3RD ANNUAL SOUTH AFRICAN AI MUSIC AWARDS 2026©

Celebrating human creativity & artificial intelligence in music

Submit your music categories and short bio to: kingngavu@gmail.com

DEADLINE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

HERE'S ARE THE 15 AWARD CATEGORIES!

AI SONG OF THE YEAR

The definitive AI-assisted track that dominated SA airwaves, streams, and culture.

Criteria: Must use AI in composition, production, or vocals. Judged on originality, impact, production quality, and cultural relevance. Min 10k streams or national radio play.

BEST AI PRODUCER

Producer who most innovatively integrated AI into their production workflow.

Criteria: Portfolio of 2+ tracks showing clear AI use in beatmaking, arrangement, mixing or mastering. Judged on technical skill + creative use of AI tools.

BEST AI VOCAL INNOVATION

Best use of AI for vocals - cloning, synthesis, harmony generation, voice design.

Criteria: Track must feature AI-generated or AI-modified vocals as key element. Judged on creativity, quality, ethical disclosure of AI use.

BEST AI Beat/Instrumental of the Year

Best instrumental or beat created/generated with AI tools.

Criteria: No lead vocals. Must demonstrate AI in melody, drum design, or sound generation. Judged on uniqueness, groove, and production value.

BEST AI ALBUM/EP PROJECT

Best full body of work built with AI assistance.

Criteria: Min 4 tracks. 60%+ of project must involve AI in writing, production, or sound design. Judged on cohesion, concept, and execution.

BEST BREAKTHROUGH AI ARTIST

New/emerging artist who broke through using AI music tools.

Criteria: Artist must have 2 years active + first major release in last 12 months. Judged on growth, innovation, and AI integration.

BEST AI REMIX OF THE YEAR

Most creative AI-powered remix or mashup.

Criteria: Must use AI for stem separation, style transfer, or generation. Original + remixed work must be cleared. Judged on creativity + listenability.

BEST AI MUSIC VIDEO

Outstanding music video created/edited with AI visual tools.

Criteria: Min 50% of visuals AI-generated or AI-enhanced. Judged on visual innovation, sync with music, and storytelling.

BEST AI LIVE PERFORMANCE

Best live show using AI in real-time - generative visuals, AI instruments, real-time composition.

Criteria: Proof of live performance in SA within eligibility period. Judged on technical execution + audience impact.

BEST AI GENRE PIONEER

Artist pushing new sounds/genres by combining AI + SA music styles. Amapiano AI, Gqom AI, Afro-house AI, etc.

Criteria: Must create a recognizable new hybrid sound. Judged on innovation and influence.

BEST AI LYRICS/COMPOSITION

Best songwriting using AI lyric tools, melody generation, or compositional AI.

Criteria: Submit lyrics + notes on AI tools used. Judged on lyrical quality, emotion, and clever AI-human collaboration.

BEST AI SOUND DESIGN

Best original sounds, textures, or instruments created with AI for music.

Criteria: Focus on sonic design, not full songs. Submit stems + description of AI process. Judged on originality + musical use.

BEST AI COLLABORATION

Best track showing true human + AI creative partnership.

Criteria: Clear division of human vs AI contribution required. Judged on synergy and balance between human intent + AI capability.

BEST AI MUSIC TECH INNOVATION

Best South African-made AI music tool, app, plugin, or platform.

Criteria: Tool must be functional + SA developed. Can be launched or beta. Judged on innovation, usability, and impact for musicians.

BEST PEOPLE'S CHOICE: AI TRACK

Fan-voted best AI song of the year.

Criteria: Public vote from shortlisted tracks. No judging panel. Winner = most votes. Open to all AI-assisted tracks meeting eligibility.

Entry Rules for All Categories:

1. Artist must be SA citizen/resident or track released in SA

2. AI use must be disclosed + meet 30% minimum threshold

3. Release date within eligibility period

4. Clean + no explicit versions both accepted

For further information or partnership please email us at: kingngavu@gmail.com