Maskandi Poised for uKhozi FM Song of the Year Glory

The Maskandi genre could once again claim the Ukhozi FM Song of the Year title, with Lethukuthula "uMafikizolo" Mhlongo's hit track Uyoncengwa Unyoko emerging as a strong contender.

At the stroke of midnight, when 2026 is ushered in, Ukhozi FM will make known the winner of their highly anticipated contest.

The maskandi genre, which has grown significantly in popularity over the years, has won uKhozi’s Song of the Year award multiple times, which highlights the growing popularity of the music style in South Africa.

Maskandi is best described as Zulu folk music that is infused with intricate acoustic guitar sounds and storytelling lyrics, has gained much momentum in recent years. and is now among the country’s most prominent music genres.

2016 was seen a breakthrough year for the maskandi brand when Mroza Fakude’s maskandi hit “Van Damme” became the surprise Song of the Year winner.

Popular maskandi musician Ntencane Zondi followed with his “Wawuthembeni” track that landed the 2019 honours, but the announcement was only made in March 2020, following a legal dispute raised by former uKhozi FM sports presenter and businessman Owen Ndlovu.

Ndlovu, the CEO of Michael Owen Productions (MOP) and convener of Artists United, attempted to interdict uKhozi FM from running its annual Song of the Year campaign, with his high court application.

He alleged that the broadcaster had stolen his concept and generated millions from listener votes without compensation, but he was eventually unsuccessful with the matter that was presided over at the Johannesburg High Court.

Khuzani Mpungose has won the title twice, in 2020 with “Ijele” and again in 2023 with "Umjolo Lowo".

In 2024, the crown went to Mthandeni Manqele for his song “Gucci”, in which he featured Thandeka Nontobeko “Mawhoo” Ngema, a South African singer-songwriter and model, who is renowned for her contributions in AmaPiano and Afro-house genres.

Mafikizolo’s “Uyoncengwa Unyoko” song, released on July 31, has since surpassed 21 million streams on Spotify and has accumulated 18 million views on YouTube.

The song is reportedly the first Maskandi track to reach one million Spotify streams within a week, and it is also the only Maskandi song nominated for Song of the Year this year.

Mafikizolo's song has received strong support from fellow Maskandi stars, including Khuzani Mpungose, Mthandeni Manqele, Ntencane, Limit Nala, Menzi Mabizela, Ithwasa Lekhansela and others, who urged fans to vote for his entry.

Another contender for the title includes former winner DJ Tira. whose Gqom hit “Awungazi” has also achieved much adulation

The 2025 list of contenders excludes hip-hop and gospel, while being heavily dominated by the 3-step genre.

DAILY NEWS