Ukhozi FM’s highly anticipated “Ingoma ehlukanisa unyaka” (Song of the Year) competition is back with fresh voting rules and a renewed sense of excitement. The KwaZulu-Natal-based radio station announced the opening of the voting lines, inviting fans to nominate their favourite songs that could define New Year’s Eve. Fans can cast their votes from Friday, 1 November until Friday, 15 November.
This year, Ukhozi FM introduced stricter criteria for eligible entries. According to the station, only songs released between 1 January 2024 and 31 October 2024 qualify for the competition. Lwazi Mthabela, one of the contest’s organisers, highlighted that these changes are intended to streamline the process and ensure only the year’s most impactful songs make it to the final stages.
To be considered, a song must meet three specific criteria:
- Listener Nominations: Songs must be nominated by listeners through Ukhozi FM’s voting lines.
- Top 10 Selection: Ukhozi FM will compile a shortlist of the top 10 most popular songs internally.
- Station System Presence: Each song must already be in the station’s database, meaning it has received airplay on Ukhozi FM during the year.
Business Manager Sbongi Ngcobo clarified that the contest is about the most popular song, not simply fan loyalty to a particular artist. “We want this to be a celebration of the song that truly captured the spirit of the year,” Ngcobo stated, pointing out that the new rules aim to make the competition fairer and more transparent.
The grand moment arrives on New Year’s Eve, when Ukhozi FM will announce the winner at midnight, playing the top song immediately after the countdown to welcome 2025. This tradition has become an iconic part of New Year’s Eve for millions of South Africans who tune in to celebrate with the winning track.
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