QWABE TWINS WIN BIG
QWABE twins, Viggy and Virginia, walked away with two awards at the South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards (Satma Awards) that took place on Saturday night in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
The twin sisters, who could not attend the awards due to their hectic schedule, won in the Best Female Group and Best Traditional Collaboration Song category for their song, Gift of Love, featuring DJ Tira and Ntencane.
Speaking to SowetanLIVE on Sunday afternoon, the twins said: “We still cannot believe that we won. Yes, we were pushing our fans to vote and we were also voting but we did not expect to win. We are very excited that we won the two awards. These are our first awards of the industry and they mean a lot. What makes them even more special is that they were accepted by our father who represented us at the event.”
The Best Traditional Praise Singer award went to Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga while maskandi artist Sgwebo Sentambo was named the Best Maskandi Artist. Menzi Mabizela walked away with the Best Upcoming Artist/Group award while the Best seSotho Music award went to Morusu. Best Traditional Music Artist of the year went to Nomtiti.
Maskandi singer Khuzani Mpungose received a special honorary award for his song, Ijele, and for taking maskandi music to another level. Ijele won Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka on Ukhozi Fm in December. The song has received 2.8-million views on YouTube.
Mpungose said: “History was made when I was honoured with an honorary award for my song, Ijele, and for the role I have played in advancing maskandi music and taking it to another level. This means a lot to me and I feel honoured. I never thought maskandi music could put me where I am right now. This new award will add to a list of awards that I have received because of maskandi music. I want to thank the whole country for supporting me. I am nothing without you.”
Meanwhile, at Sun City in North West, the Mzansi Kwaito House Music Awards took place on Saturday night. A song that has turned into a South African national anthem because of its popularity, Sista Betina, was declared the best kwaito song for the period between 2010 and 2015.
The hit song, John Vuligate, was named Best Mapiano Song at the awards. The Best DJ award was taken by Dj Cleo while Kwesta’s single, Njandini, won the Best Kwaito Single. The Best House Single award was taken by Citizen Deep with its single, Sabela, featuring Thiwe.
Legendary kwaito group Trompies won the Best Kwatio Group Award while the Best New Age Kwaito Artist went to Mdavovo. Jakarumba walked away with Best Kwaito Artist. Mampintsha walked away with the Best Gqom Artist award and Ntyilo Ntyilo by Rithabile Khumalo featuring Master KG was the Most Voted Song in the awards.