by Langa Mavuso, created with the participation of a collective including Darren Blackensy, Symphive Mashinini, Ndumiso Mananu, Nadabo Zulu, Chester Kobedi, Silvia Motu, Unako Chabeli, Langa Mavuso, Jabulani Nkabinde, LindelaniLi, Seragi Tantsha, Mnkobi Bayandu Nksumalo, Zooci, Jonathan Takyi Mensa, and Onkabetse John Khlongwane; and 'ZINZA' by Banda Banda, who is also the producer.

Nominees' Achievements

Each nominee has achieved significant success even before the start of this year's awards season. The album 'Ingoma Busuku', created by the renowned jazz musician, already won the 'Best Jazz Album' at the Metro FM Music Awards in 2026, receiving recognition for its harmonious blend of African spiritual heritage and contemporary jazz.

Shekhinah's music 'Less Trouble' continued its status as one of South Africa's leading pop figures, garnering over nine million streams on Spotify, while favorites like 'Risk' and 'Steady' dominated playlists.

Recognition of Skill and Vision

Maurice Lotz's album 'Sacred Cycle', which he produced himself, was noted for its masterful skill and complex compositions, demonstrating the guitarist's outstanding versatility. Langa Mavuso's music 'Therapy: The Other Side' deeply moved listeners; his single 'Dangerous' received a nomination at the Metro FM Music Award, and the album itself was highly praised for its rich live sound and sincere storytelling.

Meanwhile, 'ZINZA' by Banda Banda, created by him, was recognized for its bold artistic vision and unique sound, strengthening the artist's reputation as one of the country's most vibrant creative forces.

The Significance of Producers and the Ceremony

A SAMA32 representative, Unathi Gwija, emphasized that 'behind every great album is a producer who combines creativity, technical precision, and artistic vision.' He added that this category honors exceptional individuals and teams whose work transforms great songs into unforgettable musical experiences, which is critically important for the growth, innovation, and global competitiveness of South African music.

The Homecoming Edition SAMA32, taking place on August 15th at the Sun City Superbowl, aims to celebrate excellence across all aspects of the music industry. This event recognizes not only attention-grabbing performers but also producers, engineers, and creative partners whose talent elevates South African music to a global level. Furthermore, it confirms North West Province as a proud host of SAMA and one of Africa's major entertainment hubs.

iol.co.zaJuly 29, 19:23

The return of Simphiwe Dana and the legacy of Madala Kunene determine the winners of the SAMA32 award in the Best African Adult Contemporary category

Preparations for the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32), presented by the Mocep Fund, are gaining momentum. Artists such as Simphiwe Dana, Madala Kunene, Sibusile Shaba, and others, representing the rich musical heritage of South Africa, are participating in the Best African Adult Contemporary Album nomination.

Nominations in the Adult Contemporary Category

Music icon Simphiwe Dana, who recently celebrated two decades of her career, leads this category alongside legendary guitarist Madala Kunene. This nomination features some of the most respected storytellers and musical innovators from South Africa.

Dana received a nomination for her highly acclaimed album Moya. This deeply introspective project marked her return to the spotlight and confirmed her status as one of the most influential voices in the genres of Afro-soul and jazz in the country.

Collaborative Projects and Competitors

Meanwhile, Kunene has teamed up with renowned guitarist Sibusile Shaba on the project KwaNtu. This collaboration bridges generations and celebrates the enduring beauty of indigenous African music.

The pair heads a talented list of nominees, which also includes Jabulile Madjola with the album 'Isitifiketi', Zawadi Yamungu with 'Ngimuhle', and BandaBanda with 'ZINZA'. Together they showcase a blend of established titans and contemporary artists, sustaining the vitality and relevance of African music in the Adult Contemporary genre.

Significance of Musical Heritage

According to SAMA representative Unathi Gvidzi, this category recognizes artists whose music preserves Africa's rich cultural heritage while embracing contemporary creativity. He noted that the nominees are masters of storytelling, whose music transcends generational boundaries by blending local sounds, strong lyrics, and modern production to create timeless works of art. These albums remind us that African music continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to its roots.

Awards Ceremony

The winner will be announced at the SAMA32 Homecoming Edition ceremony, taking place on August 15th at the Sun City Superbowl, where one of South Africa's most beloved music genres will once again take center stage.