“It’s about time you listened to Boom Shaka…”
If you grew up in SA in the 90s, you’d recognise that ditty. The iconic kwaito group Boom Shaka made waves with the track back in the day, and the band was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Metro FM Music Awards (MMAs) in Mpumalanga over the weekend.
Their reunion performance had everyone in their retro feels, especially when group member Thembi Seete recalled performing with the late Lebo Mathosa, a founding member of Boom Shaka who died in a car accident in 2006.
Grammy award-winner Tyla, who we told you about last week, was the most nominated person at this year’s MMAs, with six nominations, winning one: the Global Icon award.
Veteran artist DJ Oskido, who has been in the industry for over 25 years, was also honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
It was a fitting tribute to the founders of proudly local genres that have rocked the world and inspired artists like Beyonce, Drake and more.
Oskido:
🔹 First popularised the Kwaito genre of music outside of SA’s townships
🔹 Was central to the rise of Afro-house and
🔹 Opened doors for the comparatively new amapiano genre that Tyla has made palatable for a Western, pop-centred audience.
“This award is not just for me,” said Oskido. “It’s for everyone who has been part of this incredible journey, from kwaito to house, amapiano, and the entire explosion of South African music that has captivated the world.”
TitoM and Yuppe won the Best Viral Challenge for their song Tshwala Bam. The song sparked a global dancing challenge, including by celebrities like Jason Derulo. So, it’s about time you listened to SA’s winning beats. Everyone else is. 😉
