The Metro FM Music Awards 2025 (MMA25), held at the Mbombela Stadium, had an abundance of glitz and glam on its black carpet on Saturday, May 3.
The awards celebrate South Africa’s musicians and was attended this year by some of the country’s best-known personalities from the entertainment industry.
The hosts for the MMA25, Siyabonga Ngwekazi and Luthando ‘Lootlove’ Shosha, delivered multiple show-stopping moments while rocking six stunning looks. The awards ceremony was broadcasted live on SABC 1 and livestreamed on SABC+.
The gospel queen, Dr Rebecca Malope and kwaito legends, TKZee, received lifetime achievement awards and were celebrated for their contributions to South African music.
Bassie’s Kwelanga made a clean sweep in three categories: best music video, best amapiano song and best collaborative song. Makhadzi was crowned the artist of the year, while Woodblock DJs (Mvelost, Setoff and Somlolo) scooped the best viral challenge award for “Skuta Baba”.
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The awards recognise the hard work, dedication and passion that goes into creating the sounds that define South African music and the event featured electrifying performances and memorable moments.
The winners in the various categories were as follows:
• Best female artist: Xolly Mncwango
• Best R&B song: Mawelele & Kwesta – “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, Setoff and Somlolo) – “Skuta Baba”
• Song of the year: Woodblock DJs ft Buzzi Lee, Kane Keid, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Tony Dayimane, Mvelost, Set off & Somololo – “Skuta Baba” (Remix)
• 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, KO and Nasty C – “Too Much”
• Best duo/group: Blaq Diamond
• Best African pop song: Naledi Aphiwe and Mawelele – “Romeo & Juliet”
• Best gospel album: Xolly Mncgwango – “Unusual”
• Best male artist: Usimamane.
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