News
SAMA31: Best Hip Hop Album Nominees Announced
The 31st Annual South African Music Awards (SAMA31) have dropped their nominations, and the Best Hip Hop Album category is loaded with fresh talent.
This year’s lineup shows just how far SA hip hop has evolved, shifting from the dominance of AKA, KO, Kwesta, Cassper Nyovest, and Nasty C to a new generation of voices.
Nominees:
- Blxckie – See U Soon Delux: melodic, versatile, and consistent.
- Tony Dayimane – Red October: Induction: raw and hard-hitting.
- LOATINOVER POUNDS – Pray 4 Pitori: Pretoria street culture on full display.
- Sizwe Alakine – Audio 2D; Dear Darkie: lyrical depth meets experimentation.
- 25K – Loyal To The Plug: The Life & Times of Don Kilograms: authentic storytelling from the streets.
According to SAMA spokesperson Unati Gwija, the awards represent “the wisdom of age meeting the exuberance of youth” — and this category proves it.
November 2025 marks the moment: SAMA31 will go hybrid, mixing a live show with a digital broadcast so fans everywhere can tune in.
With no clear favorite, this category is wide open. Whether Blxckie’s consistency, 25K’s storytelling, or a breakout from Tony Dayimane or Loatinover Pounds — the next chapter of SA hip hop is here.
Music
Jemapelle James Taps Sishii For Soulful New Drop “Yoh”
Jemapelle James steps back into the spotlight with his latest single “Yoh” featuring Sishii, and it’s a heartfelt offering that leans deep into nostalgia and emotion.
The track blends warm chords, rich harmonies, and familiar drum patterns, pulling from 90s and early 2000s South African influences while still sounding fresh. It’s a heartbreak record, but one that feels comforting and rooted in home, identity, and shared musical experiences.
Sishii’s contribution adds the perfect emotional balance, turning the song into more than just a solo expression. Their chemistry makes “Yoh” feel like something meant to be experienced live, not just streamed.
This release forms part of Jemapelle James’ Road to Superstardom journey, as he continues to build a sound centered on authenticity, storytelling, and connection.
“Yoh” is out now on all major streaming platforms.
Music
The Big Hash Wraps ‘Love Is A Star’ With Kabza De Small & Sly
The Big Hash just closed a major chapter.
“Love Is A Star” is officially done. No long speech, no rollout gimmicks — just a simple post: “Project 100% done.” And that was enough to shake things.

The Big Hash Wraps ‘Love Is A Star’ With Kabza De Small & Sly
This isn’t just another drop. It’s a moment. Hash has been hinting at this since January, calling it the biggest play of his career, and the lineup backs it. Kabza De Small on the sound, Sly on the musical direction, and Blxckie adding that extra edge.
The snippets already floating around, especially “Ngcono,” are pointing in one direction — a clean fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and amapiano. Not forced. Not experimental for the sake of it. Just artists in sync.
This feels like Hash stepping into a bigger room. And if the energy online is anything to go by, “Love Is A Star” isn’t just a project — it’s about to be a moment.
Around Mzanzi
Lucasraps Steps Into “Year Of Greatness” Mode
Lucasraps just called his shot.
“Y.O.G” (Year of Greatness) lands like a statement, not just a release. Dropped at midnight on 20 March, the project carries the same energy he’s been teasing all month — focused, hungry, and intentional.
“eGoli” set the tone early, blending melody with real-life reflection, and the rest of the tape follows through. Ten tracks, no filler. Just Lucasraps moving between introspection and flex, without losing himself in the process.
From Location Hurting 3 to now, the growth is clear. The conversations about whether he’s underrated? They only add pressure — and he sounds ready for it.
“Y.O.G” feels like a level-up moment. Not loud, not forced. Just a young artist stepping into his space and owning it.
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