This past Saturday South African musical royalty was appreciated when musicians and producers as well as the rest of the team working tirelessly came together to celebrate the success of their work at this year’s annual Metro FM awards.
The event took place on Freedom Day at the Mbombela stadium in Mpumalanga, with renowned media personalities LootLove and Proverb taking over the hosting duties while the event premiered on SABC1.
With the theme being, Black to the Future, the event stuck true to its objective as several top black musicians were honoured for their contributions to shaping South Africa’s musical culture.
While each category winner received an amount of R50 000, it was Kabza De Small and Mthunzi who stole the spotlight walking away with a whopping R150 000.
These were for winning the categories Best Produced Album, Best Collaboration, and Best Amapiano.
In addition to this, Kwaito legend Oskido was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Taking to social media he wrote: “Celebrating three decades of democracy with a Lifetime Achievement Award is a testament to the remarkable journey of my life. I am thankful for the gift of music, the freedom to create, and the support from our Democratic Government during our humble beginnings.
“This award is not just for me; it’s for everyone who has been part of this incredible journey, from kwaito to house, amapiano, and the entire explosion of South African music that has captivated the world. Let’s continue to believe in ourselves, celebrate our victories, and spread positivity wherever we go.”
These were the winners on the night:
Best Gospel Album
Ntokozo Mbambo – Lavish Worship
Best Jazz Album
Amandla Freedom Ensemble – Oratorio of A Forgotten Youth
Best Produced Album
Kabza De Small & Mthunzi – Isimo
Best Collaboration
Kabza De Small &Mthunzi – Imithandazo ft dj Maphorisa; Young stunna; Sizwe Alakine; Umthakathi Kush
Song of the Year
Kabza De Small & Mthunzi – Imithandazo ft DJ Maphorisa: Young Stunna; Sizwe Alkaline; Umthakathi Kush
Artist of the Year
Lwah Ndlunkulu
Best Viral Challenge
TitoM & Yuppe – Tshwala Bam ft S.N.E & EeQue
Best New Artist
Nontokozo Mkhize
Best Duo/Group
Thee Legacy
Best Dance
Zakes Bantwini – Mama Thula ft Skye Wanda, Thakzin & Suffocate SA
Best Kwaito/Gqom
DJ Kotin – Hello ft Big Nuz, Mshayi & Mr Thela
Best Hip Hop
A-Reece – Ving Rhames
Best African Pop
Bongeziwe Mabandla – Amaxesha
Best Amapiano
Kabza De Small & Mthunzi – Imithandazo ft dj Maphorisa; Young stunna; Sizwe Alakine; Umthakathi Kush
Best Music Video
Bassie & Aymos- Izenzo Ft. T-Man SA
Best Male
Aymos
Best R&B
Mthandazo Gatya – IN 2 U
Best Female
Makhadzi