Inside the Glamour of the AFI SAMA30 Red Carpet
AFI Insider
The 30th anniversary of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) was a night filled with unforgettable performances, star-studded appearances, and, of course, show-stopping fashion.
Music lovers and fans across the country tuned in, eager to see how South Africa’s top entertainers would celebrate this milestone in style. While the SAMAs are primarily a celebration of music, fashion was undeniably a star player on the AFI SAMA30 Red Carpet at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Kuhle Adams, Siphesihle Vazi and Luthando Shosha
The red carpet coverage was in good hands with the hosting duo of SAFTA-nominated Kuhle Adams and Selimathunzi’s Siphesihle Vazi. They expertly engaged celebrities with the essential question, “Who are you wearing?” Kuhle set the tone for elegance in a gold-beaded mini dress, custom-designed by AFI Atelier.
Vazi complemented her look in a striking bogolanfini-inspired graphic print cropped blazer, cropped trousers and shirt by Urban Zulu, a House of Nala designer. His ensemble, initially showcased at AFI’s AFU Fundraising Fashion Show in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted the unique artistry of African design.
Her Majesty @minniedlamini on the AFI Red Carpet at the SAMAs, wearing a custom piece from AFI Atelier before hosting this year’s #SAMA30 celebration of 30 Years of Music Excellence 🤩
— Africa Fashion International (@AFI_sa) November 3, 2024
📷: Lakhe Khoza (@lakhe_91photography) #SAMA30 #LessNoiseMoreMusic #DressedByAFI pic.twitter.com/Sa1LtwsgSy
Minnie Dlamini, who hosted the award's ceremony, also turned to the AFI Atelier for her red carpet outfit. She wore a black beaded gown, with a matching cape. She later wore the gown on stage.
We also loved the outfits worn by Luthando Shosha, who wore a silver hooded gown by Otiz Seflo; Nadia Nakai's gold sequinned mermaid gown by Gert-Johan Coetzee, Tarina Patel's off-white gown and musician, Filah Lah Lah's grey pantsuit by Boyde.
Priddy Ugly and Bontle Modiselle wore shades of green, while Refilwe Modiselle wore an elegant cobalt blue two piece with a flouncy peplum. Musician and radio presenter, Harrison Mkhize also looked to cobalt blue, rocking a monochrome suit and shirt in the same shade of blue.
Brenda Mtambo had an Africa-meets-the-West look, which was a black gown with exaggerated hips and a beaded cropped lime green jacket.
Legends like Wouter Kellermen, Ringo Madlingozi and Vusi Mahlasela walked the red carpet. Other standouts were Khosi Thwala, Morena The Squire and Expresso's new presenter, Kyle Clark.
Kyle Clark, Harrison Mkhize and Morena The Squire
Music and fashion have always shared a symbiotic relationship, each influencing and amplifying the other. African artists are increasingly using fashion as a powerful visual and branding narrative, shaping not only their individual brands but also contributing to a vibrant, evolving fashion landscape that echoes the unique sounds and stories of the continent.
This intersection of fashion and music is more than style—it’s a testament to the power of creative expression, pushing both industries to new heights and keeping us captivated every step of the way.
The 30th SAMAs brought together a mix of iconic performers from across three decades, reflecting the diversity of South African music.
From the legendary voices of kwaito and gospel to today’s amapiano and hip-hop stars, the lineup included Liquideep, KB, Skwatta Kamp, Thebe, DJ Cleo, Arthur Mafokate, Rebecca Malope, Winnie Mashaba, Bucy Radebe, Bucie, Ihhashi Elimhlophe, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Zee Nxumalo, Babes Wodumo, Mthunzi, Manana, Boohle, and Babalwa M.
Nia, Filah Lah Lah and Ayanda Jiya
As the SAMAs commemorated three decades of music and culture, the fashion and music on display were a testament to the growth, influence, and resilience of the South African entertainment industry.
AFI’s presence on the red carpet showcased the power of African design, creating unforgettable looks that celebrated both artistry and heritage.