Veteran musician Dr Peki Emelina “Nothembi” Mkhwebane has accused the Metro FM Awards of sidelining her.
Fondly known as the Queen of Ndebele Music, Mkhwebane was minding her own business this past weekend. She said she feels aggrieved and overlooked by the awards organisers.
“I don’t want to sound bitter or entitled, but I’ve always been sidelined by the Metro FM Awards. I’ve never performed or even been invited as a guest. And I don’t know the reason behind this, but I’ve always been a spectator in my own province.
Pained by constant exclusion
“I understand that it’s impossible to invite every artist from Mpumalanga. But in this case, I feel deliberately overlooked, and it’s painful,” said Mkhwebane, a past recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver.
She added that she’s speaking out because this issue has been repeatedly ignored.
She said she wasn’t even aware that the Metro FM Awards were happening last weekend. That was until she was called by fellow musicians who were hoping to see her at the ceremony.
“I wasn’t even aware of the awards until my music called me, asking if I’d be attending. My answer was ‘no, I wouldn’t be going’. It’s painful to see your colleagues coming to celebrate music in your own province while you’re left out.
“As a local artist, I would have loved to be part of these awards. Unfortunately, I was excluded. Still, I’m genuinely happy for those who were invited and given a platform to perform. And I’m even happier for those who won,” Mkhwebane said.
Mpumalanga trailblazers honoured
The Metro FM Awards were held on Saturday, May 3 2025, at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
Hip hop artist Ntokozo “KO” Mdluli, who hails from Mpumalanga, won Best Hip Hop Song. Gospel legend Rebecca Malope, also from the province, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Speaking on the podium, KO said: “The last time I won a Metro Award was in 2006. I was still with the group Teargas. Nineteen years later, here I am, receiving another accolade in my own province.”
SABC spokesperson Mmoni Ngubane confirmed that Mkhwebane has never been invited to the Metro FM Awards.
Metro FM explains, sort of
“Mkhwebane has not been invited to perform at the Metro FM Awards in the three years that they were hosted by the Mpumalanga province.
“This is by no means a reflection of her stature or the value of her contribution to South African music. The station remains open to engaging with her and other veteran musicians in future editions of the awards and other initiatives.
“Over the current three-year hosting agreement, Metro FM has made a concerted effort to showcase emerging talent from Mpumalanga and other provinces. This aims to create new opportunities for growth and national exposure.
“Many factors are considered when curating the line-up of performers and special guests. This includes current relevance, genre diversity, and the show’s creative direction. However, no artist is automatically included or excluded.
“The Metro FM Music Awards celebrate excellence in music. They aim to provide a platform that is inclusive and representative of the industry’s evolving landscape.
“That said, we remain committed to honouring the legends who have paved the way,” said Ngubane.
