By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The 2025 Metro FM Music Awards dazzled at Mpumalanga’s Mbombela Stadium, honouring South Africa’s crème de la crème of music talent.
The event captivated audiences with stellar performances and heartfelt tributes, cementing its status as South Africa’s premier music event.
The dynamic duo of Siyabonga Ngwekazi and Luthando Shosha lit up the stage, with six show-stopping outfits stealing the spotlight.
The black carpet was hosted by Anele Zondo and Mpumi Mlambo, shimmered with star power, while Dineo Ranaka and L-Tido captured raw winner reactions backstage.
The night was also filled with technical glitches and blunders, but the event showcased talent and glamour.
New kids on the block, Mawelele, Usimamane, Woodblock DJs and Naledi Aphiwe were some of the night’s biggest winners.
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 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.
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.
Emtee walked away with the Best Produced Album award, and Makhadzi clinched Artist of The Year.
Bassie’s “Kwelanga” made a clean sweep in three categories: Best Music Video, Best Amapiano Song, and Best Collaboration Song.
Gospel icon Dr Rebecca Malope delivered a soul-stirring medley of her hits song before being surprised with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Malope was speechless when presented with her crown and broke into emotional tears. Kwaito legends TKZee also received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Motsepe Foundation elevated the stakes, awarding R50,000 per category winner and R150,000 for Song of the Year.
The hotly contested Song Of The Year category award went to Woodblock DJs for the remix of their hit song “Skuta Baba.”
To close off the night, Woodblock DJs performed their song Skuta Baba, followed by Focalistic, who sealed the night off with his chart-topping hit, Biri Marung, featuring Ego Slimflow, Mr Pilato, and Tebogo G Mashego.