The award in the 'Best R&B/Soul Album' category at the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) promises to be one of the most vibrant events of the ceremony, as the best voices of South Africa compete for the prestigious award.
Significance of the R&B/Soul Genre
A representative of SAMA32, Unathi Gwida, noted that this category pays tribute to a genre that continues to captivate listeners through strong vocals, sincere storytelling, and timeless musical mastery.
This year's nominees confirm this statement: Gemma Fassie, Langa Mavuso, lordkez, Maxina Cesar, and Lucille Slade are vying for one of the most respected awards at the 32nd South African Music Awards (Samas).
Themes and Stories of the Albums
Each nominee presents a unique story touching on themes of healing, grief, love, self-discovery, and growth, transforming personal experience into music that resonates with listeners across the country.
Gemma Fassie leads the race with the project 'Island 22', which is deeply personal work reflecting vulnerability, healing, and finding peace. In this EP, she guides listeners through moments of romance, the difficulties of unhealthy relationships, and the journey to self-recovery.
As the niece of the late music legend Brenda Fassie and cousin of Bongani Fassie, Gemma Fassie often carried the burden of her famous surname. This nomination marks an important milestone in her career, as she feels the audience accepts her music as her own identity. Responding to the nomination, she shared on social media: 'Gems!! We got nominated by @thesamas_. I'm still processing it!! This nomination confirms I'm in the right place; the work paid off. Cape Flats, we are so high right now. Thank you for the recognition. Huge thanks to everyone who helped me bring this EP to life.'
Other Contestants
Maxina Cesar received a nomination for the project 'It's Complicated', which highlights her skills as a composer and her musical influences. Raised in Woodstock, Cape Town, she comes from a musical family, being the daughter of respected jazz guitarist Richard Cesar. Songs from this EP found success on Cape Town radio stations, helping to cement her status as one of the city's bright R&B voices. She reacted to the nomination by writing: 'What do you even mean! This is so cool! Thanks @thesamas_ for the nomination! I'm speechless right now, but yesss!'
For Lucille Slade, the EP 'Resurfaced' symbolizes a return after a period of reflection. This album, created in collaboration with long-time colleague Tru Hitz, draws inspiration from her hometown of Galeshewe in Kimberley, where diamonds symbolize resilience and hidden value. She uses this image throughout the project to remind listeners that growth often follows difficult periods. The songs explore relationships, letting go, and choosing oneself when staying becomes too painful. Sharing her excitement, Slade wrote: 'Guys, we were nominated by @thesamas_!!! Die Y we rose up! Look how our independent music is recognized by @truhitz. This is a group effort! Thanks to my bandmates.'
Langa Mavuso returns to Samas with the release 'Therapy: The Other Side', one of his most personal works to date. The album became a way to cope with the loss of his late partner, renowned chef Lentse Bengu. Instead of creating songs for the stage, Mavuso approached the project as honest diary entries. The result is an album that goes through grief, healing, and acceptance.
He stated: 'This album is my form of therapy, a space where I sat with all versions of myself. The lost boy, the seeker, the healer, the believer.' He also explained that the sorrow he carried found an outlet in creating the album. To launch the project, he transformed the Market Theatre in Johannesburg into an immersive live therapy session, allowing fans to experience the music in an intimate setting.
Rounding out the category is lordkez with the project 'You, Me & The 90's', inspired by classic R&B sounds but infused with her own contemporary South African identity. The album reflects childhood memories in Florence Township in Kimberley, where Sundays were filled with music while the family gathered. Rather than chasing trends, lordkez focused on emotion, narrative, and creative freedom. The project was produced, mixed, and mastered by longtime colleague Jordan Clem. Her reaction to the nomination was brief but perfectly conveyed the excitement: 'OMG.'
Closing Words from Organizers
Gwida emphasized that this year's nominees demonstrate how South African R&B and Soul continue to evolve while remaining rooted in honest storytelling. She noted that R&B and Soul remain among the most expressive forms of music capable of conveying the emotions, experiences, and aspirations of daily life.
She added that this year's nominees have elevated the genre through exceptional compositional skills, unique artistry, and authentic performances that continue to shape the sound of modern South African music. Gwida also announced that the SAMA32 'Homecoming Edition' is more than just an awards ceremony. It is a celebration of South Africa's musical heritage, creative excellence, and cultural diversity, while simultaneously affirming the North West as the proud home of the South African Music Awards.
Organizers also stated that the event promotes tourism and economic activity by attracting artists, fans, and visitors from across the country. They specified that the event supports local businesses, creates opportunities for communities, and encourages guests to explore the province's attractions and cultural experiences. The 32nd Samas will take place on August 15th at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West. Tickets are available through Ticketpro.
