South African R&B in Full Bloom: Mikhalé Jones & Filah Lah Lah at SAMA31
The 31st South African Music Awards (SAMA31) spotlighted the strength of South African R&B, with Mikhalé Jones and Filah Lah Lah both nominated for Best R&B/Soul Album for Too Many Promises and ON AIR. Two artists, two distinct voices, shaping the genre with clarity and global reach.
Mikhalé Jones arrived in a custom Sinchui green two-piece that felt rooted and deliberate. Channeling an orchard-inspired palette, the look balanced structure and softness - understated yet commanding, much like her approach to music. It was a reminder that restraint can still make a bold statement.
Filah Lah Lah turned heads in a luminous yellow ensemble by Tadiwanashe Karen Kaparipari, leaning into old Hollywood glamour with a romantic, sculptural silhouette. Elegant and striking, the look stood on its own - timeless rather than trend-driven - and cemented Filah’s reputation as an artist with undeniable fashion presence.
Beyond the red carpet, these nominations signal something larger. South African R&B continues to expand its influence, carried by artists who prioritize craft, storytelling, and longevity. At SAMA31, Mikhalé Jones and Filah Lah Lah represented a genre in full bloom - confident, refined, and impossible to overlook.
