SA Hip Hop Leads The Pack At Urban Music Awards: Full List of Nominees Revealed
SA Hip Hop Leads The Pack At Urban Music Awards: Full List of Nominees Revealed. South African Hip Hop is having a blockbuster year, and the newly released nominees list for the upcoming Urban Music Awards (UMA) proves just that. Dominating nearly every major category, SA’s rap heavyweights and rising stars have staked their claim as the pulse of urban music in 2025.
But while SA Hip Hop commands attention, it’s also clear that the genre is in a fierce battle—not just against itself, but also against the rising tide of talent from other music genres.
From Best Collaboration to Artist of the Year, the UMA nominations read like a who’s-who of SA Hip Hop royalty. Industry legends, new-school trailblazers, and genre-defying collaborations make this year’s lineup one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Heavyweight Collaborations Lead the Charge
In the Best Collaboration category, K.O and Nasty C’s fiery anthem “Too Much” faces off against the star-studded remix of “Skuta Baba” by Woodblocks DJs featuring Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Tony Dayimane, Buzzi Lee, and Kaine Keed. Both songs have become undeniable street anthems, and fans are split on who should take home the trophy.
Viral Hits That Took Over
The Viral Breakthrough Song nominees showcase tracks that exploded on social media and streaming platforms. Blxckie’s “David”, an introspective yet infectious hit, goes head-to-head with K.O’s record-breaking “SETE”, a song that continues to dominate charts long after its release.
Music Videos on Another Level
Visual storytelling in SA Hip Hop has reached new heights, and the Best Music Video category is stacked with cinematic brilliance. K.O’s “Let Me Cook” featuring Maglera Doe Boy, Nasty C’s partnership with Audiomack on “For Certain”, and Usimamane’s international flex on “Dangerous II” with Rick Ross are just the tip of the iceberg. Dee Koala’s “Gwan”, also featuring Maglera and Priddy Ugly’s gritty “Ntja’ka” round out this elite category.
Best Album: A Battle of the Titans
It’s a clash of titans for Best Album, with Priddy Ugly’s “Dust”, Sjava’s “Isibuko”, 25K’s “Loyal To The Plug”, and the late AKA’s “Mass Country” vying for top honours. Each project pushed boundaries and resonated deeply with fans, making this one of the most highly anticipated award outcomes.
Electrifying Live Performances
The Best Live Performance category honours artists who bring their music to life on stage. Cassper Nyovest, Sjava, Priddy Ugly, and Maglera Doe Boy have all delivered unforgettable performances in the past year, solidifying their spots on the nominee list.
Newcomers Making Waves
The future of SA Hip Hop looks bright with Best Newcomer nominees Tony Dayimane, Usimamane, and Dee Koala. These fresh faces are redefining the sound and style of the genre, proving that the next generation is here to stay.
The Ultimate Crowns
In the coveted Artist of the Year race, Priddy Ugly, Usimamane, and K.O battle for the top spot. Each artist has had a phenomenal run, with chart-topping releases, viral moments, and unforgettable performances.
For Best Hip Hop Act, the list is a celebration of versatility and impact. Kwesta, Cassper Nyovest, Usimamane, Maglera Doe Boy, Priddy Ugly, Yanga Chief, and K.O are all in contention, highlighting a year where SA Hip Hop refused to slow down.
