AFDA alumnus Bongeziwe Mabandla wins Metro FM Music Award

AFDA alumnus Bongeziwe Mabandla walked off the stage carrying the Metro FM Music Award in the  Best African Pop category for his album “Amaxesha”, having competed against the likes of Inkabi Zezwe, Lwa Ndlunkulu, Nomfundo Moh and Zonke.

“I am deeply thankful to my incredible fans who have stood by me on this journey. Your love and encouragement inspire me daily, and I am truly blessed to have you in my corner”. says Bongeziwe on winning the award.

The awards were held at the Mbombela Stadium and were hosted by Tebogo ProVerb Thekisho and Luthando LootLove Shosha, and broadcast live on SABC 1 and SABC+. This year’s theme was ‘Black To The Future’, which celebrated the achievements and contributions of black artists in the music industry by highlighting, excellence, creativity, and impact.

Bongeziwe, known as the enigmatic spirit of African Soul has recorded four acclaimed albums, performed on an array of national and international stages, become a sought-after creative collaborator and expanded his talents into film and visual art.

Bongeziwe first came to the attention of music fans with his 2012 debut, Umlilo. Working with composer, instrumentalist and producer Tiago Correia-Paulo, he has since released a trio of albums – Mangaliso (2017), iimini (2020) and his latest, amaXesha (2023).

In 2018, he won his first award when Mangaliso took home the South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Alternative Music Album with iimini winning the same category at the 2021 SAMAs. His other awards include Best Music Video at the 2018 Capital City Black Film Awards and at the Jozi Film Fest for “Bawo Wam”, a collaboration with Spoek Mathambo.