Metro FM Music Awards 2004
14 Dec 2004 
PRESS RELEASE

METRO FM WINNERS

Durban was the place to be this weekend as the music industry, stars and groupies descended on the ICC for the 5 th annual Metro FM awards.

The VIPs and whos who in the front may have thought they were too cool to react, but the crowd in the bag we’re on their feet loving every moment that included metro FM’s KB as a presenter and performances that showed how broad the South African music scene is – from the likes of Mafikizolo, 340 ml, RJ Benjamin, Zubz, Pitch Black Afro, Amu Wikid and Selwyn, Mandoza, Godessa and Thandiswa Mazwai as well as presenting appearances by the likes of Spykos, Lebo Mathosa and Isidingo’s Meshak Mavuso...

Isidingo’s Hlubi Mboya committed the nights biggest blunder (that is after little known R&B group Culture Clan won an R&B award and their lead singer proceeded to thank every town except Durban and was booooed by the audience) when she wrongly announced that Mafikizolo were the winners of the Best group Award, as Mafikizolo walked up to the podium the sounds of Malaika's big hit ‘Destiny’ played (but it was quickly turned off) alerting the crowd to the fact that something was wrong. Anyway for some reason Malaika were not in Durban to pick up their award, but thanked the crowd via a recorded address.
Three acts led the list of winners by snagging two awards each. Malaika won the Best Group and Best African Pop categories while the guluva with a conscience, Zola won both Best Male and Best Album for Bambatha.

Mafikizolo score the Best Styled Artist/Group award after losing out to Malaika in the Best Group and Best African Pop categories.

TS Records celebrated big time, with a suited up Mzekezeke celebrating wildly when his stable mates brown dash and Ntando won. Brown Dash scored both Best Kwaito and Song of the Year with his hit single ‘Phansi komthunz’ we langa”. New kid on the block and Brown Dash’s stable mate Ntando won the Best Newcomer award.

The Best Female Vocalist award went to Thandiswa Mazwai whose debut solo album Zabalaza has earned her great respect in the industry both locally and internationally. Not only did Sunsilk sponsor this award, they also donated R10 000 to Thandiswa’s charity of choice.

Two surprise acts, Culture Clan and Fakaza won Best R&B and Best Gospel respectively. These newcomers were pitted against old favourites in both categories – TK and Loyiso in the R&B category and Rebecca Malope and Joyous Celebration in Gospel.

Best Hip Hop went to Pitch Black Afro who had been nominated in three categories. Thulani Ngcobo (a.k.a. Pitch Black Afro) has won the hearts of many fans with his eccentric lyrics and flow.

DJ twins Revolution walked away with Best Club DJ after last winning in the very same category in 2002. And of course the crowd were delighted when Durban boys Tira and Sox won Best Compilation with their hit album Durban’s Finest.

The Best Jazz award went to Themba Mkhize for his latest album Hands On. This composer, arranger, performer and producer is a former band member of both well-known local jazz bands Sakhile and Bayete.

The Metro Fm Awards, unlike the SAMAs, are voted for by the public. The only award to be selected by the Metro FM Music Awards Committee, the Metro FM Special Award went to ex-Sony Music Executive, Lindelani Mkhize. Mkhize is well known in the music industry for supporting local musicians and discovering and developing the likes of Joyous Celebration and Sliq Angel.

Lesley Ntloko Metro FM’s station manager said, “Lindelani Mkhize has made a great impact in various music genres in our country and Metro FM is proud to acknowledge his dedication to the local music industry by presenting him with the Special Award.”