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Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]

THE Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) has announced the opening of entries for the 31st edition of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), following the resounding success of #SAMA30 held last month at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand.

A press statement sent to Chronicle Showbiz highlighted that musicians are invited to submit their works for consideration, with submissions officially opening last Monday.

Eligible entries for #SAMA31 must have been released between April 16, 2024, and January 31, 2025, and can be submitted across more than 30 genre categories. Musicians can upload their entries directly on the SAMAs website at www.samusicawards.co.za](http://www.samusicawards.co.za or deliver them in person to Unit 1, 152 Bram Fisher Drive, Randburg, during office hours.

The closing date for all submissions is midnight on January 31, 2025. Next year’s awards are set to take place in the first half of the year, a departure from the recent trend of hosting the event in November in cities like Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of RiSA, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming awards, stating, “We have had an incredible year, marked by the triumphant staging of the milestone SAMA30. Now we are fired up and raring to go with SAMA31 preparations.”

Sibisi noted the increase in entries in recent years and emphasized the importance of this support from the industry. “It is a much-valued vote of confidence in our systems from the industry that we cherish,” he added.

RiSA is calling on musicians to rally together and ensure that #SAMA31 is a memorable celebration of South African music. Sibisi anticipates an overwhelming response from deserving music practitioners eager to showcase their talents.

As the SAMAs continue to evolve, this call for entries marks another exciting chapter in recognising and honouring the diverse musical landscape of South Africa. Musicians are encouraged to seize this opportunity and submit their entries before the deadline.

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