MaWhoo, MÖRDA, Da Capo and Dlala Thukzin battle for SAMA32 Best Dance Album

At the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32), four artists, MaWhoo, MÖRDA, Da Capo and Dlala Thukzin, are vying for the Best Dance Album title, joining JAZZWRLD & Thukuthela in the competition. The event, which will take place at the Sun City Superbowl on August 15, marks the return of the annual celebration of South African music under the Homecoming Edition theme. This year’s edition is set to highlight the North West province as a key hub for the country’s vibrant music industry. The nominees include MaWhoo for Amazwi Okubonga, MÖRDA for Asante III, Da Capo for Indigo Child II: Love & Frequency, Dlala Thukzin for MAYVIS, and JAZZWRLD & Thukuthela for The Most Wanted. Each artist brings a distinct style and a dedicated following, contributing to a fiercely competitive race for the top honor in the dance music category. The nominees have all played pivotal roles in shaping the evolving soundscape of South African electronic music, achieving recognition both locally and internationally. MaWhoo has emerged as one of South Africa’s most prominent vocalists, blending genres such as amapiano, Afro-house and soulful pop into her work. Her nominated album Amazwi Okubonga reflects her ongoing success, marked by chart-topping hits and consistent streaming performance. She has solidified her position as a leading female artist in the country through her emotive delivery and dynamic collaborations. MÖRDA, formerly part of the group Black Motion, has carved out a successful solo career focused on Afro-house production. His latest release, Asante III, exemplifies his signature sound, which has garnered a wide audience across the continent and beyond. With a reputation for delivering polished, high-energy tracks, MÖRDA continues to influence the direction of South African dance music. Da Capo, an internationally recognized producer and DJ, has long been instrumental in promoting South African house music on global platforms. His work has featured collaborations with world-renowned artists, elevating the profile of the genre. His nominated album Indigo Child II: Love & Frequency maintains the high standards of quality and creativity that have defined his contributions to the field. Dlala Thukzin has established himself as a dominant force in the contemporary dance music scene, known for his ability to merge gqom, amapiano, Afro-tech and house elements into compelling, chart-topping releases. His album MAYVIS demonstrates his continued impact on the industry, with its energetic beats and broad appeal across the continent. JAZZWRLD & Thukuthela, a production duo, have gained attention for their innovative approach to electronic music. Their collaborative effort, The Most Wanted, showcases their commitment to experimentation and boundary-pushing, positioning them as emerging leaders in the South African dance music scene. The SAMA32 event, presented by the Motsepe Foundation, is supported by a range of partners including the North West Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, South African Tourism, the SABC, SAMPRA, SAMRO, YouTube, CAPASSO and RiSA. These partnerships aim to elevate the visibility of South African music while supporting local industries and tourism. The event is expected to draw a large audience and serve as a platform for celebrating the nation’s diverse musical heritage.