Bongeziwe Mabandla has added another accolade to his career, winning the SAMA for Remix of the Year at the South African Music Awards for “Hlala”, remixed by Mpho Wav. The win marks his third SAMA, further cementing his place as one of South Africa’s most respected and evolving artists.
The award recognises Mabandla’s amaXesha remixes project, a bold creative departure from his signature folk-rooted sound into dance, electronic and club-influenced territory. The Hlala remix stood out for its ability to retain the emotional depth of the original while reimagining it for new spaces and audiences.
Reflecting on the achievement, Mabandla shared that receiving a SAMA for dance music is a significant moment in his journey, highlighting the joy of seeing listeners connect with the remix as deeply as they did with the original, and praising Mpho Wav’s contribution to the track.
