Rapper reunites with the SAMAs after a decade-long fallout
Award-winning rapper Cassper Nyovest has been confirmed as the official host of the 2026 South African Music Awards (SAMA32), marking a major turnaround after years of public disagreements with the awards organisers.
Nyovest announced the news on social media, revealing that he and the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) had resolved their differences after more than a decade.
“After 10 years of not seeing eye to eye, they called me in and we have come to an agreement. This is gonna be huge! 15 August! We are going to Sun City and I am your official host,” he wrote.
In a video accompanying the announcement, the rapper admitted that his relationship with the South African Music Awards had been rocky in the past but said both sides were ready to move forward.
“You know me and the SAMAs have had a lot of issues, but they called me, we sat down, and I’m very excited to be here,” he said.
RiSA previously confirmed that the 32nd edition of the awards, branded the SAMA32 Homecoming Edition, will return to Sun City in the North West after being held at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg last year.
The organisers described the move back to Sun City as more than just a venue change, saying it represents a symbolic return to the awards’ roots and the beginning of a new chapter for South Africa’s biggest music celebration.
Cassper now joins a list of musicians who have hosted the prestigious event, including Kabelo Mabalane, Loyiso Bala and Khuli Chana. Last year’s ceremony was presented by Pamela Mtanga and Scoop Ngwenkazi.
Organisers have not yet confirmed whether Nyovest will share hosting duties with a co-host, although speculation continues after hints that another presenter could join him on stage.
The upcoming ceremony will also mark Nyovest’s debut as the host of a live awards show. While he has extensive television experience, including presenting the second season of The Braai Show with Cass on SABC1 in 2021, this will be his first time leading one of South Africa’s biggest entertainment events.
Fans will be watching closely as the rapper takes on a new role while celebrating what appears to be a fresh start with the music awards he once publicly criticised.
