Song of The Year: 'All these years been defending Ukhozi FM, this year I can't'

JOHANNESBURG – Ukhozi FM’s Song of the Year has once again raised furore among listeners and music fans alike.

This after Maskandi musician, Khuzani feat Luve's Umjolo Lowo ushered Ukhozi FM listeners into 2024.

He received the lion’s share of the votes at nearly 1 million, followed by Mthandeni feat Lwah's Paris at more than 700,000 votes, while popular Dlala Thukzin ft Zaba & Skyes _iPlan _ended up in third place with a meagre 90,422 votes.

While some say this was a simple voting matter, others have decried the station’s voting system together with the Top 10 selection method, with one social media user saying “people voted for Khuzani, not the song”, and others bemoaning how popular Mnike didn’t make the Top 10.

In 2021, the station - which is the largest in South Africa again received backlash when newcomer DJ Hlo's _Isibani _won Song of The Year.

And recently, in a statement responding to allegations made against Ukhozi FM's business manager, the station assured listeners that “song of the year campaigns are subject to stringent criteria setting processes and Ukhozi FM is no exception”.

However, a number of people as expressed on social media are not convinced, and say the station may need to revise its approach to the popular and iconic segment if it's to retain its once-perceived integrity.

In true showmanship, however, Dlala Thukzin sent a hearty congrats to Khuzani Mpungose at his win.