2025 Metro FM Music Awards: Usimamane, Woodblock DJs, and Xolly Mncgwango shine
Rising star Mawelele was one of the Metro FM Music Awards biggest winners, walking away with two awards; Best RnB and Best African Pop Song. Picture: Supplied/Metro FM
The 2025 Metro FM Music Awards shined a light on the rising artists who are currently dominating the airwaves.
New kids on the block, Usimamane, Woodblock DJs and Naledi Aphiwe were some of the night's biggest winners, managing to get enough votes to clinch the prestigious award.
Musician Mawelele walked away with two awards; Best RnB Song for his collaboration 'All my Life' with multi-award winning rapper Kwesta and his love ballad 'Romeo and Juliet' with Naledi Aphiwe won Best African Pop Song.
Powerhouse gospel vocalist Xolly Mncgwango won two awards, both being awards of hotly contested categories; Best Female and Best Gospel Album. Mncgwango also performed the tribute to the fallen stars where she left many in awe.
Rapper Usimamane, who has been having an amazing run since his successful debut album '20th: Days Before Maud' won Best Male Artist, outvoting the top DJs and music producers he was nominated among.
The young rapper dedicated his award to his mom, who was on stage with him, as he accepted his first-ever award.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Lebo M: setting the record straight with facts over fiction
For more than three decades Lebo M, the South African composer and producer behind The Lion King 's iconic sound, has stood as a global symbol of excellence, resilience, and African artistic pride. From the streets of Soweto to the grand stages of Broadway, his voice has moved millions. However, behind the acclaim and accolades lies a personal narrative too often hijacked by fiction and tabloid sensationalism. Let's set the record straight: Lebo M has been married four times. Of the four marriages, only two were legally registered in SA — and yes, there are official certificates from the department of home affairs to prove this. The oft-repeated claim that he has been married 10 times is not only inaccurate, it's an insult. It's a distortion of a person's journey through love, family and growth. 'I'm an artist, a father and a South African,' said Lebo M. 'Like many people, I've experienced love, loss and growth. The ongoing lie about 10 marriages needs to stop. There are four marriage certificates.'
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Billboard launches Billboard Africa, a game-changer for the continent's music industry
In a landmark move that underscores the global rise of African music, Billboard announced the launch of Billboard Africa during its inaugural Global Power Players event in London. The new chapter signals a bold expansion by the iconic music authority, with a mission to spotlight, celebrate and elevate the African music scene on a global stage. In collaboration with Global Venture Partners, Billboard Africa promises to be more than a regional offshoot. It will serve as a powerhouse platform, delivering a robust lineup of editorial content, real-time music charts, exclusive videos and interviews, breaking news and bespoke events all centered around Africa's rich and diverse musical tapestry. 'African music has evolved into a dynamic force with a rich cultural heritage and an undeniable impact on the world,' said Mike Van, president of Billboard. 'The new platform enables us to create meaningful opportunities for African artists to connect with a global audience, elevating their talent to unprecedented levels.' From the rhythmic heartbeats of Afrobeats and amapiano to the soulful echoes of Afro-jazz and hip-hop, Billboard Africa is poised to be the ultimate stage for the continent's best and brightest. With a dedicated team and local collaborations, the platform aims to highlight chart-topping artists, emerging talent and the stories behind the sound. 'We are thrilled to launch Billboard Africa, a pivotal step in recognisng Africa's profound contributions to global music culture,' said Josh Wilson, MD at Global Venture Partners. 'African music is a driving force that continues to reshape global music trends.' More than only recognition, the initiative is about building infrastructure. Brandon Martin, CEO of Global Venture Partners, emphasised the long-term vision: 'We're not only raising visibility for artists but laying the groundwork for an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. Billboard Africa is about amplifying potential and encouraging investment in the continent's creative economy.' At the helm of the ambitious rollout is Nkosiyati Khumalo, editor-in-chief of Billboard Africa, who brings a deep understanding of African culture and storytelling. 'Bringing Billboard's thought leadership home to Africa, and sharing more African stories with the world, is an immense honor,' said Nkosiyati. 'This is about supporting the diverse artists and professionals who drive African music forward.' From curated events to awards shows, artist spotlights to industry insights, Billboard Africa is setting the stage for a cultural and economic renaissance. As the world tunes in, the continent's musicians are ready to turn up the volume.
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
How K. O remains a dominant force in South African hip-hop
South African rapper Ntokozo 'K.O' Mdluli is gearing up for the release of his highly-anticipated album titled 'Phara City', on June 13, 2025. Image: Supplied It may spark debate, but renowned rapper Ntokozo 'K.O' Mdluli continues to prove why he remains one of South Africa's best artists. With a career spanning nearly two decades, K.O has maintained a strong and relevant presence in the entertainment industry. From his early days as part of the hip-hop group Teargas to his successful solo career and business ventures, K.O has consistently stayed at the heart of South African culture. At the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards held in Mpumalanga, K.O walked away with the award for Best Hip Hop Song for his hit single "Too Much" featuring Nasty C. He took to the stage twice, once during the main awards show and again at the festival after-party concert, where his performance celebrated his win and journey. 'You need to constantly be evolving and making sure that you stay ahead of the curve and try to stay up to date with everything that is playing out within the field,' he told IOL when asked about the secret to his longevity. At his core, K.O is a strategic businessman who understands the importance of partnerships, networking, and aligning with the right brands to ensure survival in the cutthroat music industry. Under his belt is Skhanda World, a successful record label, clothing line, and lifestyle company. He has also secured partnerships with brands such as Martell, World Sports Betting, Volvo, and Fibertime. 'It's not just about a good deal in terms of money. I go where my value is appreciated and where partnerships make the most sense,' he emphasized. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ K.O makes calculated decisions when considering collaborations, always ensuring brand alignment and a clear understanding of the product. Growing up in a disadvantaged area in Mpumalanga, K.O understands the challenges of limited access to resources such as high-performance internet. Through his partnership with Fibertime, he is helping to drive a game-changing fibre solution designed specifically for townships. 'We've visited some of these communities, like when I was in Gugulethu, talking to customers and hearing their stories. 'It's little things like that which matter, where we're trying to make life easier for people who don't have the same access and privileges,' he explained. At the age of 44, K.O serves as an inspiration to many young South Africans, who see him as a role model. 'If you are setting a great example and consciously striving to uplift others, that energy and influence rub off positively on people. 'I'm all about positivity and making a meaningful impact in the community. That's something I'm now consciously committed to doing right,' he said. On June 13, K.O will release his fifth studio album, "Phara City" a project he promises longtime fans will appreciate as a return to his signature sound. The rapper is keenly aware of evolving listening patterns and the oversaturation of music available to audiences today. He revealed that "Phara City" took more than a year to craft carefully, creating timeless moments that will give the album a lasting impact. K.O is excited for fans to experience this body of work, which also serves as social commentary on life in South Africa, even though he typically steers clear of overt political statements. For the album's rollout, K.O took to the streets to hear the real-life stories of people often labeled as 'Iphara', a township slang term for junkies or drug addicts.
