Latest news with #XollyMncwango

TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Offramp Experience returns in partnership with Ugu Jazz Festival
The Offramp Experience returns in partnership with the Ugu Jazz Festival. The announcement that the jazz festival was back was made by the Ugu municipality after a competitive bidding process to find a suitable events company. Kicking off festivities are the Ultimate Fishing Competition in Margate on June 21 and the Mayor's Cup soccer tournament at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre on the same date. Gospel enthusiasts are in for a treat at the Worship Experience featuring well-known musicians and pastors at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre on June 27. June 28 will mark the return of the Ugu Jazz Festival on a small scale for now. Xolly Mncwango, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Sgwili, Prophet Msimang and more are scheduled to perform at the two-day festival. Coolsounds Trading's Siyabonga Msomi was revealed as the successful bidder. Siyabonga expressed his excitement to TshisaLIVE, promising to raise the standard. The jazz festival will be staged in collaboration with his Offramp Experience, set for its third annual instalment in June. 'Offramp Experience is not a one-day event. It consists of activities curated to suit everyone's palate, drawing tourists, which is our main goal. June belongs to the south coast. We are relaunching it with plans to go bigger next year. For this year, we will host a limited number of guests,' said Siyabonga. Ugu mayor Sikhumbuzo Mqadi said the Ugu Jazz Festival was previously put on hold due to financial constraints. 'Our core mandate is to provide residents with water. I can confirm we have turned the corner in the provision of water. We are stable, so we are able to host an event of this magnitude and host tourists. It can bring people together and unite us through music', said Sikhumbuzo.

TimesLIVE
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Gospel singer Xolly Mncwango reflects on her two Metro FM Music Awards
Gospel singer Xolly Mncwango has scooped two Metro FM Music Awards to add to her Sama recognition. Xolly sings with the emotional intensity associated with traditional gospel, but distinguishes herself by incorporating traces of R&B and soul into her sound. At the Metro FM Music Awards in Mbombela Stadium, Mpumalanga this weekend, she walked away with the Best Female Artist and Best Gospel Album awards. 'I did not see this coming,' she told TshisaLIVE. 'I didn't think I'd win Best Female Artist, it was a surprise to me. It's not about winning the most awards, but about God's favour and grace and him being the amplifier of our steps.' Her collection of awards now includes a Sama for Best Contemporary Faith Music, a Crown Gospel Award for Best Female Artist of the Year and Best Streamed Song — Ungukuphila — among others. Being recognised by the prestigious and sought-after Metro FM Awards is an honour, she said. 'Winning Best Gospel Album is testament to God's unusual and mighty works in my life. I thought of it based on the testimonies and the hard work we've put in. I'm grateful and humbled by His blessings and such recognition. Above all I am honoured to be a vessel.'


News24
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Beyond the awards: The inspiring story of gospel singer Xolly Mncwango's musical journey
Gospel singer Xolly Mncwango won Best Female Artist and Best Gospel Album at the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards. She hopes her listeners will take away hope and inspiration from her music. Xolly reveals a touching moment she shared with an audience member, reaffirming her purpose in music. _________________________________________________________________________ Xolile Mncwango is witnessing the fruits of her labour in real time. Affectionately known as Xolly Mncwango, she has just come off two major wins in her career, bagging the Best Gospel Album for her sophomore project Unusual and Best Female Artist wins. Since the contemporary gospel singer's debut studio album dropped in 2020 after spending nearly a decade working with renowned gospel artists and choirs like Joyous Celebration and Benjamin Dube, Xolly's latest awards are a testament to her hard work and unwavering faith. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Xolly Mncwango (@xollymncwa) Xolly is undoubtedly one of South Africa's essential voices in the local contemporary gospel scene, touching heartstrings with impactful praise songs like Ungukuphila and Healing Power. Doing it for who she loves Xolly's collection of awards now includes a South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Contemporary Faith Music, a Crown Gospel Award for Best Female Artist of the Year and Best Streamed Song along with her two Metro FM awards. While winning these awards are a formidable achievement on their own, Xolly's purpose with her artistry is all about lifting others through her faith and angelic vocals. Xolly tells TRUELOVE what she hopes her listeners will take away and learn from her music. 'I hope that my supporters will take away a sense of hope, inspiration, and encouragement from my music. I pray that my songs will touch their hearts, uplift their spirits, and remind them of God's love and presence in their lives.' She continues, 'I hope that my music will: Inspire faith and trust in God. Encourage perseverance through life's challenge. Provide comfort and solace in times of need. Remind them of their worth, value, and purpose. Ultimately, I hope that my music will be a reflection of God's love and a blessing to all who listen.' Xolly's inspirations in music 'My musical inspirations are a diverse group of artists my mentor and my producer who have shaped my sound, style, and passion for music. Siyanqoba Mthethwa: My brother who is also my producer for all my released albums. Yolanda Adams: A legendary gospel artist, her timeless voice and classic songs have taught me the importance of crafting music that stands the test of time. These people have inspired me to create music that is authentic, innovative, and impactful. Their influence has helped shape my unique sound and style.' Xolly dedicates her deserved success to her son, whom she says is 'a precious motivation for my hard work and legacy. Inspiring him through my achievements will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on his life. Leaving a legacy that shows him the value of perseverance, dedication, and passion will be a priceless gift that will shape his own journey and aspirations.' There's power in purpose Intentionality is at the heart of Xolly's music. Not only did she study music theory at Varsity College to better her understanding of her craft, Xolly's passionate vocals and the lyrics behind them have changed people's lives. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Xolly Mncwango (@xollymncwa) Sharing a moment in her career that reaffirmed her calling to music, Xolly tells us about one moment that stood out to her when performing a worship concert and saw the impact her music had on the audience. She says, 'As I sang, I noticed a woman in the front row who was visibly moved to tears. She was worshipping with abandon, and I could sense the weight of God's presence in the room. 'After the concert, she approached me and shared how my music had ministered to her during a difficult season in her life. She told me that my songs had brought her comfort, hope, and healing.' In that moment, Xolly knew that she was on the right path and is fulfilling her purpose as a musician.


The South African
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Metro FM Awards 2025: Full winners list and top highlights
The 2025 Metro FM Music Awards lit up Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 3 May, under the theme 'Crowning Greatness.' The ceremony was packed with bold fashion, stellar performances, and emotional moments. Luthando 'LootLove' Shosha and Scoop Makhathini hosted the main stage, delivering charm and wit. Backstage, Dineo Ranaka and L-Tido kept things flowing with lively interviews and commentary. Their chemistry gave the show a polished, professional edge. Amapiano legend Kabza De Small and hitmaker Master KG thrilled the crowd with high-energy performances. Meanwhile, Xolly Mncwango delivered a heartfelt gospel tribute, honouring late musicians. The audience responded with a standing ovation, highlighting the emotional power of the set. Mawelele was the night's biggest winner, scooping Best R&B Song for ' All My Life ' with Kwesta and Best African Pop Song for ' Romeo and Juliet .' Xolly Mncwango also walked away with two awards: Best Female Artist and Best Gospel Album. Usimamane, who won Best Male Artist, moved the audience by dedicating his win to his mother. Bassie's ' Kwelanga 2.0 ' picked up three major wins, while the Woodblock DJs closed the night with Song of the Year. Politicians were invited to present some awards. However, a few mispronounced artist names and seemed unfamiliar with the show's format. Viewers on X (formerly Twitter) quickly responded, sparking both criticism and humour. Another trending topic was rapper K.O., who walked away empty-handed despite multiple nominations. Fans took to social media to question the fairness of the results. We'd love to hear your thoughts- sound off in the comments or tag us in your favourite clips! Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news


News24
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Vocal royalty Bassie dominates star-studded 2025 Metro FM Music Awards
Sultry singer Bassie dominated this year's Metro FM Music Awards, scooping three impressive awards, including Best Music Video and Best Amapiano Song. The night's other big winners included Woodblock DJs, Mawelele and Xolly Mncwango. This was the final year the awards were hosted in the province of the rising sun after a three-year deal with the Mpumalanga provincial government. Mpumalanga's Mbombela Stadium was the pulsating centre of South African music on Saturday evening as it hosted the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards. The province came alive for a night brimming with glitz, glamour, and unforgettable moments – an anthem of celebration for the nation's top musical talent. At the heart of it all was sultry vocalist Bassie, who cemented her place as one of the night's biggest winners by bagging three impressive awards. She won Best Music Video, Best Collaboration Song, and Best Amapiano Song for her chart-dominating hit, Kwelanga 2.0. Congratulations to Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger & Amaza ft LeeMcKrazy & TmanXpress - Kwelanga. #MMA25 #METROFMMusicAwards2025 — METROFM SABC (@METROFMSA) May 3, 2025 Hometown heroes Woodblock DJs, a rising sensation, followed closely behind with two awards in the Best Viral Challenge and Song of the Year categories. Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Mawelele matched their tally, and gospel powerhouse Xolly Mncwango also won two awards for her soul-stirring contributions to the genre. International superstar Makhadzi, although not present, secured the coveted Artist of the Year honour, proving her enduring impact on the global stage. Mpumalanga native K.O. clinched the Best Hip-Hop Song award for his collaborative hit Too Much, featuring Nasty C. While the night celebrated achievements, it was equally defined by stellar live performances. Bassie delivered a show-stopping act, joined by the electrifying rhythms of Black Motion, K.O., and several others, who kept the audience on their feet. As the festivities progressed, the event showcased its improved organisation compared to previous years. However, a handful of technical hiccups served as a gentle reminder that no production exists without its imperfections. Still, the magic of the night outshone any glitches, leaving fans and artists alike reminiscing about a glittering evening that truly celebrated South African music's finest. See the full list of winners here: Best Female Artist Xolly Mncwango Best RnB Song Mawelele & Kwela – All My Life Best Dance Song: Chronical Deep, Lahleeza, Kabza De Small ft. Latique, Ezra – Hayi Baba Best Styled Artist: Morda Best Kwaito/Gqom Song: Mr Thela, Beast RSA, Mthandazi Gatya & Zanda Zakusa – Ekhaya Best Jazz Album: Linda Sikhakhane – iLadi Best Music Video: Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0 Best Viral Challenge: Woodblock DJs – Mvelost: Sest Off; Somololo – Skuta Baba Best Produced Album: Emtee – DIY 3 Best New Artist: Neo Dube Best Collaboration Song: Bassie, M-Touch, Range, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0 Artist of the Year: Makhadzi Best Amapiano Song: Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0 Best Hip Hop Song: SKHANDAWORLD, K.O & Nasty C – Too Much Best Duo/Group: Blaq Diamond Best African Pop Song: Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele – Romeo & Juliet Best Gospel Album: Xolly Mncwango – Unusual Best Male Artist: Usimamane Lifetime Achievement Awards: Rebecca Malope and TKZee