As stars take the stage at the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) this weekend, audiences witness performances, glamour, and celebrations that have become synonymous with South Africa's biggest music event. However, behind this spectacle is a team of women working in production, project management, communications, administration, streaming, and guest logistics to ensure the smooth running of the prestigious ceremony.
As part of the celebration of Women's Month in South Africa, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) highlights the contribution of women helping to bring SAMA32 to life. At the heart of this project is Audrey Lammis, whose experience in live events, brand activations, and large-scale project management has allowed her to lead the extensive SAMA32 operation. Her responsibilities include overseeing the overall project and coordinating the various elements required for such a large-scale awards ceremony.
On the production side, Beverly Mubane, SAMA32 producer, possesses extensive experience as a series producer and production specialist. Her knowledge helps shape what viewers will see on the night of the ceremony, thanks to her work in multi-genre television productions and live events. Communications are handled by Unathi Gvidjo, SAMA32 press secretary, whose career spans film markets, branding, onboard entertainment, and strategic communications. Gvidjo plays a key role in shaping the public dialogue around the awards, maintaining engagement with artists, media, and industry stakeholders.
Operational details are coordinated by Asanda Jaka, SAMA32 project coordinator. With experience in operations and administration, Jaka helps align the various components of the awards as the event approaches. Meanwhile, Portia Kgabele, who oversees SAMA talent administration, provides administrative and operational support to the artists participating in the ceremony. She is assisted by Maria Radabe, Nomphumelelo Gamede, Puseletso Radabe, and Dimakatso Monareng, who contribute to the necessary backstage coordination and administration.
As audiences increasingly consume major events online, digital access has also become an important part of SAMAs. Daniela von Plato, responsible for streaming, handles the strategy and implementation of digital broadcasting, helping viewers watch the awards live and on demand across different platforms. There is also a crucial task of ensuring the comfort of those attending the ceremony. Taki Makananisisi manages guest logistics, coordinating the work of VIPs, nominees, hosts, and other participants, thereby creating the hospitable experience expected at an event of the SAMAs' caliber.
Together, this team demonstrates the amount of effort put into preparing an awards ceremony long before filming begins. Their functions cover disciplines that often go unnoticed by the public but are critically important to the success of a large-scale entertainment show.
SAMA32, a proud sponsor of the Motsepe Foundation, is supported by a wide range of partnerships, including the Department of Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation of the North West Province, the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism of the North West Province (DEDECT), SA Tourism, SABC, South African Music Rights Association (SAMPRA), South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), RiSA, RiSA Audio Visual (RAV), MNM Funerals, Settlers Media, NX, and IOL. The awards are also expected to contribute to the broader tourism and economic profile of the North West Province. By attracting music lovers, artists, industry professionals, media, and visitors from across South Africa and beyond, SAMAs provide an opportunity to showcase the province's hospitality, cultural heritage, attractions, and entertainment offerings.
Although the focus will ultimately be on the artists, the success of SAMA32 also depends on the women working behind the scenes: coordinating production, managing talent, engaging with the public, ensuring digital access, and caring for guests. In honor of Women's Month, their work serves as another reminder that some of the most vital contributions to South Africa's creative industries happen away from the stage.
The SSRRT Women's Forum invites you to the annual celebration of International Women's Day, which will take place at the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 8th, and will run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The main event will be a presentation by key speaker Nirvashni Naidu, who is an author, poet, and motivational speaker from South Africa.
Organizers reported that Naidu's speech will focus on themes of hope, healing, and resilience, drawing upon her personal life experiences. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a painting workshop.
Furthermore, as part of the celebration, the 'Conscious Cuisine' initiative will be launched—a sattvic culinary collection intended to recognize the contribution of the temple's chefs. The ticket price is 180 rand per person and includes all materials for the art sessions and prasad.
This event is open to everyone who wishes to celebrate International Women's Day through inspiration, creativity, and community engagement.
The 'Best Collaboration' category at the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32) showcases the strength of teamwork in the amapiano and Afro-house genres. This category recognizes partnerships that shape contemporary South African music, as well as outstanding individual talents.
A SAMA representative, Unathi Gwida, noted that many significant compositions are born from the union of exceptional artists who share ideas, blend styles, and create something greater than the sum of its parts. The SAMA32 'Homecoming Edition' will take place on August 15th at the Sun City Superbowl in the North West province.
The awards honor not only stars but also the alliances that continue to influence South African music. Tickets for the event are available through Ticketpro. Gwida emphasized that this edition celebrates both outstanding individual abilities and the spirit of collaboration that fosters artistic innovation and musical excellence, while also strengthening the status of the North West province as a hub for music, culture, and entertainment in South Africa.
The nominees in this category demonstrate the power of joint work. They include tracks such as 'Abantwana Bakho' by DJ Maphorisa and XDuppy featuring Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna, and Nkosazana Daughter; 'Dlala Ka Yona' by DJ Maphorisa and XDuppy with Enny Man Da Guitar, Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow, and Sleazy; 'Shela' by Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle, and Mano; 'Thandaza' by Sam Deep and Thatohatsi; and 'Tobetsa 3.0' by Myztro, Leehleza, Shaunmusiq, and Ftears.
The composition 'Abantwana Bakho' quickly gained popularity among amapiano fans, surpassing over 10 million streams on Spotify in a few months, cementing the positions of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small as some of the country's most streamed artists. The track 'Dlala Ka Yona' became a hit in dance clubs and social media, garnering millions of views thanks to its video and audio release, and going viral through dance challenges on TikTok.
The song 'Shela' set a record by becoming the most streamed song in a single day on Spotify South Africa, accumulating over 455,000 streams on New Year's Eve. This multilingual track explores romance to the rhythms of amapiano, and its music video garnered over 10 million views on YouTube just a few months after its release.
The track 'Thandaza' offered a different approach, combining spiritual motifs with club beats. Released as a single from Sam Deep's album 'Who I Am', it reached the top spot on the Apple Music charts, and the album itself climbed into the top weekly Spotify charts. Its message of hope and faith resonated with listeners across the country. 'Tobetsa 3.0' continued the success of a series of songs that became a favorite at parties and festivals after months of announcements on social media.
The 'Best Collaboration' category recognizes not only commercial success but also the creative spark that arises from the joint work of artists from different styles and backgrounds. Such partnerships often bring new talents to a wider audience, inspire fresh sounds, and lead to songs that dominate playlists and dance floors. Whether a track is a club anthem, a love ballad, or an inspiring hymn of hope, the brightest musical moments of South Africa often arise from the combined efforts of artists.
