Mafikizolo win big at MetroFM
AFRO POP duo Mafikizolo stole the show at the MetroFM Awards last night when they scooped most of the statuettes at Durban’s Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
The duo — Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe — walked away with three awards out of five nominations, including Best African Pop, Best Duo and Best Produced Album.
“Thank you to every single person out there. It is because of you that we are here,” said Nciza, clad in an all-white outfit decorated with ostrich feathers and a matching turban, as she accepted the first award.
The city, which contributed R5-million towards the event, played its part, and the humid weather didn’t stop hundreds of guests, including politicians Fikile Mbalula, Malusi Gigaba, Jeff Radebe and Bheki Cele, as well as more than 500 celebrities who had flown in from all around the country, from looking glamorous on the black carpet.
First to walk the carpet was singer Donald Moatshe, who wore a Pulse Homme ensemble. He said he was hoping to clinch the Best Music Video award for his Your Joy video.
“I put a lot of work into my videos and I hope it is appreciated by the fans,” he said.
But it was not Moatshe’s lucky night as he was beaten by rapper Khuli Chana.
Chana, who made headlines last year after being shot by the police, took home Best Music Video and Best Hit Single for his hit Mnatebawen. Uhuru won the most coveted award, Song of the Year, for their hit Y-tjukutja, as well as Best Collaboration.
Other musicians had to settle for one gong each.
DJ Euphonik won Best Compilation; Culoe De Song took the Best Male Album; DJ Cyndo walked away with Best Female Album and Xigubu hitmaker Heavy K took the award for Best Dance Album.
Winner of the Best R&B Album Daniel “Danny K” Koppel, who wore a purple Tiger of Sweden tailored suit, won his first award from the station.
“Wow, 13 years later this is my first MetroFM award. Thank you to my wife Lisa, who is fiveand-a-half months pregnant, for giving me the best present I could ever ask for,” said Koppel.
Fashion was also a big talking point. Selimathunzi presenter Zizo Beda looked resplendent in a flowing cream dress, and Zahara, dressed in an Asanda Madyibi blue-sequined designer gown, arrived with Afro pop singer Ntando.
Zahara, who was nominated in three categories, walked away empty-handed. “I’m here not for the awards but to pay tribute to Tata Mandela,” Zahara said before opening the event alongside Winnie Khumalo in a tribute to late former president Nelson Mandela.
IT girls were also out in full force.
Minnie Dlamini flaunted her curves in an African-inspired dress. Pearl Thusi, who co-hosted the event with Phat Joe, turned heads in a Biji Couture blue and cream dress, while Boity Thulo caused a stir when she sashayed onto the black carpet in a Miss Boss Couture salmon pink dress showing off her famous butt.
Idols judge Unathi Msengana wore a sleek jumpsuit and graced the stage with Zola for their old hit Sana Lwam. Other performers included AKA, Mi Casa, Trompies, TKZee and Phuz’khemisi.