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 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