As Ukhozi FM announced their Song of the Year for 2021, there were many complaints about the winner, and many fans of Dj Maphorisa believe that he was robbed of the honour.
After a long saga, including a point where Mzansi thought there would be none because Owen Ndlovu of MO Productions wanted to boycott the proceedings, the channel finally came out with its winner. But the news was not received with the excitement that listeners and fans had expected.
As the curtains came down, Isibani by Dj Hlo, Dj Manzo SA and Siboniso was crowned winner of the title. As DJ Hlo went online to celebrate her win, social media users equally poured in – but with hate rather than congratulations.
THANK YOU.❤️💯🙏🏼 #Isibani 😍 pic.twitter.com/xdSieSIH0q
— dj hlo (@dj_hlo) December 31, 2021
Fans of many other acts on the list were livid that their faves were skipped over, in favour of someone who, in their opinion, is less known. They also thought there were much bigger hit songs on the list than Isibani, so it made no sense to them that the song would come first.
Dj Maphorisa fans were particularly vexed. Three of his songs were on the list, and according to them, they would have been okay with any of the three winning, since they were all incredible hit songs. The other big surprise loser was Osama by Zakes Bantwini and Kasango, which the whole country jammed to for the better part of 2021.
Dj Hlo has been accused of multiple things. They think she must have used corruption, probably by bribing those at Ukhozi FM to crown her the winner. Either that – they say – or she won only because she is attractive.
Dj Hlo is very beautiful and talented. I stan❤️ pic.twitter.com/pesl2qM3RR
— Siza Zungu (@Zah_Zungu) January 1, 2022
Read also: Ukhozi FM's Song Of The Year Drama Continues
But the queen is holding her head high in spite of all the slander. Speaking to Daily Sun, she said that she intends to take full advantage of and enjoy her new found fame and victory. She has promised to run with it and make the most of it, and she will not let the backlash stop her.
She further expressed disappointment in some figures in the music industry who are leading the backlash against her. Either way, her life has changed for the better, as she is now receiving overwhelming offers to collaborate with other acts and to perform all over the country.
We wish Dj Hlo the very best going forward, and hope the hate dies down as soon as Mzansi sees that she does have a lot to offer. As for Dj Maphorisa, this one loss cannot define his career. He has done amazing things and will continue to, as he is incredibly talented, and we know the sky is only the beginning for him.