News24 | Vocal royalty Bassie dominates star-studded 2025 Metro FM Music Awards

Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger & Amaza ft LeeMcKrazy & TmanXpress win for Kwelanga. (X/metrofmsa)

• Sultry singer Bassie dominated this year's Metro FM Music Awards, scooping three impressive awards, including Best Music Video and Best Amapiano Song.
• The night's other big winners included Woodblock DJs, Mawelele and Xolly Mncwango.
• This was the final year the awards were hosted in the province of the rising sun after a three-year deal with the Mpumalanga provincial government.

Mpumalanga's Mbombela Stadium was the pulsating centre of South African music on Saturday evening as it hosted the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards. The province came alive for a night brimming with glitz, glamour, and unforgettable moments – an anthem of celebration for the nation's top musical talent.

At the heart of it all was sultry vocalist Bassie, who cemented her place as one of the night's biggest winners by bagging three impressive awards. She won Best Music Video, Best Collaboration Song, and Best Amapiano Song for her chart-dominating hit, Kwelanga 2.0.

Hometown heroes Woodblock DJs, a rising sensation, followed closely behind with two awards in the Best Viral Challenge and Song of the Year categories. Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Mawelele matched their tally, and gospel powerhouse Xolly Mncwango also won two awards for her soul-stirring contributions to the genre.

International superstar Makhadzi, although not present, secured the coveted Artist of the Year honour, proving her enduring impact on the global stage. Mpumalanga native K.O. clinched the Best Hip-Hop Song award for his collaborative hit Too Much, featuring Nasty C.

While the night celebrated achievements, it was equally defined by stellar live performances. Bassie delivered a show-stopping act, joined by the electrifying rhythms of Black Motion, K.O., and several others, who kept the audience on their feet.

As the festivities progressed, the event showcased its improved organisation compared to previous years. However, a handful of technical hiccups served as a gentle reminder that no production exists without its imperfections.

Still, the magic of the night outshone any glitches, leaving fans and artists alike reminiscing about a glittering evening that truly celebrated South African music's finest.

See the full list of winners here:

Best Female Artist

Xolly Mncwango

Best RnB Song

Mawelele & Kwela – All My Life

Best Dance Song: 

Chronical Deep, Lahleeza, Kabza De Small ft. Latique, Ezra – Hayi Baba

Best Styled Artist:

Morda

Best Kwaito/Gqom Song:

Mr Thela, Beast RSA, Mthandazi Gatya & Zanda Zakusa – Ekhaya

Best Jazz Album:

Linda Sikhakhane – iLadi

Best Music Video:

Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0

Best Viral Challenge:

Woodblock DJs – Mvelost: Sest Off; Somololo – Skuta Baba

Best Produced Album:

Emtee – DIY 3

Best New Artist:

Neo Dube

Best Collaboration Song:

Bassie, M-Touch, Range, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0

Artist of the Year:

Makhadzi

Best Amapiano Song:

Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0

Best Hip Hop Song:

SKHANDAWORLD, K.O & Nasty C – Too Much

Best Duo/Group:

Blaq Diamond

Best African Pop Song:

Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele – Romeo & Juliet

Best Gospel Album:

Xolly Mncwango – Unusual

Best Male Artist:

Usimamane

Lifetime Achievement Awards: 

Rebecca Malope and TKZee