The 20th Annual Xitsonga Music Awards are promising fireworks this December, with Musa Keys scoring two nominations while industry heavyweights BlissBouy and J John The Big Baby dominate the nominations list.
Hosted by Munghana Lonene FM, the awards celebrate two decades of Xitsonga music, and this year’s theme “20 The Power of Music” reflects both the resilience and growth of the genre. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on Saturday, 20 December 2025, at Thulamahashe Stadium in Mpumalanga.
Musa Keys: House Hits and Popular Praise
Musa Keys has been recognised in the Best Xitsonga House Song of the Year category for his track Vafana Va Mali featuring Gaza Boys. He also earned a nod for Most Popular Song of the Year, placing him in the spotlight alongside some of the nation’s top performers.
For fans, these nominations are a testament to Musa Keys’ continued influence on South Africa’s house and dance scene. Social media buzz around his nominations shows widespread excitement, with Twitter users praising the track’s infectious rhythm and its role in putting Xitsonga house music on the global map.
BlissBouy and J John: Leading the Pack
This year, BlissBouy and J John The Big Baby lead the nominations, each with five nods. BlissBouy is in the running for Best Newcomer, Best Male Artist, and Best Album for Mfana ka Gaza, cementing his status as one of Xitsonga music’s rising stars.
Meanwhile, J John dominates key categories including Best Male Artist, Best Album for Xitlhavi, and several collaborative tracks. Fans and industry insiders have been vocal on social media, calling this year’s nominations a clear reflection of the genre’s evolving sound and growing commercial appeal.
A Historic Milestone for Xitsonga Music
According to Madikana Matjila, Business Unit Manager for SABC Limpopo Combo, reaching 20 years of the awards is historic.
“These awards have not only celebrated the talent of our musicians but have also preserved and promoted our rich Xitsonga heritage. This year’s nominees reflect the growth and influence of our music industry,” he said.
The awards feature 16 competitive categories, from Gospel and Hip Hop to Afro Pop/R&B and Traditional Song of the Year. Special honours include the Dr Thomas Chauke Award for the artist with the most wins on the night, and Living Legends awards.
This year’s cultural icons include Mhani Flo and M G Ntlemo, while posthumous tributes will honour Ntombi Marhumbini, Ringo Mkhari, and Isaac Chiloane.
Voting and Audience Engagement
Voting for the awards is open until Friday, 12 December 2025, with the Most Popular Song of the Year category open for votes until the ceremony begins at 20:00 on awards night.
The full list of nominees reflects the depth of Xitsonga music today—from gospel and disco to house, hip hop, and Afro Pop. With Musa Keys, BlissBouy, and J John leading the nominations, fans can expect a thrilling showdown.
A Celebration of Xitsonga Culture
The Xitsonga Music Awards are more than a ceremony, they are a celebration of culture, history, and the power of music to connect communities. For fans, this year’s edition promises electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and a showcase of talent that has been growing steadily for 20 years.
As excitement builds towards 20 December, one thing is clear: Xitsonga music continues to rise, and these nominations are a reflection of its vibrant, evolving energy.
{Source: The Citizen}
Featured Image: Pexels
