The Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards (MKHMA) held their third annual music ceremony on the 24th of November at the Big Top Arena in Carnival City.
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Devastating news rocked the awards when radio and TV personality, Bonginkosi “Zola” Dlamini pulled out as the host for the awards in 2018; the organisers had to soldier on to find a replace for the self-funded music awards show. The number 1 knox man, Sibusiso “DJ Sbu” Leope was the host for the awards on the night and contributed to the success of the show, despite the challenges artist’s faced, we continue to celebrate and honour Kwaito and House musicians in South Africa.
The lovely Mpho Tshabalala, wife of late Kwaito artist Mandoza, was in attendance and could not believe it when she received an award in the Best Kwaito Song of 1996-2000 for Mandoza’s hit song Nkalankatha. The Best Gqom Artist category was included in 2018 and the first artist to walk away with this award was Zinhle Ngidi who also contributed on the vocals of Shumaya. Busiswa walked away with the Best House Artist award as well as the Best House Single Album for her 2018 hit song, Bazoyenza. She also took to the stage with her dancers to excite the crowd with their dance moves as she performed her popular tracks to a roaring crowd.
2018 nominees, Trompies and Mshoza would have stolen the show with their electric performances on the night but the crowd were unable to contain themselves when MKHMA CEO, Ms Perfecta Khumalo and Mr Hlaudi Motsoeneng stole the show when they came on stage to award Doc Shebeleza with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Kwaito and the music industry in its entirety. Mr Motsoeneng went on to say that he would have pushed for the 3rd annual Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards to be broadcast live on TV had he still been at the SABC.
“It has been a very long year for us and we have faced many difficult challenges these past few months but because of the support and encouragement from our fans and the public at large.” Says MKHMA Public Relations Officer, Mondli Mlauza. “On behalf of the MKHMA team, we would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the awards. Special mention also goes out to all our sponsors and partners for believing in local talent and supporting the awards” He adds.
The full lists of winners are as follows:
Best Kwaito Artist: Drencko -Jaiva ngespoti
Best Kwaito DJ: DJ Puggy
Best New Kwaito Artist: Ak4Fellas – My Life
Best Kwaito Single – Paul Kulcha (Brown Dash)
Best Kwaito Radio Personality: Ona Leburu – NWU FM
Best House Artist: Busiswa
Best House DJ: Prince Kaybee
Best New House Artist: Siyafield – Vosho Ngekhanda
Best House Single Album: Busiswa – Bazoyenza
Best House Radio Personality: DJ Finzo – Lesedi FM
Most Voted Song: DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tira, Moonchild Sanelly and Busiswa – Midnight Starring
Best Collaboration: L’vovo ft Mampintsha -Next Better Man
Radio Station that plays Kwaito: Alex FM
Best Music Video: Skhokho – Santaro
Best Producer: Spikiri
Best New Age Kwaito Song: Abofezela – Umsindo
Best Kwaito Song (1996 – 2000): Mandoza – Nkalankatha
Best Kwaito/Gqom Group or Duo: Soweto’s Finest
Best Mapantsula/Sibujwa Dance Group: Via Vyndals
Best Gqom Artist: Zinhle Ngidi
Image Courtesy: Supplied