Woodblock DJs, Mawelele, Bassie Dominate South Africa’s biggest night in music
The 2025 Metro FM Music Awards lit up Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga for the last time in the province’s three-year hosting deal — and it went out with a bang.
Rising sensation Woodblock DJs claimed the Song of the Year title for their viral remix Skuta Baba, also winning Best Viral Challenge in a hotly contested category.
“This moment belongs to everyone who danced, posted, and vibed to Skuta Baba,” the collective shared in their acceptance speech.
ALSO READ: Song of the year 2024: South Africa
Mawelele & Xolly Mncwango earn double wins
R&B and pop crooner Mawelele had an unforgettable night, winning Best R&B Song for All My Life (featuring Amapiano king Kwesta) and Best African Pop Song for Romeo and Juliet alongside Naledi Aphiwe.
Powerhouse gospel artist Xolly Mncwango took home Best Female Artist and Best Gospel Album (Unusual). Her emotional tribute to fallen stars was one of the most moving performances of the night.
Makhadzi and Emtee bring the crowd to its feet
Global hitmaker Makhadzi proved her star power hasn’t faded, winning Artist of the Year despite not releasing a new album since 2022.
OG rapper Emtee received the Best Produced Album award for DIY 3, sharing the moment with his sons Logan and Avery on stage.
Bassie’s Kwelanga 2.0 nakes a clean sweep
Rising Amapiano queen Bassie delivered a knockout performance and scooped up three awards:
- Best Amapiano Song
- Best Music Video
- Best Collaboration Song (all for Kwelanga 2.0)
She was joined on stage by collaborators M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza, and TmanXpress, cementing Kwelanga 2.0 as a national anthem.
Usimamane and K.O prove hip-hop is alive
Breakout rapper Usimamane won Best Male Artist for his debut album 20th: Days Before Maud, and he made the moment personal by sharing the stage with his mother.
K.O, repping Mpumalanga, picked up Best Hip Hop Song for Too Much, a collaboration with Nasty C and SkhandaWorld.
Rebecca Malope and TKZee honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards
The 2025 Metro FM Awards also paid tribute to legends. Gospel icon and fashion designer Dr Rebecca Malope was stunned into tears when surprised with the Lifetime Achievement Award after a powerful medley of her greatest hits.
Kwaito trailblazers TKZee were also honoured for their immense contribution to South African music culture.
2025 Metro FM Music Awards: full list of winners
Song of the Year:
Woodblock DJs – Skuta Baba
Best Female Artist:
Xolly Mncwango
Best Male Artist:
Usimamane
Artist of the Year:
Makhadzi
Best R&B Song:
Mawelele ft. Kwesta – All My Life
Best African Pop Song:
Mawelele & Naledi Aphiwe – Romeo and Juliet
Best Amapiano Song:
Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0
Best Music Video:
Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0
Best Collaboration Song:
Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0
Best Gospel Album:
Xolly Mncwango – Unusual
Best Produced Album:
Emtee – DIY 3
Best Hip Hop Song:
SkhandaWorld, K.O, Nasty C – Too Much
Best New Artist:
Neo Dube
Best Jazz Album:
Linda Sikhakhane – iLadi
Best Dance Song:
Chronical Deep, Lahleeza, Kabza De Small ft. Latique, Ezra – Hayi Baba
Best Kwaito/Gqom Song:
Mr Thela, Beast RSA, Mthandazi Gatya & Zanda Zakusa – Ekhaya
Best Viral Challenge:
Woodblock DJs – Skuta Baba
Best Styled Artist:
Mörda
Best Duo/Group:
Blaq Diamond
A night of style, sound & South African spirit
Hosted by Siyabonga Ngwekazi and Luthando Shosha, who stunned with multiple wardrobe changes, the night’s biggest highlight was the electric energy of performances by Black Motion, Bassie, Usimamane, K.O, and others.
Despite minor technical hiccups, the event left the crowd buzzing — a fitting celebration of the music and voices shaping Mzansi’s soundscape.
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