The Citizen (KZN)

‘Black to the Future’ at Metro Music Awards

- Citizen reporter

All roads led to Mbombela Stadium on Saturday for the Metro FM Music Awards (MMA24).

“Black to the Future” was this year’s theme and guests tried their best to live up to the theme.

The glittering event was held at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga for the second year in a row.

The awards celebrated talent across various genres, honouring outstandin­g artists and their contributi­ons to the industry.

Hosted by the dynamic Tebogo “ProVerb” Thekisho and Luthando “LootLove” Shosha, the awards delivered an unforgetta­ble evening filled with groundbrea­king performanc­es, heartfelt acceptance speeches and South Africa’s outstandin­g musical talent.

Performanc­es on the night included DJ Kent featuring Mo T, Morda, Lamiez Holworthy, Brenden Praise, Goapele, Vusi Nova and Boom Shaka, among others.

Winners such as Aymos, Ntokozo Mbambo and others received R50 000 in prize money.

Kabza De Small, Mthunzi and Young Stunna got R150 000 for Song of the Year.

While the stage gleamed with star power, some fans were disappoint­ed at the absence of their favourite artists.

Celebritie­s like Tyla, Kabza De Small and Zakes Bantwini did not attend the awards.

“I wanted to see Tyla. I love her because she is young, beautiful and an amazing performer,” said a Golden Circle ticket buyer. Her friend was also looking forward to seeing Tyla but was happy to see her other favourite artist, Mthunzi. He walked off with the Artist of the Year award.

“I am very excited and thankful to everyone who worked with me on the song and also to my fans,” he told The Citizen.

Aymos won the Best Male award and was grateful for the recognitio­n. “It’s not every year that you get nominated for the Metros, one of the greatest platforms and radio stations. I feel so overwhelme­d, I’m grateful that my work is being recognised.”

He also briefly shared insights into his creative process and releasing hit songs. “I take time with the music. I think that’s the only thing that’s different… If you want to work with me or collaborat­e, I need space and time so I can execute my level best.”

Meanwhile, Artist of the Year award-winner Lwa Ndlunkulu said she was working on her one-woman show.

“We are working on doing a one-woman show and will be releasing dates very soon.

“The show will be in South Africa, but if we decide to take it out of the country, I think we’ll do neighbouri­ng countries like Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Botswana. We have a lot of fans there who really love us, book us and show us love,” she said.

The big winners included:

Song of the Year

Imithandaz­o – Kabza De Small & Mthunzi ft. DJ Maphorisa, Young Stunna, Sizwe Alkaline, and Umthakathi Kush.

Best New Artist

Nontokozo Mkhize.

Best Duo/Group

Thee Legacy.

Best Dance

Mama Thula – Zakes Bantwini ft. Skye Wanda, Thakzin & Suffocate SA.

Best Kwaito/Gqom

Hello – DJ Kotin ft. Big Nuz, Mshayi & Mr Thela.

Best Hip-Hop

Ving Rhames – A-Reece.

Best African Pop

Amaxesha – Bongeziwe Mabandla.

Best Amapiano

Imithandaz­o.

Best Music Video

Izenzo – Bassie & Aymos ft. T-Man SA.

Best R&B

Best Female

Makhadzi.

Global Icon Award

Tyla.

Lifetime Achievemen­t Award

DJ Oskido.

N2U –Mthandazo Gatya.

Boom Shaka.

 ?? Picture: Shaun Holland ?? ON THE MIC. Best Male award-winner Aymos performs at the Metro FM Music Awards, Mbombela Stadium, on Saturday.
Picture: Shaun Holland ON THE MIC. Best Male award-winner Aymos performs at the Metro FM Music Awards, Mbombela Stadium, on Saturday.

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