From Ladysmith to top charts: uMafikizolo's defiant break-up anthem captures South Africa
MASKANDI musician Lethukuthula Mhlongo popularly known by his stage name of uMafikizolo is blazing the charts with his defiant break-up anthem, "Uyoncengwa Unyoko", which features on ANC secretary general, Fikile Mbalula's top 10 songs of 2025.
Image: Meta/uMafikizolo
Maskandi musician uMafikizolo is continuing his meteoric rise, breaking new ground in the genre and earning recognition far beyond its traditional audience.
The Ladysmith-born artist, whose real name is Lethukuthula Mhlongo (25), is enjoying sustained success with his hit song Uyoncengwa Unyoko, a defiant break-up song about a rejected lover who refuses to beg for reconciliation.
The song recently received a major boost after ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula included it in his personal top 10 songs of 2025. Uyoncengwa Unyoko features at number nine on the list.
With its catchy chorus, “Ngeke ngikuncenge, uyoncengwa unyoko” (“I am not going to beg you, your mother will beg you”), the song has struck a chord with listeners and become a favourite among jilted lovers determined to walk away with their dignity intact.
Speaking to the Independent Media, Mhlongo said the recognition marked a significant milestone in his young career.
“I am grateful for the opportunity of having my song selected by someone as prominent as the secretary-general of the ANC. It shows that the hard work is paying off,” he said.
Mhlongo added that the acknowledgement was “only the beginning” for him. His stage name, uMafikizolo, fittingly means “newcomer”.
Mbalula shared his list on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “This year was a great year in the music scene, and our artists produced really great music. There are so many songs I enjoyed this year, and I am sure many of you did too.”
The list is topped by Abantwana Bakho by DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small and Xduppy, a commercial hit that surpassed 30 million streams on Spotify and topped the South African Apple Music Songs Chart. The song’s infectious lyrics and official music video helped drive its popularity.
Also featured is Dlala Ka Yona by DJ Maphorisa, Enny Man Da Guitar and Xduppy, from the album Rough Dance, with additional contributions from Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC and Mellow & Sleazy. The track has exceeded 10 million Spotify streams and has been well received locally.
Stogie T’s Four Horsemen, featuring Nasty C, A-Reece and Maggz, also made the list. The song, from Stogie T’s album Anomy, drew attention for bringing together artists long rumoured to be rivals, sparking debate among fans and critics.
Kwesta and Makwa’s Umguzumbane We Summer blends hip hop, kwaito and house into a festive-season anthem inspired by township nostalgia, while Tyla’s Chanel combines Afrobeats, amapiano and pop. The latter became a global success, debuting at number one on both the US and UK Afrobeats charts and entering the Billboard Hot 100.
Other songs on the list include Simmy’s soulful Moya Wami; Deep In The Bottom (of Africa) by DBN Gogo and Ntwana_R Remix; Fire Fire by AR/CO, Kasango and Shimza; and gospel hit Thath’Indawo by Spirit of Praise featuring Mpumi Mtsweni wraps up the summit at the bottom.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula's Top 10 songs for 2025, which featured the niche genre song from maskandi musician uMafikizolo.
Image: X
Mbalula, affectionately nicknamed “DJ Mbaweezy”, is well known for his love of music and occasional stints behind the decks, which have further boosted his popularity.
Adding to his growing list of achievements, Uyoncengwa Unyoko has also been featured on TikTok’s Official Songs of Summer 2025.
The list is led by Ngishutheni by Goon Flavour, Master KG and Eemoh, followed by Magumba by Khadeair and Isaka (6am) by Ciza featuring Jazzworx and Thukuthela. UMafikizolo’s hit occupies the number four spot.
Although Mhlongo said he had not yet seen the TikTok list himself, he expressed excitement about making the cut.
“There is so much this song has done for me. I never imagined I would share the stage with so many big artists from here and abroad, across different genres,” he said.
“When I arrive at gigs, I am shown so much respect. I am grateful to music lovers for the support and the love they continue to show.”
The song has also sparked viral TikTok dance challenges and enjoys heavy rotation on radio. Uyoncengwa Unyoko currently features in the top 10 charts on Ukhozi FM and Umhlobo Wenene FM and is in the running for highly coveted Song of the Year on both stations for 2025.