The Xitsonga Music Awards a thrilling affair

The festivities, hosted by Munghana Lonene FM, began on Friday evening with a gala dinner at the Nkowankowa Sports Complex Centre. Doctor Sithole received a Lifetime Achievement Award and took home a R20 000 cheque. Welcome ‘Pensele’ Lubisi and Florah Chauke, both received a Living Legend Award. Mzamani Richard Macheke and Jay Hlungwani were awarded the Posthumus Award, which was received by their family members.

The gala dinner was attended by musicians, political and traditional leaders and other stakeholders including MEC for Agriculture, Thabo Mokone, MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Nkakareng Rakgoale, MEC for Cooperate Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu and Thabo Maunatla, representing the Greater Tzaneen Municipality’s (GTM) mayor. On Saturday, at the main award ceremony, the duo group, Wayne and Tango, won three awards, Most Popular Song of the Year, Best House Award, and Best Producer of the Year for their hit song, Ahi tivaneni.

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Wayne told the Herald that they are grateful to God, the radio station, and their fans. Last year’s biggest winner Themba Nyathi, also bagged the Best Xitsonga Gospel Song. Some of the other winners included the Daniel Brothers, who walked away with two awards, the Best Xitsonga Duo/Group and Best Xitsonga Disco Award. The line-up at the festival that followed was filled with great artists such as Queen of Limpopo, Makhadzi, Dr Thomas Chauke, Shongi, Mr Post, Cool B, and DJ Mufudhisi among others.

The festival was concluded by King Monada who went on stage around 05:50 to entertain his fans who waited the whole night for his performance. This year’s edition was praised for the good lineup and good security. The number of attendees was tripled from last year. The radio station and Greater Tzaneen Municipality have a three-year agreement to host the event at Nkowankowa Stadium.