By Nco Dube | 10 November 2025

There are few moments in South African life that cut across class, geography, and generation with the same force as the announcement of Ukhozi FM’s Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, when the fireworks crackle and families gather in living rooms, taverns, churches, and stadiums, millions of ears are tuned to one frequency. The countdown begins, the tension builds, and then the announcement comes: the Song of the Year.

It is a ritual that has grown from humble beginnings into a cultural phenomenon. It is not just about music. It is about identity, belonging, and the collective heartbeat of a nation. To understand why Ukhozi FM’s Song of the Year matters so profoundly, we must look back at its history, the voices that carried it, the impact on artists and listeners, and the way it continues to shape society.

The Roots: From Kansas City Mchunu to Linda Sibiya

The tradition of crowning a Song of the Year began in the 1980s, when the then Radio Zulu sought to create a festive ritual that reflected the tastes of its vast audience. Kansas City Mchunu was among the first presenters to give the countdown its gravitas. His booming voice and magnetic presence made the announcement feel like a national event. He understood that this was not just about naming a track; it was about capturing the spirit of the people at a moment of transition.

Mandla Malakoana followed, weaving the countdown into the fabric of communal celebration. By the time Linda Sibiya took over, the Song of the Year had become a national spectacle. Sibiya’s charisma and ability to connect with listeners elevated the countdown into a cultural institution. His voice was the soundtrack of countless family gatherings, his words the signal that the old year had ended and the new one had begun.

These presenters were not merely announcers. They were custodians of culture. They gave legitimacy to the music chosen by the people, and in doing so, they turned Ukhozi FM into a stage where ordinary South Africans could feel their voices mattered.

The Modern Mantle: Tshatha Ngobe, Zimdollar Biyela, and Mroza Buthelezi

In recent years, the mantle has fallen on a new generation of presenters: Tshatha Ngobe, Zimdollar Biyela, and Mroza Buthelezi. Each has brought their own style, but the essence remains the same: passion, authenticity, and a deep connection to the audience.

Tshatha Ngobe, known for his sharp wit and fearless commentary, has injected new energy into the countdown. Zimdollar Biyela, with his smooth delivery, has given the event a sense of gravitas that appeals to both young and old. Mroza Buthelezi, with her calm but energetic voice.

Together, they have ensured that the countdown remains relevant in the digital age. Voting now happens via SMS and online platforms. But the essence of the ritual, the communal anticipation, the collective joy or outrage remains unchanged.

The Cultural Significance

The Song of the Year is not just about music; it is about identity. For many South Africans, especially in KwaZulu-Natal where Ukhozi FM is headquartered, the countdown is a ritual as sacred as church services or family braais.

It is the moment when the nation pauses to reflect on the year that was, through the lens of a single song. Whether it is a maskandi anthem that speaks to rural struggles, a gospel track that uplifts the spirit, or an amapiano hit that captures urban energy, the chosen song becomes a mirror of society’s mood.

The cultural significance lies in the inclusivity of the process. Every listener has a vote, every community has a voice. The countdown is democracy in action, played out on the airwaves. And because Ukhozi FM reaches more than 7 million listeners, the impact is national.

Impact on Artists: From Obscurity to Stardom

For artists, winning the Song of the Year is a career-defining moment. It is not just an accolade; it is a launchpad.

Consider Khuzani Mpungose, whose maskandi anthem Umjolo Lowo won in 2023 amid controversy and celebration. Overnight, his already iconic status skyrocketed, his bookings multiplied, and his music sales soared. Similarly, DJ Hlo’s surprise win in 2021 with Isibani catapulted her from relative obscurity to national fame.

The impact is tangible: album sales spike, streaming numbers climb, and artists secure lucrative endorsements. More importantly, they gain legitimacy in the eyes of the public. To be crowned by Ukhozi FM is to be validated by the people.

This is why artists campaign vigorously for votes, mobilising fans across provinces. The countdown has become a battleground of popularity, artistry, and community loyalty.

The Extended Society: Joy, Controversy, and Unity

The Song of the Year does not only impact artists; it reverberates across society.

For listeners, it is a source of joy and pride. Families gather around radios, taverns erupt in cheers, and churches incorporate the announcement into their watch-night services. The chosen song becomes the soundtrack of New Year’s celebrations, played on repeat as fireworks light up the sky.

But the countdown also generates controversy. Every year, debates rage about whether the winning song deserved the crown. Rivalries between artists spill into public discourse, sometimes even into physical confrontations at concerts. Yet these controversies only underscore the importance of the event. People care deeply because the Song of the Year matters.

In this way, the countdown fosters unity and division simultaneously. It unites communities in celebration, but it also sparks debates that reflect the diversity of tastes and identities in South Africa.

Why Ukhozi FM Has Become a Cultural Phenomenon

At its core, Ukhozi FM’s Song of the Year is a cultural phenomenon because it combines three elements: history, participation, and impact.

History: Rooted in decades of tradition, sustained by iconic presenters, and embedded in communal rituals.

Participation: Driven by the votes of millions, reflecting democracy and inclusivity.

Impact: Transforming artists’ careers, shaping industry trends, and uniting society in celebration.

No other radio station has managed to create a ritual of this magnitude. Ukhozi FM has turned a simple countdown into a national event, a cultural icon that defines the rhythm of South African life.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Countdown

As technology evolves, so too will the countdown. Online voting, social media campaigns, and streaming platforms will continue to shape the process. But the essence will remain: the collective anticipation, the communal joy, the cultural validation.

The future may bring new genres, new controversies, and new presenters. But as long as South Africans gather on New Year’s Eve to hear the announcement, the Song of the Year will remain a cultural phenomenon.

Conclusion

Ukhozi FM’s Song of the Year is more than a radio campaign. It is a ritual, a cultural icon, a mirror of society. From Kansas City Mchunu and Linda Sibiya to Tshatha Ngobe and Zimdollar Biyela, the countdown has been sustained by voices that understand its significance.

For listeners, it is joy and identity. For artists, it is validation and opportunity. For society, it is unity and debate.

This is why, when the clock strikes midnight, South Africa listens. Not just for a song, but for a reflection of itself.

(Dube is a noted Political Economist, Businessperson, and Social Commentator whose insights are regularly featured on Ukhozi FM and in various newspapers. For further reading and perspectives, visit: http://www.ncodube.blog)