MLFM awards best Xitsonga musicians

Several artists in the music industry received awards during the 12th edition of Munghana Lonene FM's Xitsonga Music Awards at the Nkowankowa Stadium last Saturday.

The awards and cash prizes were awarded to deserving artists who demonstrated excellence and dedication in the industry.

The awards started with a special event at Karibu Leisure Resort on Friday. The radio station presented three special awards to the late GT Chauke, Dwaro Rocks and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse. “The three artists were presented with a posthumous award, the Living Legends award and the Companion of Xitsonga music awards respectively,” said Munghana Lonene FM's station manager, Mr James Shikwambana.

During the Friday event, a well-known artist, Doctor Sithole, thrilled the audience by playing the music of the recipients of the special awards.

A veteran singer, Joe Shirimane, made history by walking away with the Dr Thomas Chauke Artist of the year award, which includes a R60 000 cash prize. “The winners in 10 categories walked home with cash prizes of R12 000 each,” Shikwambana said. The "Song of the year award" was won by Colonel Mhlongo, who received R20 000 cash.”

The list of the winners in different categories is as follows: Brian Bomba (best Xitsonga newcomer), Joseph Baloyi (best Xitsonga gospel – Ribye Ra Vuchabelo), Colonel Mhlongo (best Xitsonga disco – Mhani ntsongo), Zozo (Mindzhumba ya Afrika – Tsatsawani), Mocah ft. Mcbone (best Xitsonga RnB/hip hop – Khinyaveza), Limpopo Roots (best Xitsonga house song – Mali ya mina), Mapelle na Nurse (best Xitsonga duo), Madya Kubomba ft. Joe Shirimane (best Xitsonga collaboration – Khefu), Doctor Sithole (best male artist), Sunglen (best female artist), and Joe Shirimane (Dr Thomas Chauke artist of the year ).

“The staff at Munghana Lonene FM are very excited to see how the awards are growing,” said Shikwambana. “The journey began in 2002 with only three categories and today we are standing at 12. We would like to thank our listeners for their unwavering support by making sure that they bought tickets. We will continue to inject new innovations and new ideas to make these awards more and more exciting.”

Ali "Mocah" Mokgalaka, who believes that music should be used to teach and entertain, said: “This award has encouraged me to start working harder.”

The awards presentation was followed by a big music festival which featured the cream of South African music, such as Mafikizolo, Sipho Makhabane, Colbert Mukwevho, Ihashi Elimhlophe, Joe Shirimane na Vana va Ndoda, Penny Penny, Brian Bomba, Benny Mayengane, Limpopo Roots, Clive S, Candy N’wa Yingwani, DJ Gammi, and Mapele na Nurse. “The line-up also featured the station’s popular presenter, Mchangaan, DJ Brian and producer Magubane Da Franchize,” said the station's marketing manager, Ms Vongi Nkanyane.

Entertainment - Date: 13 November 2014

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