Urban Music Awards (UMA) Expands Globally, Launching in South Africa
Urban Music Awards (UMA) Celebrates 20 Years with Global Expansion The world-renowned Urban Music Awards (UMA) is marking its 20th anniversary with a massive global expansion. The awards will now launch in over 20 countries, with South Africa leading the way. Founded in 2003 in the UK, the Urban Music Awards (UMA) quickly spread to the USA, the Caribbean, and Asia. Now, it is making its South African debut on May 4, 2025, at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria. Showcasing South African Music to the World South Africa is home to some of the most influential music in the world. Amapiano has taken global stages by storm, with artists like Tyla and DJs like Black Coffee leading the way. Songs like “Jerusalema” by Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode have also dominated international charts. The UMA South Africa (UMA SA) aims to amplify this influence. It provides a platform for South African artists to gain global recognition and connect with international audiences. The Urban Music Awards (UMA), A Fan-Driven Music Award Unlike traditional awards, Urban Music Awards (UMA) relies on a fan-driven voting system. Since 1998, the UMA Academy, with over 3.9 million music fans worldwide, has allowed listeners to decide the winners. Jordan Kensington, Founder & President of UMA, highlights this as more than an event. “It’s a movement to empower South African artists with the tools to brand, monetize, and reach global audiences.” Live Global Broadcast and New Talent Search UMA SA will be streamed live on VooVix TV, which has over 4.5 million subscribers. As part of the event, South Africa’s Next Superstar will give one rising star a chance to perform at the awards. Official World Charts Expands into South Africa The event will also introduce the Official World Charts in South Africa. This will provide local artists with a platform to release music and compete in global rankings. Cressida Oppenheimer, Head of Global Partnerships at UMA, states, “This expansion is a game-changer. Music tourism is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and we want South African artists to reap the rewards.” Public Voting Now Open! Fans can now vote for their favorite nominees. Voting is open until May 2, 2025. To vote, register at www.telephonos.comand follow the direct link: www.telephonos.com/umavoting. Winners will be announced live at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria on May 4, 2025. 2025 Urban Music Awards South Africa – Full Nominees List Main Categories: Artist of the Year (South Africa): Tyla Kabza De Small Lwah Ndlunkulu Kelvin Momo Priddy Ugly Usimamane Zee Nxumalo KO Best Male Act (South Africa): Kabza De Small Mthunzi uGatsheni Kelvin Momo Blxckie Usimamane Scotts Maphuma LeeMcKrazy Cassper Nyovest Oscar Mbo Best Female Act (South Africa): Tyla Lwah Ndlunkulu DJ Zinhle Ami Faku Makhadzi Nkosazana Daughter Uncle Waffles Kamo Mphela Boohle Mawhoo Babalwa M Brenda Mtambo Best Newcomer: Naledi Aphiwe Lwah Ndlunkulu Scotts Maphuma Mawelele Joliza Neo Dube Tony Dayimane Usimamane Dee Koala LaTique LeeMcKrazy Best Group (South Africa): Mellow & Sleezy Artwork Sounds Black Motion Shakes & Les Justin 99 & PC Major League Skorpion Kings Joyous Celebration Shakes & Les Die Antwoord Best Collaboration: Mellow & Sleazy, Sjavas De Deejay, TitoM– “Imnadi lento” Die Piesangskille and Johan Balt – “Almal Gly” Tyla feat. DJ Lag & Kooldrink – “Overdue” Makhadzi & Master KG – “Kulakwe” Elaine & Blxckie – “Loving You” KO & Nasty C – “Too much” “Woodblocks Djs [feat. Buzzi Lee, Kane Keid, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Tony Dayimane, Mvelost, Set Off & Somololo] – “Skuta Baba” (Remix) Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego – “Biri Marung” ft DJ Maphorisa,Focalistic & Scotts Maphuma Scotts Maphuma, Felo Le Tee, Thabza Tee – “Yebo Lapho” Best Album (South Africa): Kabza De Small & Mthunzi – “Isimo” De Mthuda – “Baba Yaga” Daliwonga – “Dali Dali” Kelvin Momo – “Kurhula” Tyla – “Tyla” Brenda Mtambo – “Sane” Morda’s – “Crazy” Priddy Ugly – “Dust” Sjava – “Isbuko” 25k – “Loyal to the Plug” AKA – “Mass Country” Best Amapiano Act: Kabza De Small Kelvin Momo De Mthuda DJ Maphorisa Aymos Felo Le Tee LeeMcKrazy Scotts Maphuma Uncle Waffles Babalwa M Tyler ICU Zee Nxumalo Best Hip-Hop Act (South Africa): Nasty C A-Reece Cassper Nyovest Blxckie Kwesta Usimamane Maglera Doe Boy Priddy Ugly Yanga Chief K.O Best Gqom Act: Mr Thela DJ Lag RudeBoyz TNS Dladla Mshunqisi Dlala Thukzin Goldmax DJ Tira Bhuda M Sparks Bantwana Best Afro-Pop Act: Lwah Ndlunkulu Blaq Diamond Big Zulu Aubrey Ntate Stunna Vusi Nova Sjava Simmy Sun-El Musician Kelly Khumalo Best House Music Act: Black Coffee DJ Zinhle Culoe De Song Euphonik Heavy K Shimza Prince Kaybee Da Capo Dj Jaivane Best R&B Act (South Africa): Elaine Lloyiso Ricky Tyler Jesse Clegg Rowlene Shekhinah Tellaman Langa Mavuso Brenden Praise Vusi Nova Best Jazz Act (South Africa): Judith Sephuma Marcus Wyatt Rorisang Sechele Nick Ford Simphiwe Dana Lucas Senyatso Siyabonga Mthethwa Thandeka Dladla Nduduzo Makhathini Best Gospel Act (South Africa): Joyous Celebration Benjamin Dube Dr Tumi Ntokozo Mbambo Lebo Sekgobela Soweto Gospel Choir Dumi Mkokstad Mahalia Buchanan Khaya Mthethwa Nqubeko Mbatha Ayanda Ntenzi Dube Brothers Mmatema Spirit Of Praise Best Maskandi Act: Mthandeni SK Izingane Zoma Khuthuza Ntencane Mjolisi uGatsheni Menzi Music Bahubhe Zwide Umafikizolo Best Reggae & Dancehall Act: The Rudimentals Tidal Waves Jah Seed Black Dillinger Nkulee Dube Azania Band Ras Dumisani Performance & Production Categories Best Producer (South Africa): DJ Maphorisa Kabza De Small Sun-El Musician Master KG Vigro Deep Kelvin Momo TitoM and Yuppe Tyler ICU Dlala Thukzin Nqubeko Mbatha Best DJ (South Africa): Black Coffee DJ Zinhle Lamiez Holworthy Shimza DJ Tira DJ Maphorisa Tyler ICU Vigro Deep DJ Euphonik Uncle Waffles Best Music Video (South Africa): Kamo Mphela, Khalil Harrison & Tyler ICU – “Dalie” Ft. Baby S.O.N TXC & Davido – “Yebo” ft. Tony Duardo & LeeMckrazy & DJ Biza Wanitwa Mos, Master KG, Nkosazana Daughter – “Keneilwe” ft. Dalom Kids K.O – “Let Me Cook” ft. Maglera Doe Boy Tyler ICU – “Ebasini” ft. Leemckrazy, Tman Xpress, Ceeka RSA, Visca, AL Xapo, Sjavas DaDeejay Mr JazziQ x Vigro Deep – “Fede”