Urban Music Awards South Africa 2025 Celebrates Two Decades of Musical Excellence with Star-Studded Night in Pretoria

Pretoria, South Africa – 5th May 2025 — The iconic Urban Music Awards marked its 20th anniversary in grand style last night at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, delivering a sold-out celebration of South Africa's finest musical talents, unforgettable performances, and heartfelt tributes to some of the industry's most enduring legends. Hosted by Jordan Kensington and co-host Lucky, the live-streamed event on VooVix TV and YouTube drew millions of viewers both in person and online, setting a new benchmark for African music award shows. The evening opened with a powerful rendition of the National Anthem followed by a prayer, setting a reverent and uplifting tone. Guests were then welcomed to the UMA Icons segment, honouring trailblazers who've shaped South Africa's music scene for generations. This year's UMA Icons included: - Letta Mbulu - DJ Ready D - Zola 7 - ProVerb - Zonke - Boom Shaka - Spikiri The icons were interviewed live on stage and honoured with career retrospectives in front of a roaring audience. In a night brimming with talent, highlights included standout performances from Noluthando Ngema, DJ Buckz, Daniel Lyonga & Dr. Victor, Mawelele, 25K, Mthunzi, Woodblock DJs, and viral sensation S.N.E, who performed their hit "Tshwala Bami" and closed the night with "Zulu." UMA Icon Spikiri also delivered a legendary performance. ## UMA 2025 Winners List **Artist of the Year (South Africa):** Priddy Ugly **Best Male Act (South Africa):** Mthunzi **Best Female Act (South Africa)** (sponsored by Playgirl): Kamo Mphela **Best Newcomer:** Mawelele **Best Group (South Africa):** Mellow & Sleazy **Best Live Performance:** Makhadzi **Best Collaboration:** Woodblock DJs feat. Buzzi Lee, Kane Keid, Cassper Nyovest and all – "Skuta Baba" **Best Album (South Africa):** 25K – "Loyal to the Plug" **Best Amapiano Act:** DJ Maphorisa **Best Hip-Hop Act (South Africa):** Priddy Ugly **Best Gqom Act:** Dlala Thukzin **Best Afro-Pop Act:** Blaq Diamond **Best House Music Act:** Black Coffee **Best R&B Act (South Africa):** Langa Mavuso **Best Jazz Act (South Africa):** Simphiwe Dana **Best Gospel Act (South Africa):** Soweto Gospel Choir **Best Maskandi Act:** uGatsheni **Best Reggae & Dancehall Act:** Nkulee Dube **Best Producer (South Africa):** Dlala Thukzin **Best DJ (South Africa):** Uncle Waffles **Best Music Video (South Africa):** Kamo Mphela, Khalil Harrison & Tyler ICU – "Dalie" Ft. Baby S.O.N **Best Live Performance (South Africa):** Kamo Mphela **Best Radio Station (South Africa):** Metro FM **Best Music Television Show:** Mzansi House Countdown (Mzansi Magic) **Best Online Music Platform (South Africa):** SlikourOnlife **Best Viral Breakthrough Song (South Africa):** Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego – "Biri Marung" **International Artist of the Year (Africa):** Davido (Nigeria) **Best Radio Show (South Africa):** The Midday Link-up (Metro FM) **Best International Collaboration (South Africa x Global):** TitoM & Yuppe & Burna Boy – 'Tshwala Bam' (Remix) [Ft. S.N.E] (South Africa/Nigeria) The event also featured live interviews, red carpet arrivals, sponsor showcases from Vita24, Republic Africa, Capital Radio South Africa, and DeChavel, as well as technical production led by STIR Collective. The 20th Anniversary of the Urban Music Awards South Africa was not only a tribute to history but a launchpad for future legends. Organisers confirmed plans to expand the UMA into new African territories in 2026, setting the stage for a new generation of talent to rise. For media inquiries, winner interviews, or official photos: press@urbanmusicawards.net www.urbanmusicawards.net