Where to next for Metro FM Music Awards as Mbombela bows out
Oh, darlings, grab your tea and settle in because Shwashwi’s got the juiciest run down on the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards, straight from the electric vibes of Mbombela Stadium! Held on May 3 under the theme “Crowning Greatness”, this star-studded night was a rollercoaster of glitz, glamour, and a few eyebrow-raising moments that had Mzansi buzzing.
Let’s dive into the delicious details; shall we? First, let’s talk about the queen of the night, Bassie, who strutted away with three awards – Best Music Video, Best Amapiano Song, and Best Collaboration Song for her banger Kwelanga 2.0.
Joined on stage by M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza, LeeMcKrazy and TmanXpress, Bassie proved she’s not just a vocal powerhouse but a certified hitmaker. Shwa overheard whispers in the crowd calling her “amapiano royalty,” and honey, that crown fits!
Her performance was pure fire, cementing Kwelanga 2.0 as the anthem we didn’t know we needed.
But Bassie wasn’t the only one stealing the spotlight. Rising star Mawelele snatched two awards – Best RnB and Best African Pop Song. Meanwhile, Woodblock DJs had the stadium shaking with their remix hit Skuta Baba, bagging Song of the Year and Best Viral Challenge. Shwashwi spotted fans recreating the Skuta Baba dance moves in the aisles – talk about a viral takeover!
Usimamane, the breakout rapper, won Best Male Artist for his debut album 20th: Days Before Maud, and his moment sharing the stage with his mom? Cue the tissues!
The legends weren’t left out either. Gospel queen Rebecca Malope and kwaito icons TKZee were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards, and Shwa must say, their contributions to our soundscape are unmatched. Rebecca’s teary acceptance speech had the crowd roaring, while TKZee’s nostalgic vibes reminded us why Shibobo still slaps.
K.O, repping Mpumalanga, clinched Best Hip Hop Song for Too Much with Nasty C, proving he’s still got that Skhanda magic.
Now, let’s spill some tea, shall we?. The hosts, Luthando “LootLove” Shosha and Scoop Makhathini, served looks and chemistry, rocking six outfit changes.
But not everyone was impressed. Some called the event a flop, citing sound issues and questionable production choices. Who decided to let a politician announce Song of the Year – yawn!
Premier Mandla Ndlovu looked like a complete fool after he said he couldn’t see what was written on the autocue. You see what happens when you don’t come for rehearsals?! Shwa agrees the sound glitches were a mood-killer, but the performances? Chef’s kiss!
Makhadzi, though absent, snagged Artist of the Year, and Emtee’s Best Produced Album win had fans chanting. Linda Sikhakhane’s Best Jazz Album nod was a classy touch, and Mr Thela’s Best Kwaito/Gqom win made Cape Town proud.
Despite the haters, the night was a cultural moment, with the Motsepe Foundation dishing out R50 000 to each category winner and R150 000 for Song of the Year. Ka-ching!
As Mpumalanga’s three-year hosting deal ends, Shwa is left wondering where the MMAs will pop up next.
