Metro FM Awards go down memory lane

Hailed as one of SA’s biggest music events, the Metro FM awards celebrated 20 years of South African music with the theme “20 years of beat”.

The awards, dedicated to the late Nelson Mandela, were arguably the most nostalgic and entertaining ever with performances from the crème de la crème of SA musicians.

Afro pop sensation Zahara didn’t walk away with any awards, but her moving tribute to Mandela alongside Winnie Khumalo had the crowd in tears.

Zahara took away three big accolades at the Metro FM awards two years ago, including the biggest award of the night – Song of The Year for Loliwe.

But this year, the remixers, Uhuru were the evening’s biggest winners bagging Song of The Year for their summer hit Y tjukutja as well as three awards for Mafikizolo’s Reunited which the group produced.

Mafikizolo’s comeback last year was epic. After five years away from the music industry, the afro pop group took away Best Produced Album, Best African Pop Album and Best Duo.

The group’s performance also included some of their best songs since they came into the industry more than a decade ago.

Other memorable performan-ces included Mandoza’s Nkalatha, Ishmael’s Waar Was Jy and Zola featuring Unathi’s Sana Lwami.

House band Micasa didn’t receive any awards, but delivered a sterling performance of Bongo Maffin’s Thathi Sgubhu.

Producers Oskido and Robbie Malinga received the lifetime achievement awards. Oskido’s record label, Kalawa Jazmee, is one of SA’s oldest labels, producing the likes of Spikiri, Bongo Maffin, Mafikizolo, Thebe and many more.

Malinga has shaped the careers of kwaito heavyweights like the late Brown Dash, Arthur Mafokate and Mzekezeke.

In the rap categories, Kwesta took the Best Hip Hop Album award and Khuli Chana took Best Single and Best Music Video for Mnatebawen.