Xitsonga Music Awards honours the best in the business
Voting for the best candidates for each award was open to the public for a few weeks before the ceremony was held last Saturday.
LIMPOPO – Last Saturday it was again time for Munghana Lonene FM’s 17th Xitsonga Music Awards, which celebrates artists, producers, songwriters, and cultural dancers who create music and art in Xitsonga.
The biggest winner of the night was Themba Nyathi, who won the Most Popular Song Category Award with his famous song titled A Kuna Tlhari. This was all thanks to the votes he garnered from the listeners, which allowed him to walk away with R30 000.
The song producer, Stanley Chiloane, also won the Best Producer Award.
Voting for the best candidates for each award was open to the public for a few weeks before the ceremony was held last Saturday.
Fans voted for their favourite artists and songs, and the lucky winners walked away with statuettes and prize money ranging from R12 000-R30 000 per award.
The awards kicked off with a gala dinner last Friday, where the station honoured five Xitsonga Music legends. Patrick Nkuna and Peter Hlungwani were honored posthumously for Vuyelwa, while Dr Joe Shirimane was recognised as a Living Legend and Jeff Maluleke was celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
After the award ceremony, a music festival was hosted with artists such as Musa Keys, Joe Shirimani, Mr Bow, Dr Malinga and Mr Post who performed until Sunday morning.
Munghana Lonene FM programme manager Tebogo Magubane called on Xitsonga artists and creators to rally behind the initiative, highlighting that it should be seen as a lasting legacy that must be preserved for future generations.
“The aim of these awards is to promote culture, heritage, language, and social cohesion through music and dance. We are delighted about the awards and are positive they will indeed serve as a game changer by encouraging more artists to produce music in Xitsonga and honour those who work tirelessly to promote their music,” said Magubane.
He congratulated all the winners and all the participants, as well as the Munghana Lonene FM listeners who voted till the last minute.
Dr Sophie thanked her fans for their consistent support as she won two awards.
“I thank everyone who supported me through my musical journey. I appreciate the love I received over the years,” said Dr Sophie.
Xitsonga Music Awards winners:
• Best Xitsonga Newcomer Artist: Dr Sophie.
• Best Xitsonga Traditional Gospel Song: Bongi Matlhabane with A khensiwe.
• Best Xitsonga Praise and Worship Gospel Song: Dr Princess Janitor with Tshembela ka wena.
• Best Xitsonga Disco/Dance Song: Daniel Brothers with Rirhandzu ra mali.
• Best Xitsonga Afro Pop/ R&B/ Song: Dolph with Nsati waka hina.
• Best Xitsonga Hip Hop Song: Simefree ft. Emtee with Ku katekisiwa.
• Best Xitsonga House Song: M.O.P ft Clive S with Khombo ra mina.
• Best Xitsonga Collaboration: Nomonde Ft. Mr Post Nilombi.
• Best Xitsonga Duo/Group: Hosi yo lungha na Xirhami Sisters.
• Best Xitsonga Female Artist: Dr Sophie.
• Best Xitsonga Male Artist: Mr Post.
• Best Xitsonga Album: Vele ra Xifambi from Oscar Makamu na Majuvani Sisters.
• Xitsonga Traditional Song: Va ka Chavalala from Mshengu.
• Xitsonga Most Popular Song: A Ku Na Tlhar from Themba Nyathi.
• Best Xitsonga Producer: Stanley Chiloane for A ku na tlhari by Themba Nyathi.
