Urban Music Awards Celebrate 20th Anniversary

Urban Music Awards Celebrate 20th Anniversary – Founded in 2003 in the United Kingdom, the UMA rapidly expanded into the USA in 2007, the Caribbean in 2008, and Asia in 2009. Now, with a clear mission to elevate South African music, musicians, producers, DJs, and artists to the global stage, the Urban Music Awards South Africa (UMA SA) will debut on May 4, 2025, at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria.

Bringing South African Music to the World

South Africa has long been a hotbed of musical talent. The global rise of Amapiano has demonstrated the power of South African creativity, with artists like Tyla and DJs like Black Coffee pioneering the genre. Songs like “Jerusalema” by Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode have further solidified the country’s influence in the international music scene. UMA SA seeks to amplify this impact, offering a powerful platform for South African artists to gain international recognition.

Since 1998, the UMA Academy, which boasts over 3.9 million musicians and music fans worldwide, has been instrumental in supporting hip-hop, R&B, soul, gospel, jazz, dance, house, grime, and more. The Academy was the first to introduce a fan-driven voting system, replacing traditional judging panels and allowing music lovers to decide winners.

Urban Music Awards -A Global Stage for South African Artists

Founder & President of the Urban Music Awards, Jordan Kensington, commented: “The launch of UMA South Africa is more than an awards ceremony! It’s a movement to empower South African artists. Providing tools to brand, monetize, and transcend global audiences across Europe, Asia, North America, and the rest of Africa. South African music is vibrant, diverse, and influential. Now is the time for the world to truly embrace its talent.

The Urban Music Awards South Africa will be broadcast live to audiences worldwide via VooVix TV, a free-to-watch television streaming service with over 4.5 million subscribers. Viewers from South Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond will tune in to witness the biggest celebration of African music talent. As part of UMA SA, the South Africa’s Next Superstar competition will uncover the next big name in music, offering one rising star the chance to perform live at UMA SA on May 4, 2025. This initiative underscores UMA’s commitment to fostering new talent and opening doors for South African musicians on the global stage.

Official World Charts Expanding into South Africa

UMA SA will also mark the launch of the Official World Charts in South Africa, giving local artists a direct pipeline to release music and engage with a charting system that has been in existence since 1998. This expansion will allow South African artists to compete in the global music market and gain the recognition they deserve.

Cressida Oppenheimer, Head of Global Partnerships at UMA and Official World Charts, added: “We are thrilled to expand the Urban Music Awards and Official World Charts into South Africa. This expansion is a game-changer, offering South African artists an unparalleled opportunity to succeed on a global stage. Music tourism is a multi-billion-dollar industry, encompassing sales, concerts, tours, festivals, merchandise, and businesses, and our mission is to ensure South African music reaps the rewards worldwide.”

Public Voting is Now Open!

Fans now have the chance to vote for their favorite nominees!

• Voting is now live until midnight on May 2, 2025.
• To vote, users must register their profile on www.telephonos.com and follow the direct link: www.telephonos.com/umavoting
• The winners will be announced live at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria on May 4, 2025.

Urban Music Awards 2025 South Africa – Full Nominees List

Artist of the Year (South Africa)

Tyla

Kabza De Small

Lwah Ndlunkulu

Kelvin Momo

Priddy Ugly

Usimamane

Zee Nxumalo

KO

Best Male Act (South Africa)

Kabza De Small

Mthunzi

uGatsheni

Kelvin Momo

Blxckie

Usimamane

Scotts Maphuma

LeeMcKrazy

Cassper Nyovest

Oscar Mbo

Best Female Act (South Africa)

Tyla

Lwah Ndlunkulu

DJ Zinhle

Ami Faku

Makhadzi

Nkosazana Daughter

Uncle Waffles

Kamo Mphela

Boohle

Mawhoo

Babalwa M

Brenda Mtambo

Best Newcomer

Naledi Aphiwe

Lwah Ndlunkulu

Scotts Maphuma

Mawelele

Joliza

Neo Dube

Tony Dayimane

Usimamane

Dee Koala

LaTique

LeeMcKrazy

Best Group (South Africa)

Mellow & Sleezy

Artwork Sounds

Black Motion

Shakes & Les

Justin 99 & PC

Major League

Skorpion Kings

Joyous Celebration

Shakes & Les

Die Antwoord

Best Collaboration

Mellow & Sleazy, Sjavas De Deejay, TitoM– “Imnadi lento”

Die Piesangskille and Johan Balt – “Almal Gly”

Tyla feat. DJ Lag & Kooldrink – “Overdue”

Makhadzi & Master KG – “Kulakwe”

Elaine & Blxckie – “Loving You”

KO & Nasty C – “Too much”“

Woodblocks Djs [feat. Buzzi Lee, Kane Keid, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Tony Dayimane, Mvelost, Set Off & Somololo] – “Skuta Baba” (Remix)

Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego – “Biri Marung” ft DJ Maphorisa,Focalistic & Scotts Maphuma

Scotts Maphuma, Felo Le Tee, Thabza Tee – “Yebo Lapho”

Best Album (South Africa)

Kabza De Small & Mthunzi – “Isimo”

De Mthuda – “Baba Yaga”

Daliwonga – “Dali Dali”

Kelvin Momo – “Kurhula”

Tyla – “Tyla”

Brenda Mtambo – “Sane”

Morda’s – “Crazy”

Priddy Ugly – “Dust”

Sjava – “Isbuko”

25k – “Loyal to the Plug”

AKA – “Mass Country”

Best Amapiano Act

Kabza De Small

Kelvin Momo

De Mthuda

DJ Maphorisa

Aymos

Felo Le Tee

LeeMcKrazy

Scotts Maphuma

Uncle Waffles

Babalwa M

Tyler ICU

Zee Nxumalo

Best Hip-Hop Act (South Africa)

Nasty C

A-Reece

Cassper Nyovest

Blxckie

Kwesta

Usimamane

Maglera

Doe Boy

Priddy Ugly

Yanga Chief

K.O

Best Gqom Act

Mr Thela

DJ Lag

RudeBoyz

TNS

Dladla Mshunqisi

Dlala Thukzin

Goldmax

DJ Tira

Bhuda M

Sparks Bantwana

Best Afro-Pop Act

Lwah Ndlunkulu

Blaq Diamond

Big Zulu

Aubrey

Ntate Stunna

Vusi Nova

Sjava

Simmy

Sun-El Musician

Kelly Khumalo

Best House Music Act

Black Coffee

DJ Zinhle

Culoe De Song

Euphonik

Heavy K

Shimza

Prince Kaybee

Da Capo

Dj Jaivane

Best R&B Act (South Africa)

Elaine

Lloyiso

Ricky Tyler

Jesse Clegg

Rowlene

Shekhinah

Tellaman

Langa Mavuso

Brenden Praise

Vusi Nova

Best Jazz Act (South Africa)

Judith Sephuma

Marcus Wyatt

Rorisang Sechele

Nick Ford

Simphiwe Dana

Lucas Senyatso

Siyabonga Mthethwa

Thandeka Dladla

Nduduzo Makhathini

Best Gospel Act (South Africa)

Joyous Celebration

Benjamin Dube

Dr Tumi

Ntokozo Mbambo

Lebo Sekgobela

Soweto Gospel Choir

Dumi Mkokstad

Mahalia Buchanan

Khaya Mthethwa

Nqubeko Mbatha

Ayanda Ntenzi

Dube Brothers

Mmatema

Spirit Of Praise

Best Maskandi Act

Mthandeni SK

Izingane Zoma

Khuthuza

Ntencane

Mjolisi

uGatsheni

Menzi Music

Bahubhe

Zwide

Umafikizolo

Best Reggae & Dancehall Act

The Rudimentals

Tidal Waves

Jah Seed

Black Dillinger

Nkulee Dube

Azania Band

Ras Dumisani

Performance & Production Categories

Best Producer (South Africa)

DJ Maphorisa

Kabza De Small

Sun-El Musician

Master KG

Vigro Deep

Kelvin Momo

TitoM and Yuppe

Tyler ICU

Dlala Thukzin

Nqubeko Mbatha

Best DJ (South Africa)

Black Coffee

DJ Zinhle

Lamiez Holworthy

ShimzaDJ

TiraDJ

Maphorisa

Tyler ICU

Vigro Deep

DJ Euphonik

Uncle Waffles

Best Music Video (South Africa)

Kamo Mphela, Khalil Harrison & Tyler ICU – “Dalie” Ft. Baby S.O.N

TXC & Davido – “Yebo” ft. Tony Duardo & LeeMckrazy & DJ Biza

Wanitwa Mos, Master KG, Nkosazana Daughter – “Keneilwe” ft. Dalom Kids

K.O – “Let Me Cook” ft. Maglera Doe Boy

Tyler ICU – “Ebasini” ft. Leemckrazy, Tman Xpress, Ceeka RSA, Visca, AL Xapo, Sjavas DaDeejay

Mr JazziQ x Vigro Deep – “Fede”

Vigro Deep, DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small ft. Focalistic, Scotts Maphuma – “A-Z (Yashi Moto)”

Nasty C & @audiomarcdj – “For Certain”

Usimamane & Rick Ross – “Dangerous II”

Dee Koala – “Gwan” ft. Maglera Doe Boy

Priddy Ugly & Maglera Doe Boy ft. MashBeatz – NTJA’KA

DJ Maphorisa, XDuppy, Sean1401 – “Ngibolekeni” ft. Leemckrazy, Scotts Maphuma, Blxckie, Pcee, Kabelo Sings

Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq – “Wadibusa” ft. Ohp Sage & Pcee

Tyla, Sean Paul – “PUSH 2 START” (REMIX)

TitoM & Yuppe – Tshwala Bam Ft. S.N.E & EeQue

Best Live Performance (South Africa)

Cassper Nyovest

Makhadzi

Sjava

Ami Faku

Justin 99 & Pcee

Uncle Waffles

Kamo Mphela

Priddy Ugly

Maglera Doe Boy

Zee Nxumalo

Busiswa Toss

Media & Digital Categories (South Africa)

Best Radio Station (South Africa)

Metro FM

5FM

Ukhozi FM

YFM

Gagasi FM

Kaya FM

Capricorn FM

Power FM

Good Hope FM

Jozi FM

Best Music Television Show

MTV Inside Life (MTV Base)

SA Hits Countdown (MTV Base)

Massive Music (Channel O)

Channel O Top 30 (Channel O)

JR’s Feel-Good Live Sessions (SABC 1)

Gospel Unplugged (SABC 1)

Connect (SABC 1)

LunchTime Vibes (SABC1)

Video Wall (eTV)

Yash’ingoma (Mzansi Magic)

Mzansi House Countdown (Mzansi Magic)

Best Online Music Platform (South Africa)

SlikourOnlife

Spotify (South Africa)

YouTube Music (South Africa)

Audiomack

Apple Music (South Africa)

TIDAL

Deezer

Soundcloud (South Africa)

Amazon Music

Shazam (South Africa)

Best Viral Breakthrough Song (South Africa)

Uncle Waffles – “Tanzania”Young Stunna – “Adiwele”

TitoM & Yuppe – “Tshwala Bam”

Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego – “Biri Marung” ft. DJ Maphorisa, Focalistic & Scotts Maphuma

Blxckie – “David”

Tyla – “Water”

Dlala Thukzin – “Sohlala Sonke”

Uncle Waffles – “Wadibusa”

K.O – “SETE”

International Artist of the Year (Africa)

Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Wizkid (Nigeria)

Davido (Nigeria)

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Tems (Nigeria)

Fally Ipupa (DRC)

Sarkodie (Ghana)

Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

Sauti Sol (Kenya)

Omah Lay (Nigeria)

Tyla (South Africa)

Uncle Waffles (South Africa)

Best Radio Show (South Africa)

The Touchdown with Tbo Touch (Metro FM)

The Roger Goode Show (5FM)

The Midday Link-up (Metro FM)

Woza Nabangani Bakho (Ukhozi FM)

The Big Breakfast Show (Radio 2000)

The Kaya Countdown (Kaya 959)

The Eskhaleni Party (Radio 2000)

The Great Drive with Kyeezi (Good Hope FM)

5 Hip Hop Nights (5FM)

947 Drive with Thando (947)

Home Run with Ayanda MVP (YFM)

Best International Collaboration (South Africa x Global)

Tamsir & Team Paiya – ‘Coup du Marteau’ (Ivory Coast)

Tyla & Tems – “No.1”

TitoM & Yuppe & Burna Boy – ‘Tshwala Bam’ (Remix) [Ft. S.N.E] (South Africa/Nigeria)

Usimamane Ft. Rick Ross – “Dangerous”

Kocee ft. Patoranking – ‘Credit Alert (Cameroon/Nigeria)

“Continental” by King Promise ft. Shallipopi

One Call by Spinall ft. Tyla and Omah Lay

Active by Asake ft. Travis Scott

Asake & Wizkid – ‘MMS’ (Nigeria)

Rema & Shallipopi – ‘Benin Boys’ (Nigeria)