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Johannesburg - It is maskandi versus gqom songs fighting for the SABC’s summer song of the year.
Another KwaZulu-Natal maskandi star could once again outshine popular musicians this year. Listeners have so far voted in large numbers for the 29-year-old Mthandeni “Igcokama Elisha” Manqele’s hit Intombi Yomlungu (Jessica).
Listen to that song here:
Durban maskandi artist Mroza Fakude, walked away with a R150 000 cash prize and a Kia Picanto for his hit song Van Damme last year.
Manqele, an independent artist from Mtubatuba, said he was confident he would take the crown.
“I have no doubt that I’m going to make my province proud,” he told City Press this week.
The aim of the award is to keep people dancing to the most popular song of the year. But there’s always an outcry on social media when some of the songs don’t make it.
The public who listen to SABC’s 18 radio stations vote for the winner. The song must be popular on at least five radio stations, but it must also have the majority votes to be the song of the year.
Ezendidane maskandi group song Game Over holds the second spot. It is followed by Durban’s Distruction Boyz in third place. Their smash gqom hit called Omunye might give Manqele a hard time as it has been popular at most music festivals and clubs in urban areas.
Watch the video for Omunye here:
The leading top three candidates are from KwaZulu-Natal.
The competition has not seen a female singer crowned a winner since it started two years ago. But Nigerian vocalist Niniola’s popular song Maradona made it to the top 10 this year.
The first winner was Nathi Mankayi for his hit Nomvula followed by Fakude’s Van Damme last year.
Other hit songs in the top 10 include Akanamali (by Sun-EL featuring Something Soweto), Spirit (Kwesta), O e batla kae? (De mogul), Be Careful (Double Trouble featuring Muungu Africa), Malume (Tira) and Love Portion (Mafikizolo).
Owen Ndlovu, the founder of the competition, said this year was the first time the competition was including the number one songs from all SABC’s 18 radio stations.
Each number one song from each radio station will receive R10 000. The overall winner will pocket a R150 000 cash prize and a Kia Picanto car worth R150000, Ndlovu said.
The winning song will be announced live on New Year’s Day on SABC 1 at 00:10. It will also be played on all SABC radio stations simultaneously.
Which song do you think should be the SABC’s summer song of the year from this top ten already selected by listeners?
SMS us on 35697 using the keyword SONG and tell us what you think. Please include your name and province. SMSes cost R1.50
