The star-studded Metro FM Music Awards returned to honour musicians for their contribution to the industry over the past year. In addition, the prestigious ceremony boosted Mpumalanga’s economy and tourism sector.
The Mpumalanga premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, said, “We pride ourselves as a province with a good track record of hosting successful events, based on the 2010 Soccer World Cup experience. In recent times, we hosted major events, which attracted many people, among them, the Cultural Experience and soccer matches. Such experiences are a blueprint to guide the province in hosting the awards.”
She added that Mpumalanga will host the awards for the next three years, as part of the efforts to bolster tourism and heighten the focus on the arts and creative industry.
The MEC for finance, economic development and tourism, Nompumelelo Hlophe, said the awards boosted the economy and the tourism industry.
Thousands of people, also from eSwatini and Mozambique, visited the province to attend the awards on Saturday May 6.
She said most accommodation establishments in and around Mbombela were fully booked.
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SABC’s radio group executive, Nada Wotshela, said, “We are truly delighted with the success of the Metro FM Music Awards 2023, which has cemented its place as the biggest and most prestigious music award ceremony on the South African entertainment calendar.
“We are really excited to have partnered with Mpumalanga for this year’s awards. We are confident that this highly regarded event has benefited the music industry and promoted tourism in the province at the same time.”
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One of the highlights was the announcement of the Metro FM Lifetime Achievement Award being renamed to the Dr Esther Mahlangu Award to honour the Mpumalanga and Ndebele artist, Dr Esther Mahlangu. Music duo Mafikizolo received this prestigious prize.
The Mbombela’s favourite pair, Phumla Music and Passion Master, graced the main stage as one of the closing acts.
