Alexandra’s up-and-coming amapiano Xitsonga and hip-hop artist Muhluri Mabaza was recognised as the Hip Hop Best Newcomer at the KwaZulu-Natal Namuhla Artists Awards for 2023.
Mabaza is popularly known in the music industry as Victor Matoto.
The awards are the brainchild of KZN Namuhla Community Newspaper whose mandate is to honour up-and-coming music artists in the province and beyond during Heritage Month.
The event took place on September 24 at the Bat Centre in Durban. There were more than 45 artists taking part, including non-profit organisations, people living with disabilities and radio stations who were nominated to compete via SMS votes in this event which attracted 350 guests.
This year saw the participation of artists from other provinces such as Gauteng and Eastern Cape. These were Pat Nkonyeni, who won the Best Female Solo Artist; Thambo Lentliziyo won Best Poet; Siyanda Magqabi won Gospel Song of the Year along with Philisiwe Madikizela; and Busiswa won Gospel Best Newcomer.
The young up-and-coming Maskandi artist from KwaZulu-Natal, Sphesihle Mthembu, better known as Ibhunu Leplazi, scooped four trophies for Afro Pop Best New Comer, Best Maskandi Group, Best Male Maskandi Musician, and Best Song of the Year.
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