Mpumalanga provincial government hosts second Metro FM awards in Mbombela with style

MBOMBELA – The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has once again staged a world-class event for the Metro FM Awards’ return to Mbombela for the second year. The event contributed significantly to Mbombela’s tourism and overall economy, with a projected injection of over R100 million, according to SABC. Hotels, guesthouses and lodges are fully booked in the city. The event lived up to expectations on the night, with Amapiano sensation Kabza De Small & Mthunzi securing the coveted Song of The Year award at the Metro FM Music Awards (MMA) 2024, held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela. The duo’s triumph extended to three additional categories, including Best Produced Album, Best Amapiano Song, and Best Collaboration, making them the stars of the night.

Lwah Ndlunkulu clinched the prestigious Artist of The Year award, while Makhadzi and Aymos were honoured as the Best Female Artist and Best Male Artist, respectively. The glitzy event, themed BlackToTheFuture, showcased a blend of excellence, sophistication, and glamour, keeping music enthusiasts enthralled throughout the evening.

Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa, renowned recording artist, disc jockey, and co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee Records, received The Lifetime Achievement award, coinciding with the nation’s celebration of thirty years of democracy on April 27. Oskido reminisced about the evolution of South African music, from Kwaito to Amapiano, emphasizing the importance of passing on success to future generations. “It started way back in 1994 when we were young kids, we had a dream to make music and we created a genre called Kwaito,” reminisced Oskido, the legend. “We saw the music grow, we saw other genres come, House to AfroPop, and right now we talking about Kwaito’s first born, Amapiano, which is taking the world by storm.” Mdlongwa also told the audience that his achievements were blessings from the Creator, emphasizing that it is not about the cars and money he has. “It’s all about how many people I have brought into the industry. That’s how we measure success. We passed it on from one genre to another, and it goes on and on. So if you are out there as a young person, and if God gives you something, make sure you share it with others,” he concluded. Another Lifetime Achievement award was bestowed upon pioneering Kwaito-turned-hip-hop group, Boom Shaka, for their groundbreaking contributions to the South African music scene. Formed in 1993 and released their first hit single track ‘It’s About Time’. Not only are they trailblazers, but they also pushed boundaries for the South African music industry. The group, consisting of the late Lebo Mathosa, Junior Sokhelwe, and Theo Nhlengethwa, is known as Boom Shaka. ‘We are here to celebrate 30 years of music excellence, sports excellence, democracy, and business opportunities. We wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for your support,’ said actress and group leader Thembi Seete. “Thank you so much for your support, for playing and downloading our songs, and for celebrating us. And we got to celebrate this moment with you.” The group further announced their plan to go on a national tour in the near future.

The MMA, now in its second edition, was announced during the Mpumalanga State of the Province Address (SOPA) last year, signalling a partnership between the provincial government and the SABC to host the prestigious awards for the next three years. This initiative aims to boost tourism in the province and spotlight the arts and creative industry. The awards were broadcast live on SABC 1.

Awards Winners:

Song of The Year: Kabza De Small & Mthunzi (Imithandazo)

Artist of The Year: Lwah Ndlunkulu

Best Dance Song: Zake Bantwini (Mama Thula ft Skye Wanda, Thakzin & Suffocate SA)

Best Produced Album: Kabza De Small & Mthunzi

Best Duo Group: Thee Legacy

Best Music Video: Bassie & Aymos

Best Amapiano Song: Kabza De Small & Mthunzi (Imithandazo)

Best R&B Song: In2U by Mthandazo Gatya

Best Collaboration: Kabza De Small & Mthunzi (Imithandazo ft DJ Maphorisa, Young Stunna, Sizwe Alkaline & Umthakathi Kush)

Best Female Artist: Makhadzi

Best Male Artist: Aymos