And make no mistake - this isn’t just a list drop. It’s a chart-topping showcase, curated with the star power, style, and swagger that only the SAMAs can deliver. Revellers can expect a genre-bending line-up of legends and fresh fire from Priddy Ugly - the lyrical powerhouse and reigning Best Hip Hop Album champ, bringing bars sharper than a diamond cut to Steve Dyer the jazz royalty, a composer since the age of 10 and last year’s Best Jazz Album winner, ready to prove why he’s still the maestro of improvisation and grand finale by DJ Thabi Thabs - the blazing new kid on the block, from spinning at the SAMA30 Nominee Announcement to igniting the official after-party. Proof that the future of music is already here, and it’s got a beat you can’t ignore.

Guiding audiences through this one-hour spectacle are two dynamite hosts: Letuka Dlamini, razor-sharp and quick-witted, and Zama Naomi, the effortlessly magnetic actor, presenter, social media darling, and DJ. Together, they’ll keep the night flowing like a hit single on repeat.

DiscoverTV, the producers of the event, have assembled an all-female leadership team, with Bokang Phalane as director, Simphiwe Ndhlebe as production manager, Daniela Dell Acqua as producer, and Siphesihle Nduli as director of photography, while Risa has appointed Unathi Gwija as the spokesperson for the SAMAs.

“We will be announcing the glittering list of nominees for the 31st Annual South African Music Awards - a roll call of excellence, rhythm, and pure South African star power. In true SAMA style, this year’s nominee reveal is more than just a list; it’s a moment. And what better stage for this announcement than Women’s Month, when the nation celebrates the power, grace, and resilience of its daughters, mothers, and trailblazers,” said Nhlanhla Sibisi, RiSA CEO.

Sibisi added: “Unveiling our nominees during Women’s Month is our way of honouring the phenomenal women who shape the soundtrack of our lives – on stage, in the studio, and behind the scenes. The spotlight on the virtual nominee reveal belongs to every voice that dares to dream and every rhythm that refuses to be ignored. We are celebrating the beat of a nation”

Backed by powerhouse partners - Motsepe Foundation, Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA), Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), YouTube, Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO), with SABC as media partner - the SAMAs remain the gold standard of South African music, amplifying diverse voices, fuelling inclusivity across genres, and championing the nation’s vibrant music ecosystem.

Get your popcorn, charge your Wi-Fi, and clear your schedule: 28 August 2025 is your front-row seat to the SAMA31 nominee reveal. This is the overture to the biggest night in South African music, wrapped in the spirit of Women’s Month. Because when women rise, music soars.

As Sibisi concluded: “The 90-minute show promises to be high-octane, high-energy, and will finally unveil the stars nominated across 38 categories. This is not just news - it’s the prelude to history in the making.”

The magic of Catch Me Dreaming lies in its hosts: Amo Ngoepe, Dr. Denise Kamyuka and Phumi Morare, who bring their diverse backgrounds and passions to the forefront, shaping the series with authenticity and insight.

Amo, a holistic wellness coach and ordained minister, draws from her rich academic and spiritual journey, reflecting on her leap of faith to New York and how her studies in theology have profoundly reshaped her understanding of life and healing. Her dedication to mental health advocacy and personal growth provides a grounding and compassionate perspective to the conversations.

Dr. Denise Kamyuka, a North America-based sports scholar and life coach, contributes a powerful academic lens paired with lived experience. Her research into women in sport, community building and ancestral intelligence informs her thoughtful discussions on resilience and identity. Denise’s personal story of overcoming post-graduation uncertainty and setbacks adds a relatable and inspiring layer to the series, inviting viewers into the realities of pursuing one’s dreams against the odds.

Phumi Morare, is an award-winning South African filmmaker who pivoted from a thriving career in investment banking to pursue her passion for storytelling through the female gaze. Her internationally acclaimed work, including an Oscar-shortlisted short film, explores how intimate, African stories can illuminate broader cultural narratives. Drawing on her unique blend of artistic vision and global business acumen, Phumi brings a creative, thought-provoking and empowering perspective to the series.

Together, these three hosts navigate a wide range of topics, from African storytelling and cinema’s rich legacy to the complexities of dating as African migrants and from iconic Black literature to holistic self-care. Their diverse voices and experiences create a multi-dimensional dialogue that challenges stereotypes and celebrates the vibrancy of African heritage and identity.

In addition to the series, Catch Me Dreaming is excited to announce its first live event, the Dreamers Circle. Scheduled for Sunday, 17 August from 1 PM to 3 PM at Eighteen13 Wine Bar, Fourways, this gathering invites community members to come together for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to reflecting on their dreams and exploring ways to turn them into reality. The event offers a supportive, uplifting space where dreamers can engage, share their journeys and connect deeply with others on similar paths.

Catch Me Dreaming does more than entertain, it educates and inspires, inviting audiences to reflect on their own journeys while connecting with the wider diaspora. The series is a testament to the power of dreams and the resilience of Black African women turning those dreams into reality, one episode at a time.

Tune in every Thursday at 4 PM on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts, to join Amo, Denise and Phumi as they share stories, insights and conversations that celebrate the richness and diversity of Black African woman pursuing their purpose and defying norms. Watch the full series at https://www.youtube.com/@Catchmedreamingwebseries.