Talent overload: All the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards

The glamorous awards were hosted by province’s very own television and radio superstars, Somizi Mhlongo and Pearl Thusi. 

The aim of the initiative was to honour and celebrate KwaZulu-Natal’s considerable talent in the arts and entertainment and arts industry. The nominees were all known personalities who are doing an exceptional job flying the province’s flag high in South Africa and abroad.

The winner in each category received a R100,000 cash prize, while the overall winner walked away with a cool R500,000. There were 23 categories. 

The awards also honoured DJ Tira, Black Coffee, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Mbongeni Ngema for their contributions to the music industry. 

KZN’S MOST LOVED COUSIN

Bonang Matheba, aka Queen B, won the KZN’s Most Loved Cousin award, in recognition of entertainers who have had a big impact on the province even though they are not from KwaZulu-Natal.

This week, Matheba also received the Woman of the Year Award at the GQ SA Men of the Year awards ceremony in Sandton. 

AND KZN’S MOST LOVED AWARD GOES TO…

Maskandi artist Khuzani Mpungose claimed the most sought-after award for the night, which was accompanied by a whopping R500,000 cash prize. He was up against DJ Tira, Pearl Thusi, Robert Marawa, Black Coffee, Sjava, Somizi and Nasty C, among others. He also walked away with the Best Maskandi Award. 

Indlamlenze, as Mpungose is popularly known, topped the trends list in the past few weeks after his hit song Ijele, from his recent offering Isipoki Esingafi, saw him become the first Maskandi artist to achieve more than 500,000 views on YouTube.

Mpungosealso was the first Maskandi artist to have a song shoot to No 2 on the iTunes South Africa music charts. Ijele has had more than 770,000 views on YouTube.  

In addition, the 31-year-old was the first Maskandi artist to fill up Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium in 2019. 

WINNERS IN OTHER CATEGORIES

Best Male Artist – Sjava

Best Female Artist – Nomcebo Zikode

Best Female Actress – Dawn Thandeka King

Best Male Actor – SK Khoza

Best Radio Presenter (Male) – Tshatha Ngobe (UKhozi FM)

Best Radio Presenter (Female) – Jacinta Ngobese

Best Club DJ (Male) – DJ Dlala Thukzin

Best Club DJ (Female) – Sithelo the DJ

Best Maskandi – Khuzani Mpungose

Best New Find – Sithelo the DJ

Best Telenovela – Imbewu the Seed

Best Entertainment Writer – Charles Khuzwayo (Isolezwe)

KZN’S Most Loved Cousin – Bonang Matheba 

 Coolest Hangout Spot – Eyadini Lounge

Event of the Year – Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival 

Special Achievement Award – DJ Tira, Black Coffee, Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Best Producer – Mondli Ngcobo 

Best TV Presenter (Male) – Robert Marawa

Best TV Presenter (Female) – Pearl Thusi 

Comedian of the Year – Siyanda Maphumulo

Best Promoter- Dogg DBN