Priddy Ugly to Dominate the Spotlight at the 31st South African Music Awards Nominee Announcement
The countdown to the 31st Annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) is underway, and anticipation is building for a nominee reveal event that promises to be as electrifying as a blockbuster film. Leading the charge is none other than Priddy Ugly, a powerhouse in the South African hip hop scene.
A Night of Celebration and Culture: The SAMA31 Nominee Reveal
Mark your calendars for 28 August 2025, from 18:00 to 19:30, when the SAMAs will unveil this year’s nominees through a live-streamed extravaganza on YouTube and social media platforms. Far from a simple announcement, this event is designed as a vibrant showcase of South Africa’s rich musical tapestry, featuring live performances and cultural highlights that reflect the nation’s dynamic soundscape.
Priddy Ugly: From Underground Icon to Award-Winning Trailblazer
At the heart of the event is Priddy Ugly, the reigning Best Hip Hop Album winner and a lyrical force whose storytelling prowess and commanding stage presence have cemented his status as a titan of SA rap. His journey from underground sensation to mainstream acclaim exemplifies the evolution and resilience of hip hop in South Africa, a genre that continues to innovate and influence the cultural conversation.
Blending Generations: A Lineup That Bridges Legacy and Innovation
Sharing the stage with Priddy Ugly are luminaries like Steve Dyer, a jazz maestro who began composing at age 10 and clinched last year’s Best Jazz Album award, alongside DJ Thabi Thabs, an emerging talent already making waves on dancefloors nationwide. This fusion of seasoned artistry and fresh energy ensures the nominee reveal will be a compelling mix of tradition and contemporary flair.
Empowering Voices: Hosts and Creative Leadership
The evening’s flow will be expertly guided by Letuka Dlamini and Zama Naomi, whose charisma and style promise to keep the event engaging and seamless. Behind the scenes, an all-female creative team, spearheaded by director Bokang Phalane, exemplifies the spirit of Women’s Month, turning symbolic recognition into tangible leadership and innovation.
A Resonant Beat: Industry Support and Cultural Impact
RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi describes this year’s nominee reveal as “more than a list; it’s a celebration of the heartbeat of a nation.” With hip hop taking a central role, the event underscores the genre’s growing influence and its capacity to resonate deeply with audiences across South Africa.
Supported by key partners including the Motsepe Foundation, SAMPRA, SAMRO, CAPASSO, YouTube, and SABC, the SAMAs remain the pinnacle of musical recognition in the country. For the hip hop community, this year’s event is a moment to witness Priddy Ugly reaffirm his position as one of the most formidable voices in the industry.
Looking Ahead: Hip Hop’s Enduring Legacy at the SAMAs
As the 31st SAMAs approach, the narrative is clear: hip hop is not just surviving-it’s thriving and shaping the future of South African music. Priddy Ugly’s presence at the nominee reveal is a testament to the genre’s vitality and its unyielding power to command the spotlight.
History is unfolding. Hip hop continues to rise. And Priddy Ugly ensures that the genre’s voice remains the loudest and most influential in the room.
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