In a celebration of Africa, the Ndlovu Youth Choir from Limpopo set the tone for the first night of the South African Music Awards #SAMA26.

The SAMAs held its first virtual show on Monday under the hashtag #ForThaKultcha, hosted by media personalities Dineo Langa and Donovan Goliath over five nights and produced under strict lockdown rules and social distancing norms.

This evening was the turn for the subtheme #ForThaRoots and talented musicians from various categories in the traditional music domain were announced as winners.

Ndabo Zulu (& Umgidi Ensemble) emerged with top honours as he walked away with two songs for Newcomer of the Year and Best Jazz Album (in partnership with Kaya FM) for Queen Nandi: The African Symphony.

Gospel star Dumi Mkokstad claimed his first SAMA after 20 years in the industry when he was declared a winner in the Best Traditional Faith Music Album for Calvary. The legendary Amadodana Ase Wesile proved their mettle when they scooped the Best African Indigenous Faith Album for Lona Ba Ratang Ho Phela. Qadasi and Maqhinga clinched the Best Traditional Music Album for Ungabanaki. 

K.O and Nandi Madida’s duet Say U Will earned the Best Collaboration Award. Thokozani Langa shone the brightest in the Best Maskandi Album category for Upopayi.

The Beste kontemporêre Musiek Album was taken by Riana Nel for Sterker. Nigerian superstar Davido won the Rest of Africa Award for A Good Time.

In keeping with the #ForThaRoots theme, Goliath and Langa scored fashion points in stunning MaXhosa ensembles. Comedian Skhumba Hlophe and radio personality DJ Ankletap kept audiences entertained with their running commentary.

Some of South Africa’s most celebrated personalities such as Thuso Motaung and Arno Carstens coming from their living rooms and studios added their flavour as presenters. Amanda Black was part of the all-star line-up of performers.

“This has been both a challenging and exciting time for SAMA26. On the one hand, we had to get the show on the road after the disruption of Covid-19. On the other, the new conditions of lockdown and social distancing provided an opportunity for our creatives to think outside the box and try new things”,said Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of RiSA.

 #ForThaRoots Winners

Best Maskandi Album:

Upopayi by Thokozani Langa

Best Traditional Music Album:

Ungabanaki by Qadasi & Maqhinga

Best Collaboration:

Say U Will by K.O featuring Nandi Madida

Best Traditional Faith Music Album:

Calvary by Dumi Mkokstad

Newcomer of the Year:

Ndabo Zulu & Umgidi Ensemble for Queen Nandi: The African Symphony

Best African Indigenous Faith Album:

Lona Ba Ratang Ho Phela by Amadodana Ase Wesile

Best Jazz Album:

Queen Nandi: The African Symphony by Ndabo Zulu & Umgidi Ensemble

Beste kontemporêre Musiek Album: 

Sterker by Riana Nel

Rest of Africa Award:

A Good Time by Davido (Nigeria)