WeeklySA_AdminBENCHMARK: The much-coveted accolades still played a critical role in acknowledging artists for their hard work…
By Priscilla Malinga
Exquisite design creations, celebrities and entertainment marked this years’ 25th edition of the Metrofm Awards event held at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga last weekend.
The event, whose theme was “black to the future”, was hosted by the South African rapper and TV personality Thapelo Thekisho, also known as ‘Proverb’ and TV presenter Luthando Shosha.
Proverb said: “The theme for me is quite layered, starting with the extension and continuation from last year which was ‘black is back’ and now the clever and natural progression of ‘black to the future’, denoting the progress that is being made and how the awards have leapt forward and will continue to move towards the future”.
He also added that the other deeper meaning for him is the significance of the awards being on Freedom Day, and what better way to commemorate 30 years of South Africa’s democracy than by celebrating the music and musicians who had been instrumental in shaping our country’s cultural landscape and propelling it to the future.
Proverb also mentioned that it was indeed his first opportunity to host the Metro FM Music Awards. A responsibility, he said, he did not take lightly, and was truly humbled to be entrusted with.
“Having been an active musician myself I have a full appreciation of how massive these awards are and what they mean for Metro FM and for all the nominated artists,” said Proverb.
His role was to serve the industry that he was passionate about, to deliver for his radio home Metro FM and broadcaster SABC, but also ensure that his co-host, fellow presenters, performers, dancers and production crew all shine on the evening and the attendees and viewers enjoyed a memorable event.
The black carpet at the venue was swamped by nominated artists and future stars. I myself was dressed by Rubicon and showed up in a flowy dazzling grey.
One of the highlights was music legend Oscar Oskido Mdlongwa’s bestowal with “the Lifetime Achievement” award
I spoke to Bongeziwe Mabandla, who took the best traditional African pop award, on the sidelines. He was very thankful, grateful and truly humbled, adding he would like to thank everyone that voted for him for his song ‘Sisahleleleni na’. He said it was very hard for him to break into the music industry; it took him 10 years before he was able to get into radio. But he persevered and kept faith and it all ended up landing on the right ears. The first time he heard his song was on Kayafm and it brought hope to his life. He was eternally grateful for the opportunity.
Mthandazo Gatya, who won the best R& B for his song IN 2 U, said in an interview with Weekly SA Mirror that R&B was being revived and taken to another level, having been infused with African x-factor to compete with the United States market. He was happy to have won the award. He said that he had always been consistent and had – as a result – been nominated four times since, this being his first win.
Asked how easy it was for him to get onto radio, he said it was both easy and difficult as long as artists did not follow other people’s dreams and worked on theirs it would be easy for them to succeed,
Proverb said the awards were credible and a highly sought-after accolade by any creative. It was of utmost importance for any artist to receive acknowledgement for their hard work, and awards were but one of the ways that supporters could express their support for their artists. They also helped artists increase their market value and to be able to update their profile and rate cards while positioning themselves for greater opportunities.
Proverb and “Lootlove” held down the awards and made a great team. “As a host you do not work alone, you have a co-host, there’s production, lighting camera’s and guest presenters, performers and the like, so it is imperative that we all know what is happening,” said Proverb.
Proverb was particularly intrigued by categories that reflect the evolving landscape of music consumption and expression.
“Among these, I’m particularly drawn to the Best Viral Challenge and Most Streamed Artist categories. These categories fascinate me because they embody the convergence of music and modern technology, showcasing how the industry continues to evolve in response to digital advancement.
The Best Viral Challenge category, in particular, underscores the power of social media and online communities in shaping music trends and fostering creative expression. It highlights the democratisation of music culture, where artists and fans alike can participate in shaping the conversation and influencing mainstream recognition. Similarly, the Most Streamed Artist category speaks volumes about the shifting dynamics of music distribution and consumption,” said Proverb.
