The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) only Xitsonga radio station, Munghana Lonene hosted the 17th Xitsonga Music Awards (XMA17) ceremony on Saturday, 5 November. It was hosted at Nkowa-Nkowa Stadium in Tzaneen and were preceded by a Gala dinner.
2022 edition of Xitsonga Music Awards were themed “Vunanga ivutomi” (Music is Life).
The awards also celebrated artists, producers, songwriters, and cultural dancers who create music and art in Xitsonga.
XITSONGA MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS
Biggest winner of the night was Themba Nyathi in the Most Popular Song Category with his famous song ‘A kuna tlhari’. It garnered a lot of votes from the listeners he walked away with R30 000. Producer of the hit song Stanley Chiloane also won best Producer.
Public (listeners) voted for their favorite’s artists and songs, the winners walked away with statuettes and prize money ranging from R12 000 to R30 000.
The awards were heralded by a gala dinner on Friday, November 04, where the station also honored 5 Xitsonga Music legends were honored.
Patrick Nkuna and Peter Hlungwani were honored posthumously Vuyelwa, and Dr. Joe Shirimane was recognized as Living Legends and Jeff Maluleke was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement award.
After the awards, a music festival followed with artists such as Musa Keys, Joe Shirimani, Mr Bow, Dr Malinga, Mr Post who performed until Sunday morning.
Munghana Lonene FM Programmes Manager, Tebogo Magubane called on Xitsonga music creators to rally behind the initiative. He also highlighted that it should be seen as a lasting legacy that must be preserved for future generations.
“The aim of these awards is also to promote culture, heritage, language, and social cohesion through music and dance. We are delighted about the awards and are positive that they will indeed serve as a game changer by encouraging more artists to produce music in Xitsonga. Further recognize those who work tirelessly to promote the music,” said Magubane.
LIST OF XMA17 WINNERS:
- Best Xitsonga Newcomer Artist- Dr Sophie
2. Best Xitsonga Traditional Gospel Song- Bongi Matlhabane – A khensiwe
3. Best Xitsonga Praise and Worship Gospel Song- Dr Princess Janitor – Tshembela ka wena
4. Best Xitsonga Disco/Dance Song 2022- Daniel Brothers – Rirhandzu ra mali
5. Best Xitsonga Afro Pop/ R&B/ Song- Dolph – Nsati waka hina
6. Best Xitsonga Hip Hop Song- Simefree ft. Emtee – Ku katekisiwa
7. Best Xitsonga House Song – M.O.P ft Clive S – Khombo ra mina
8. Best Xitsonga Collaboration- Nomonde Ft. Mr Post Nilombi
9. Best Xitsonga Duo / Group- Hosi yo lungha na Xirhami Sisters
10. Best Xitsonga Female- Dr Sophy
11. Best Xitsonga Male Artist- Mr Post
12. Best Xitsonga Album. – Vele ra Xifambi – Oscar Makamu na Majuvani Sisters
13. Xitsonga Traditional Song. – Va ka Chavalala- Mshengu
14. Xitsonga Most Popular Song. – A ku na tlhar -Themba Nyathi
15. Best Xitsonga Producer – Stanley Chiloane for A ku na tlhari: Themba Nyathi
