STORY AND PHOTOS| EDDIE MTSWENI
THE METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS 2023 made a grand return to Mbombela, Mpumalanga on Saturday night with a ‘Black is Back’ theme, celebrating the country’s top musical talent.
The gala evening, held at the Mbombela Stadium, drew thousands of fans and featured some of South Africa’s biggest music acts on stage.
The awards ceremony was also broadcast live on SABC 1, SABC Plus and METRO FM’s YouTube channel, giving audiences the chance to see their favourite A-list celebrities walk the “Black Carpet.”
Indeed, the Metro FM Awards 2023 had all the glitz and glamour that fans were hoping for, as the country’s biggest stars walked the Black Carpet in their finest outfits.
The Black Carpet was filled with stunning gowns, tuxedos, and designer outfits, as the A-listers vied for attention and the cameras flashed. Fans were thrilled to see their favorite stars up close and personal, with many of them shedding tears of joy at the sight of their idols.
The ceremony was hosted by Lerato ‘LKG’ Kganyago and Katlego Maboe, who were joined by celebrity presenters Somizi (somGAGA) Mhlongo and Mpumi Mlambo reporting from behind the “Black Curtain,” while Sipho (Alphi) Mkhwanazi and Zanele Potelwa provided a detailed account of the action and the glitz and glam of the “Black Carpet.”
The team of energetic and charismatic talent was carefully selected to deliver a memorable awards ceremony that South African audiences have been waiting for over the last five years.
Nada Wotshela, SABC Group Executive: Radio stated, “We are truly delighted with the success of the METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS 2023, which has cemented its place as the biggest and most prestigious music award ceremony on the South African entertainment calendar”.
“South Africa’s music artists have overcome so much in the past five years and there was no better time to relaunch the METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS than now. METRO FM is extremely proud and honoured to champion this important and high-profile event that recognises and celebrates diversity in music, art, fashion and culture.”
She said that this year’s awards were held in partnership with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, which joined forces with METRO FM for the hosting of the 17th edition of the high-profile ceremony.
“We are really excited to have partnered with the province for this year’s METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS. We are confident that this highly regarded event has benefited the music industry and promoted tourism in the province at the same time,” Wotshela added.
THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS IS BELOW:
Artist of the Year – AKA
Best Afrosoul – Pop Song – Zuko SA – Andikalibali
Best Amapiano Song – Deep London – Hamba Wena
Best Collaboration Song – AKA feat. Nasty C – Lemons (Lemonade)
Best Duo or Group – Inkabi Nation
Best Female Artist – Makhadzi
Best Gospel Album – Pastor Lungi Ndala – Victorious Praise
Best Hip-Hop Artist – AKA
Best House Song – SKYE WANDA – AMAZWI
Best Jazz Album – Nduduzo Makhathini – In The Spirit of Ntu
Best Kwaito/Gqom Song – Dj Tira – Sikilidi
Best Male Artist – AKA
Best Male Video – Dj Tira – Sikilidi
Best New Age R&B Artist – MOE
Best Viral Challenge – Deep London feat Boohle – Hamba Wena
New Artist – CocoSA
Best Styled Artist – Musa Keys
Lifetime Award – Dr Esther Mahlangu and Mafikizolo
Song of the Year – Betusile Mcinga – Ngena Noah
Africa Award – Waters (Namibia)
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