Kalawa Jazmee rule

Durban - The 12th annual Metro FM Awards were dominated by the independent Kalawa Jazmee label, which won six categories.

Held last night at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, the event was broadcast live for the first time.

More than nine million viewers watched SABC1 as the artists celebrated the South African music industry.

Kalawa Jazmee’s kwaito artist Professor walked away with two awards – the all important Best Male as well as Best Kwaito Album.

Afro pop and house singer Donald, who was nominated in six categories, also won two awards – Best Styled Artist and Best Produced Album.

Chicco Twala received a lifetime achievement award. Metro FM said Twala “was a deserving artist who has made an immense contribution to the music industry with a career that spans three decades”.

Arthur Mafokate proved that he and his label 999 are still relevant when he won Vodacom Best Digital Download for his song, Hlokoloza.

Kalawa Jazmee won Best Compilation Album for Kalawa Jazmee 2012 and DJ Pepsi won the popular genre of Best Dance Album for Royal House Volume 2.

His brother and owner of the label, Oskido, won Song of the Year for the big song TsaMandebele, making it five wins overall.

Pepsi’s performance on the night was a highlight as he introduced international house sensation Monique Bingham. Another Kalawa artist who brought the house down was Dr Malinga and his famous kicks. He performed with DJ Vetkuk and Mahoota with their hit Via Orlando.

While the official after-party took place at the ICC, most artists and celebs chose to attend the Kalawa party, which took place at a hotel near uShaka Marine World.

There were few female winners this year: Zonke for Best Female Album and Berita for Best African Pop.

After a break of five years, the awards’ return to Durban was welcomed last night by Premier Zweli Mkhize, who presented a category along with Mayor James Nxumalo.

The Metro winners

Best African Pop Album– Berita, Conquering Spirit

Best Compilation Album– Kalawa Jazmee 2012

Best Produced Album– Donald, Train of Love

Best Dance Album– Dj Pepsi, Royal House Vol. 2

Best Female Album– Zonke, Ina Ethe

Best Duo/Group Album– The Muffinz, Have You Heard

Song of the Year– Oskido, TsaMandebele

Best Hit Single– AKA, Jealousy

Best Music video– Julian Gomes, Love Song 28

Best Hip Hop Album– Zakwe, Zakwe

Best Contemporary Jazz Album– Mbuso Khoza, Zilindile