Maphorisa Expresses Frustration Over Lack of Metro FM Music Awards Recognition

While many artists were basking in the spotlight at the Metro FM Music Awards on Saturday, 3 May, amapiano giant Maphorisa was left disheartened after walking away empty-handed despite his hit song, Biri Marung, being nominated for multiple awards.

The 37-year-old DJ, whose real name is Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, took to his Instagram Live to share his frustrations over the results. “This is why I don’t want these things. I don’t entertain them and post anything,” he said, referring to his decision not to actively campaign for votes during the awards process.

A Snub for Biri Marung

Biri Marung, the track Maphorisa was featured on, was nominated for three categories at the prestigious event, including Song of the Year and Viral Challenge. However, despite the song’s popularity and massive streams, it failed to win a single award. This led Maphorisa to question the fairness of the awards system.

“I don’t know how this committee of theirs think or decide,” Maphorisa expressed, citing the song’s dominance in streams alongside tracks like Mthandazo. He felt that the failure to award Biri Marung was a testament to the questionable practices of the Metro FM Music Awards committee.

The Reality of Awards Tension

In his Instagram post, Maphorisa discussed the emotional toll that award shows can take on artists. He explained that the excitement of campaigning for votes often leads to disappointment when the results don’t align with expectations. Despite his discontent, Maphorisa clarified that he wasn’t angry at the artists who won, but rather the system that creates tension and disappointment among those who don’t walk away with a trophy.

“You become excited and say vote for me but end up being sad and mad at people who were awarded. I’m not mad at them, they are okay and need that shine,” he said. His comments reflect the broader disillusionment that some artists feel toward the awards process, which can sometimes seem like a popularity contest rather than a celebration of artistic merit.

Keeping the Focus on the Music

Despite the frustration, Maphorisa remained determined to keep pushing forward with his music career. He jokingly remarked that after attending the awards afterparty, he was asked to close the event, but he humorously dismissed the notion, focusing instead on continuing his work.

Kabza said we will try again tomorrow. I’m saying even next year they will find me again, as long as I’m still breathing,” Maphorisa shared, signaling his resilience and commitment to his craft.

Fans Respond to the Snub

The reaction from fans was mixed. Some were sympathetic to Maphorisa’s situation, agreeing that Biri Marung deserved recognition. Others, however, were content with the winners of the night, celebrating the success of newcomers who walked away with their first awards. Despite the differences in opinion, there was a shared sense of support for Maphorisa’s continued success in the music industry.

Official Response to the Awards

The SABC, the organiser of the Metro FM Music Awards, responded to the concerns by confirming that all 19 categories (except for the Lifetime Achievement and Global Icon awards) were decided through public voting. According to Mmoni Ngubane, the SABC’s head of communications, the voting process was independently audited, ensuring the integrity of the results.

“Nominated artists were encouraged to call upon their fans to vote and those with the highest votes won. The SABC has not received any official complaint,” Ngubane stated, addressing the concerns raised by Maphorisa and others in the industry.

While the Metro FM Music Awards continue to be a significant event in the South African music industry, the latest edition has sparked a wider conversation about the role of public voting, the perceived fairness of the process, and the emotional strain it places on artists. For Maphorisa, this setback may only fuel his drive to keep creating and to keep his focus on the music that fans love.

As for the future, the question remains: will the Metro FM Music Awards continue to uphold their credibility, or will the debate over fairness and transparency grow louder in the coming years? Only time will tell.