Who will win? Ukhozi FM unveils Top 10 finalists for Song of the Year 2025

The much-anticipated December moment is here. Ukhozi FM has released the list of songs eligible for the Top 20 countdown, which will be broadcast before the new year begins.

Since 1995, Ukhozi FM has established the tradition of selecting the Song of the Year, playing it on New Year's Eve. This annual event builds excitement across Mzansi as listeners eagerly await the reveal of which artist's track will accompany them in the final moments before the countdown to the new year.

The rising prominence of Maskandi music in recent years has been accompanied by controversy and fierce disagreements among listeners. The radio station faces accusations of unfairly favouring Maskandi songs, with critics alleging the acceptance of bribes.

These claims often centre on rival artists Khuzani and Mthandeni, with Khuzani frequently cited as the main subject of the bribery allegations.

Consequently, Ukhozi FM has faced challenges in making the Song of the Year a universally accepted success. The announcement has consistently ignited a fierce rivalry, primarily a war between the Maskandi artists Khuzani and Mthandeni and their respective fan bases, making a peaceful reception of the winner difficult.

Mthandeni won the battle last year, along with Mawhoo, with the song Gucci, and Mzansi was satisfied with the outcome, as it was the Maskandi song by Mthandeni.

However, the station, before voting started this year, excluded Khuzani and Mthandeni from the competition, which means expectations for this year’s Song of the Year will be different and fair, according to fans.

Ukhozi FM introduced a new voting process this year, providing listeners with a top 20 list of songs. They were then asked to vote for their top ten favourites. Following the voting period, Ukhozi FM presenter Khathide ‘Tshatha’ Ngobe announced the listeners' chosen top ten songs on his afternoon drive show.

Voters can choose their favorite song from the top 10 listed below by sending an SMS with the word "INGOMA" followed by the corresponding letter (A-J) to 32253. Voting will close on December 31st at 12 PM.

The Top 10 Songs are:

• Song A: Mamma - Skillz ft Zee and Svkes
• Song B: Shela - Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle, Mano
• Song C: Mali - Zee Nxumalo & Dlala Thukzin
• Song D: uMa wengane - Jazzworx, Thukuthela
• Song E: Bengicela - MaWhoo ft GL_Ceeiav, Thukuthela and Jazzwrld
• Song F: Uyoncengwa Unyoko - Umafikizolo
• Song G: Isaka - Ciza ft. Jazzworx, Thukuthela
• Song H: Uyena - Sjava
• Song I: Order - Professor & Larny
• Song J: Awungazi - DJ Tira, Pcee & Campmasters ft General C'mamane

Despite some changes to the station's system, fans remain convinced that the Maskandi song "Uzoncengwa Unyoko" by Mafikizolo should be crowned Song of the Year.

IOL Entertainment