Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga transformed into a galaxy of sound and style on the night of the 2025 METRO FM Music Awards (MMAs) — a celebration that united glamour, musical genius, and cultural reverence under one electrifying sky.
With over two decades of musical legacy, the MMAs have long stood as a mirror of South Africa’s vibrant sonic evolution — and this year was no different. Broadcast live on SABC 1 and streamed on SABC+, the spectacle reached fans across the nation, honouring both emerging voices and legendary icons.
Hosts With the Most: Siyabonga Ngwekazi & Luthando Shosha
Dynamic duo Siyabonga “Scoop” Ngwekazi and Luthando “LootLove” Shosha returned to the spotlight with unshakable charisma and six head-turning outfit changes that matched the night’s high-octane energy. Their easy chemistry and commanding stage presence gave the show its heartbeat, expertly guiding the audience through a kaleidoscope of emotional tributes, fierce fashion, and fiery performances.
The Performances: Legacy Met Next Gen
The evening ignited with a powerhouse performance from Bassie, whose dynamic choreography and unwavering vocals set the gold standard for the night. Other showstoppers included:
Black Motion with their hypnotic percussions and signature afro-futuristic vibe. Usimamane, a breakout artist whose performance electrified the audience. Langa Mavuso, known for his soul-drenched vocal storytellin and K.O, reviving hip-hop royalty with elegance and edge.
Together, they offered a genre-spanning soundtrack of South Africa’s musical heartbeat, blending kwaito, gospel, amapiano, hip-hop, and jazz with modern flair.
It was a career-defining night for Bassie, whose viral anthem “Kwelanga 2.0” swept three major categories:
- Best Music Video
- Best Amapiano Song
- Best Collaboration Song
A stunning collaboration with M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza, TmanXpress & LeemcKrazy, the track represents the cutting edge of South African street culture and sonic experimentation, making Bassie a cultural icon of the amapiano generation.
Makhadzi: Artist of the Year, Voice of a Nation
With infectious pride and boundless energy, Makhadzi — Limpopo’s darling and a fierce ambassador for Venda heritage— was crowned Artist of the Year. Her win wasn’t just for the music — it was a nod to her tireless representation of black joy, rural identity, and female empowerment on both national and global stages. Explore Makhadzi’s top tracks on Spotify
Honouring Legends: TKZee & Dr. Rebecca Malope
No celebration of South African music is complete without honouring the giants who paved the way. This year’s Lifetime Achievement awards were powerful tributes to:
- TKZee, the iconic Kwaito trio whose ’90s anthems like Shibobo redefined township soundscapes
- Dr. Rebecca Malope, the Gospel queen whose music has uplifted millions across generations
Their recognition served as a poignant reminder of the MMA’s core mission: to preserve, celebrate, and amplify African excellence.
Full List of 2025 Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Female Artist | Xolly Mncwango |
| Best Male Artist | Usimamane |
| Best R&B Song | Mawelele & Kwela – All My Life |
| Best Dance Song | Chronical Deep, Lahleeza, Kabza De Small ft. Latique & Ezra – Hayi Baba |
| Best Styled Artist | Mörda |
| Best Kwaito/Gqom Song | Mr Thela, Beast RSA, Mthandazi Gatya & Zanda Zakusa – Ekhaya |
| Best Jazz Album | Linda Sikhakhane – iLadi |
| Best Music Video | Bassie – Kwelanga 2.0 |
| Best Viral Challenge | WOODBLOCK DJS – Mvelost / Skuta Baba |
| Best Produced Album | Emtee – DIY 3 |
| Best New Artist | Neo Dube |
| Best Collaboration Song | Bassie – Kwelanga 2.0 |
| Artist of the Year | Makhadzi |
| Best Amapiano Song | Bassie – Kwelanga 2.0 |
| Best Hip-Hop Song | K.O & Nasty C – Too Much |
| Best Duo/Group | Blaq Diamond |
| Best African Pop Song | Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele – Romeo & Juliet |
| Best Gospel Album | Xolly Mncwango – Unusual |
A Celebration of Identity, Rhythm & Unity
The 2025 METRO FM Music Awards weren’t just about accolades — they were a reflection of how far South African music has come and how limitless it can be. It was a night of rhythmic storytelling, artistic recognition, and cultural communion — from the rural villages to the global charts.
With a new generation of stars ascending and legends firmly honoured, the MMAs continue to prove that Mzansi’s music isn’t just a sound — it’s a soul.
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