Priddy Ugly Set to Light Up SAMA31 Nominee Reveal
The 31st Annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) are around the corner, and this year’s nominee announcement is already looking like a movie — with Priddy Ugly front and center.
On 28 August 2025 (18h00–19h30), the SAMAs will reveal their nominee list in a live-streamed event on YouTube and across socials. But don’t get it twisted — this ain’t just a list drop. It’s a whole experience, with performances, culture, and a line-up dripping with star power.
And who better to headline than Priddy Ugly, the lyrical assassin and reigning Best Hip Hop Album champ. From underground legend to award-winning mainstay, Priddy Ugly has proven time and again that hip hop isn’t just alive — it’s thriving, evolving, and setting the pace for the culture. Expect him to bring that gritty storytelling, sharp bars, and unmatched stage presence that keeps his name stamped in SA rap history.
Joining him on the bill is Steve Dyer, jazz royalty who’s been composing since the age of 10 and scooped last year’s Best Jazz Album, plus DJ Thabi Thabs, the new kid on the block already shaking dancefloors across the country. Together, they’re making sure the reveal blends legacy, lyricism, and fresh fire.
The night will be hosted by Letuka Dlamini and Zama Naomi — sharp, stylish, and guaranteed to keep the vibes flowing. Behind the scenes, it’s also an all-women power squad pulling the strings, led by director Bokang Phalane, proving that Women’s Month isn’t just symbolic — it’s action.
RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi says this year’s reveal is “more than a list, it’s a moment… a celebration of the beat of a nation.” And with hip hop riding shotgun, that beat is guaranteed to hit heavy.
Backed by partners like Motsepe Foundation, SAMPRA, SAMRO, CAPASSO, YouTube, and SABC, the SAMAs continue to be the gold standard of SA music recognition. But for the hip hop community, this year is about watching Priddy Ugly step into the spotlight once again, showing why he’s one of the most respected pens in the game.
History is loading. Hip hop stays winning. And Priddy Ugly? He’s making sure rap’s voice stays the loudest in the room.
