Blab Music
Anele Zondo to Host SAMA32 Industry Awards, Fresh By Caddy and Munaka Muthambi Lead Red Carpet
When the glitter of Sun City’s Super Bowl lights up, a different kind of star is set to shine. On 15 August, the 32nd South African Music Awards’ Industry Awards will unfold in the famed venue, with musician‑actress‑TV personality Anele Zondo stepping into the spotlight to host the ceremony that honours the unseen hands behind the country’s biggest hits.
The Industry Awards run parallel to the main SAMA event, which typically crowns the nation’s most celebrated performers in late spring. By shifting the ceremony to mid‑August, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) gives producers, directors, engineers and other creative professionals a dedicated platform to receive recognition for the work that fuels the industry’s success.
Zondo expressed her excitement: "It’s an honour for me to be hosting the SAMA Industry Awards this year. I believe these awards are pivotal in shining a light on the producers, directors, engineers, and the many brilliant creative minds who dedicate themselves to their craft every single day, often without being at the forefront," she said. "Their passion, innovation, and hard work are the foundation of the music we celebrate. Therefore, it’s only fitting that they receive the recognition they deserve. I’m proud to be part of an evening that honours the people who help shape and elevate South African music."
While Zondo takes centre stage, the red‑carpet coverage will be handled by media personalities Fresh By Caddy and Munaka Muthambi. Fresh By Caddy explained that the role fuses his love for music, fashion and entertainment: "Being part of the SAMAs and getting the opportunity to host the red carpet is incredibly special to me. The SAMAs represent the excellence, creativity and diversity of South African music. So, to be trusted to help tell that story from the red carpet is a real honour." Muthambi echoed the sentiment, noting the experience feels like a full‑circle moment: "I’m incredibly excited and honoured to be hosting the SAMAs red carpet. While many people know me as an influencer, I’ve always dreamed of building a career in the entertainment industry. So this opportunity means so much to me. It’s a surreal full‑circle moment to go from watching the SAMAs growing up to now being part of them."
SAMA spokesperson Unati Gwija highlighted the distinct strengths each host brings: "The Industry Awards celebrate the incredible talent and craftsmanship that drive our music industry behind the scenes, and Anele Zondo brings the charisma, professionalism and stage presence needed to honour those achievements," she said. "At the same time, Fresh By Caddy and Munaka Muthambi have become some of the country’s most engaging entertainment personalities. This makes them the perfect duo to capture the excitement, fashion and unforgettable moments that unfold before guests enter the main stage."
The ceremony will coincide with the announcement of SAMA32 nominations, released on 25 June, and the hybrid nomination ceremony that took place in Johannesburg. Winners of the main categories will be revealed during the late‑April SAMA32 broadcast, while the Industry Awards offer a focused spotlight on the technical and creative teams whose work underpins South African music’s global reach.
Industry insiders, award nominees and media representatives are expected to attend. The event will be streamed live on SABC’s platforms, with red‑carpet interviews and backstage moments captured for audiences worldwide. Beyond the trophies, the evening serves as a networking hub, allowing producers, engineers and other creatives to connect with artists and record labels.
SAMA organisers have announced that the full roster of presenters and performers will be revealed in the coming weeks. The Industry Awards will close with trophy presentations and a brief performance segment featuring selected nominees, underscoring the growing appreciation for the technical side of music production in South Africa and setting the stage for the main SAMA32 ceremony.
In summary, the SAMA32 Industry Awards on 15 August at Sun City will see Anele Zondo host, with Fresh By Caddy and Munaka Muthambi leading the red‑carpet coverage. Broadcast live on SABC and streamed online, the event will honour the unsung heroes of South African music, offering them public recognition and industry acclaim.
The Industry Awards run parallel to the main SAMA event, which typically crowns the nation’s most celebrated performers in late spring. By shifting the ceremony to mid‑August, the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) gives producers, directors, engineers and other creative professionals a dedicated platform to receive recognition for the work that fuels the industry’s success.
Zondo expressed her excitement: "It’s an honour for me to be hosting the SAMA Industry Awards this year. I believe these awards are pivotal in shining a light on the producers, directors, engineers, and the many brilliant creative minds who dedicate themselves to their craft every single day, often without being at the forefront," she said. "Their passion, innovation, and hard work are the foundation of the music we celebrate. Therefore, it’s only fitting that they receive the recognition they deserve. I’m proud to be part of an evening that honours the people who help shape and elevate South African music."
While Zondo takes centre stage, the red‑carpet coverage will be handled by media personalities Fresh By Caddy and Munaka Muthambi. Fresh By Caddy explained that the role fuses his love for music, fashion and entertainment: "Being part of the SAMAs and getting the opportunity to host the red carpet is incredibly special to me. The SAMAs represent the excellence, creativity and diversity of South African music. So, to be trusted to help tell that story from the red carpet is a real honour." Muthambi echoed the sentiment, noting the experience feels like a full‑circle moment: "I’m incredibly excited and honoured to be hosting the SAMAs red carpet. While many people know me as an influencer, I’ve always dreamed of building a career in the entertainment industry. So this opportunity means so much to me. It’s a surreal full‑circle moment to go from watching the SAMAs growing up to now being part of them."
SAMA spokesperson Unati Gwija highlighted the distinct strengths each host brings: "The Industry Awards celebrate the incredible talent and craftsmanship that drive our music industry behind the scenes, and Anele Zondo brings the charisma, professionalism and stage presence needed to honour those achievements," she said. "At the same time, Fresh By Caddy and Munaka Muthambi have become some of the country’s most engaging entertainment personalities. This makes them the perfect duo to capture the excitement, fashion and unforgettable moments that unfold before guests enter the main stage."
The ceremony will coincide with the announcement of SAMA32 nominations, released on 25 June, and the hybrid nomination ceremony that took place in Johannesburg. Winners of the main categories will be revealed during the late‑April SAMA32 broadcast, while the Industry Awards offer a focused spotlight on the technical and creative teams whose work underpins South African music’s global reach.
Industry insiders, award nominees and media representatives are expected to attend. The event will be streamed live on SABC’s platforms, with red‑carpet interviews and backstage moments captured for audiences worldwide. Beyond the trophies, the evening serves as a networking hub, allowing producers, engineers and other creatives to connect with artists and record labels.
SAMA organisers have announced that the full roster of presenters and performers will be revealed in the coming weeks. The Industry Awards will close with trophy presentations and a brief performance segment featuring selected nominees, underscoring the growing appreciation for the technical side of music production in South Africa and setting the stage for the main SAMA32 ceremony.
In summary, the SAMA32 Industry Awards on 15 August at Sun City will see Anele Zondo host, with Fresh By Caddy and Munaka Muthambi leading the red‑carpet coverage. Broadcast live on SABC and streamed online, the event will honour the unsung heroes of South African music, offering them public recognition and industry acclaim.
