Nothing seems to stop the Tyla train from moving at full steam. The Grammy-winning singer is leading the South African Music Awards (SAMA) nominations with five nominations. Tyla got the nod in Sampra Album of the Year, Ukhozi FM Female Artist of the Year, Santam Newcomer of the Year and Best Pop Album as well as Best Collaboration for Water with Travis Scott. The nominees event set the tone for the 30 years celebration of the most prestigious and coveted music awards ceremony in South Africa. The announcement of nominees was held today at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, which will host this year's awards ceremony on 2 November. 

NOMINATIONS 

Hot on the heels of Tyla are Kabza De Small and Mbuso Khoza, with three nods. Kabza, the diminutive Amapiano maestro, is in the running for Album of the Year, Motsweding FM Best Amapiano Album for Isimo and Radio 2000 Duo/Group of the Year with Mthunzi for Isimo. Khoza walked away with nominations for Best Produced Album, Best Traditional Music Album, and Best Engineered Album for Shaka iLembe Soundtrack Album Volume 2 (Original Music from the Shaka iLembe TV Series).

It's a clash of the titans in the Lesedi FM Male Artist of the Year category, Amapiano headliners Kelvin Momo for Kurhula, Daliwonga for Dali Dali, and De Mthuda for Baba Yaga; go up against rapper Priddy Ugly for Dust and new-age Maskandi artist Ugatsheni for Uyihlo noNyoko.

In the Ukhozi FM Female Artist of the Year category, Tyla faces stiff competition from Brenda Mtambo for Sane, Lwah Ndlunkulu for Imizwa, Lordkez for Testament and Xolly Mncwango for Unusual.

MUSIC

The morning began with yellow-carpet arrivals and fashion moments. Guests nibbled on a select gourmet brunch and performers included Zola, Khuli Chana, Bassie, Easy Freak, Abafana Baka Mnqumeni, DJ Thabi Thabs, and Kryptonite Dance Group, who set the stage alight with nostalgic tunes from the past 30 years of the SAMA and democracy in South Africa.Social media busker Kutlwano Yika warmed hearts with his renditions of local tunes.

Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), expressed his enthusiasm for this year's shortlist: "We are thrilled to congratulate the nominees for SAMA30. This year's selection showcases the incredible diversity, talent and creativity in South African music, which is aligned to the ethos of the SAMAs. We are excited to celebrate these outstanding achievements at the upcoming awards ceremony. To each nominee, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your music has touched lives, sparked movements and brought joy to millions. We honour not only your artistry but the passion and perseverance that drive you to push the boundaries of South African music," he said.