2025 Metro FM Music Awards: Usimamane, Woodblock DJs, and Xolly Mncgwango shine

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.

OG rapper, Emtee walked away with the Best Produced Album award, with the whole stadium erupting with excitement when his name was announced. Accepting the award, Emtee was joined by his sons Logan and Avery.

Top artist Makhadzi, may have not released an album since 2022 but she continues to prove why she is “Number 1”, after clinching Artist of The Year.

Bassie’s “Kwelanga” made a clean sweep in three categories: Best Music Video, Best Amapiano Song, and Best Collaboration Song.

The hotly contested Song Of The Year category award went to Woodblock DJs for the remix of their hit song "Skuta Baba." The collective also won Best Viral Challenge, beating out stiff competition such as the viral "Biri Marung."

Gospel icon and rising fashion designer, 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 night may have been filled with awkward technical glitches and blunders but one can trusted to bring the heat when it comes to their performances. Black Motion, Usimamane,

Langa Mavuso, and K.O, delivered captivating performances that had many on their feet.

The dynamic duo of Siyabonga Ngwekazi and Luthando Shosha hosted the awards at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. Ngwekazi and Shosha delivered when it came to fashion with six looks each.

The winners in the various categories were as follows:

1. Best Female Artist Xolly Mncwango
2. Best RnB Song Mawelele and Kwesta – "All my Liffe
3. Best Dance Song Chronical Deep, Lahleeza, Kabza De Small ft Latique, Ezra – 'Hayi Baba
4. Best Styled Artist Morda
5. Best Kwaito/Gqom Song Mr Thela, Beast RSA, Mthandazi Gatya & Zanda Zakusa - "Ekhaya"
6. Best Jazz Album Linda Sikhakhane - "iLadi"
7. Best Music Video Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft TManXpress. LeemcKrazy – "Kwelanga 2.0"
8. Best Viral Challenge WOODBLOCK DJS – Mvelost: Sest Off; Somololo – "Skuta Baba"
9. Best Produced Album Emtee – "DIY 3"
10. Best New Artist NEO DUBE
11. Best Collaboration Song Bassie, M-Touch, Range, Amaza tf. TmanXpress, LeencKrazy – "Kwelanga 2.0"
12. Artist of The Year Makhadzi
13. Best Amapiano Song Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – "Kwelanga 2.0"
14. Best Hip Hop Song SKHANDAWORLD, K.O and; Nasty C – "Too Much"
15. Best Duo/Group Blaq Diamond
16. Best African Pop Song Naledi Aphiwe and Mawelele – "Romeo & Juliet"
17. Best Gospel Album Xolly Mncgwango - "Unusual"
18. Best Male Artist Usimamane

IOL Entertainment