Ukhozi FM 2023 Song of the Year Winner Booed Off Stage in Richards Bay
In an unexpected turn of events, Maskandi artist Khuzani “Indlamlenze” Mpungose was booed on stage and had objects at him while performing his song “Umjolo Lowo” which was crowned Ukhozi FM 2023 Song of the Year on New Year’s Eve.
The incident, captured on camera, unfolded at the Umhlathuze Sports Complex in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
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Contrast of Celebrations and Displeasure
Despite winning Ukhozi FM’s 2023 Song of the Year, Mpungose found himself booed off stage, with the crowd awkwardly ignoring his attempts to get them to sing along. What was supposed to be a celebratory crossover party turned into a disappointing affair.
As Ukhozi FM DJ Tshatha Ngobe announced Mpungose’s victory, festival-goers expressed their displeasure, shouting and yelling. Fortunately, no one was injured during the onstage disruption. Mayor Thami Ntuli of King Cetshwayo and Mayor Xolani Ngwezi of Umhlathuze, along with DJ Tshatha Ngobe, worked to prevent the situation from escalating.
How Ukhozi FM 2023 Song of the Year Winner Won
It became evident that many in the audience had hoped for Thukzin’s “iPlan” or Mthandeni “Igcokama Elisha” Manqele’s “Paris” to win. Ukhozi FM DJs Mroza Buthelezi and Selbeyonce Mkhize revealed on air that Mpungose received the highest number of votes, totalling 993,667, with Mthandeni securing 746,338 votes and Thukzin in third place with 90,422 votes.
Mpungose expressed gratitude to his supporters, the “Blue Nation,” for their overwhelming votes. However, his victory sparked division among music enthusiasts, with some suspecting foul play in the voting process. Ukhozi FM faced criticism on social media, making it the least favoured radio station currently.
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SABC Assurance and Voting Process Scrutiny
Two days before the SABC Radio stations conducted the Song of the Year competition, the public broadcaster affirmed its support for stations nationwide amid submission controversies. It assured the public and stakeholders that the Song of the Year campaigns on all participating radio stations adhered to strict criteria and processes, with robust measures in place for vote counting and winner announcements.
Ukhozi FM, in particular, faced scrutiny, with some artists even threatening to boycott future participation if a Maskandi song continued to dominate the competition.
Witness the Onstage Drama; Ukhozi FM 2023 Song of the Year Winner Booed on Stage
You can view the moment the Ukhozi FM Song of the Year 2023 winner was booed off stage below:
🔴Khuzani Booed On Stage After #SongOfTheYear2023 Drama🔴
Entertainment 🎸- Maskandi artist Khuzani was yesterday booed on stage by angry fans after the #SongOfTheYear2023 announcement by Ukhozi FM. This happened at the Fact Durban Rocks concert.
📹- Video Supplied pic.twitter.com/zvAigQ5INr
— The Insight Factor (@insightfactor) January 1, 2024