According to the event, the first night was the turn for the subtheme #ForThaRoots, and musicians from various categories in the traditional music domain were announced as winners.

Ndabo Zulu and Umgidi Ensemble emerged with top honours and walked away with two 'gongs' for Newcomer of the Year and Best Jazz Album (in partnership with Kaya FM) for Queen Nandi: The African Symphony.

Gospel artist Dumi Mkokstad claimed his first SAMA after 20 years in the industry when he was declared a winner in the Best Traditional Faith Music Album category for Calvary. Amadodana Ase Wesile scooped the Best African Indigenous Faith Album for Lona Ba Ratang Ho Phela, and Qadasi and Maqhinga won the Best Traditional Music Album for Ungabanaki.

Additionally, K.O and Nandi Madida’s duet Say U Will earned the Best Collaboration Award. Thokozani Langa scooped up the Best Maskandi Album category for Upopayi. The Beste kontemporêre Musiek Album was taken by Riana Nel for Sterker. Finally, Nigerian artist Davido won the Rest of Africa Award for A Good Time.

In keeping with the #ForThaRoots theme, Goliath and Langa scored fashion points in MaXhosa ensembles. Comedian Skhumba Hlophe and radio personality DJ Ankletap aimed to keep audiences entertained with their running commentary.

Personalities such as Thuso Motaung and Arno Carstens came from their living rooms and studios, striving to add their flavour as presenters. Amanda Black was part of the all-star line up of performers. She performed her rendition of Ndizele Wena and was accompanied by a pianist. Big Zulu also delivered a performance of Vuma Dlozi alongside Mnqobi Yazo.

Nhlanhla Sibisi, CEO of RiSA, says, "This has been both a challenging and exciting time for SAMA26. On the one hand, we had to get the show on the road after the disruption of COVID-19. On the other, the new conditions of lockdown and social distancing provided an opportunity for our creatives to think outside the box and try new things."

"I’m proud of what we saw this evening and applaud the production team and all hands that contributed to the success. I also wish to extend my congratulations to all the winners from tonight who did it for #ForThaRoots. I look forward to the next four nights of SAMA26 as we honour the best our country has to offer," Sibisi adds.

Rehana Hassim, executive head for digital and lifestyle at Vodacom, adds, "A huge congratulations to the winner of the SAMA26 Best Newcomer category. We wish him all the best in his journey and hope that through our support of this platform. Through My Muze, he will have the opportunity to grow his fan base and realise his dream."

For the second night of SAMA26, under the subtheme of #ForThaSoul, tune into Mzansi Magic or stream the show on www.mymuze.com (sponsored by Vodacom) at 21:30 on Tuesday, 4 August.

For more information, visit www.risa.org.za