22nd South African Music Awards

The 22nd Annual South African Music Awards was held on 4 June 2016 at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban, South Africa and was hosted by Somizi Mhlongo and Thando Thabethe. The nominees were announced on 21 April 2016 with Nathi, Emtee, Zonke Dikana, and Riky Rick topping the list with four nominations each. Nathi garnered the most awards with five while Black Coffee came closest by claiming four awards.

Performers

 * Moneoa
 * Loki Rothman
 * Jabu Hlongwane
 * Wouter Kellerman
 * AKA
 * Da L.E.S
 * Nasty C
 * Emtee
 * Fifi Cooper
 * Nathi
 * DJ Ganyani
 * DJ Merlon
 * Revolution
 * Prince Kaybee
 * Dreamteam
 * Big Nuz
 * Thee Legacy song they performed
 * Raheem Kemet
 * Lakota Silva
 * Nakhane Toure
 * 24 Skies
 * Thokozani Langa
 * Khuzani
 * Saarkies
 * The Fraternity
 * Andriette
 * Pierre Rossouw
 * iFANi
 * DJ Fortee
 * DJ Sliqe
 * Mobi Dixon

Winners and nominees
Below is the list of nominees and winners for the popular music categories. Winners are highlighted in bold.

Special Awards

 * Amstel Record of the Year (Public Vote)
 * "Roll Up" – Emtee


 * International Achievement Award
 * Black Coffee


 * Lifetime Achievement Awards
 * Nana Coyote (posthumous award)
 * Roger Lucey
 * Bhekumuzi Luthuli (posthumous award)

Sales and Downloads Awards

 * Best Selling Album
 * Buyelekhaya – Nathi


 * Best Selling DVD
 * Volume 19: Back to the Cross – Joyous Celebration


 * Best Overall Music Download
 * "Bayede Baba" – Sfiso Ncwane


 * Best Selling Ring-Back Tone
 * "Bayede Baba" – Sfiso Ncwane


 * Best Selling Full-Track Download
 * "Nomvula" – Nathi

Sponsored Awards

 * Highest Radio Airplay of the Year (SAMPRA)
 * "Shumaya" – DBN Nyts


 * Highest Radio Airplay Composers’ Award (SAMRO)
 * "Shumaya" by Dbn Nyts – Samkele Maphumulo, Kabelo Masekane, Cebo Ngcobo, Wanda Shabalala and Lwazi Yokwana


 * Best Selling Digital Download Composers’ Award (CAPASSO)
 * "Bayede Baba" – Sfiso Ncwane