South African Music Awards get new categories

In a statement, RiSA said: “The Best Kwaito Album category is back, to replace Best Kwaito/Gqom/Amapiano."

RiSA said the category will encompass gqom and amapiano as sub-genres under kwaito.

“The Music Video of the Year Award has become a public voted category like the Record of the Year Award,” it said.

“This will afford fans a chance to make their voices heard when it comes to the music video that got them entertained in the last year. The award will be for the artist.”

RiSA also introduced the Best Produced Music Video category.

"The category honours directors and producers of music videos. Music videos are storytelling tools and are aligned to the message of the song.

“Directors and producers put much effort in ensuring that a brilliant quality music video that captures the desired outcome from the audience is made.”

RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi said: “The reconfiguration of these awards is a part of a continuing exercise to keep the SAMAs relevant and a proper reflection of the trends and direction our music is taking.

“We still urge musicians to submit their entries for SAMA26 consideration. There is no bigger platform to honour and recognise local music talent across the spectrum than the SAMAs.”

Entries for the 2020 SAMAs will be open until 31 January.