MASKANDI star Umafikizolo bags Song of the Year at 2026 Metro FM Music Awards with 'Uyoncengwa Unyoko.'
Image: Meta/uMafikizolo
A viral anthem born on social media and rooted in Maskandi tradition has taken centre stage in South African music.
Umafikizolo’s breakout hit “Uyoncengwa Unyoko” was crowned Song of the Year at the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards, held at the Durban International Convention Centre on Saturday — a defining moment that brought to the fore the growing power of digitally driven hits crossing to mainstream acclaim.
Accepting the award, Umafikizolo reflected on the journey behind the success, grounding the celebration in personal meaning. “Thank you to everyone for the support. This means a lot to me. I wish my mother wherever she is could see these wins,” he said.
Released in mid-2025, “Uyoncengwa Unyoko” surged into popularity through TikTok, where it became the soundtrack to countless videos and viral challenges. The momentum translated into major streaming success, with the track setting records for daily streams by a solo artist in South Africa on Spotify and surpassed 14 million streams within months of its release.
Beyond its viral appeal, the song’s message struck a chord with listeners. Its title translates roughly to “You will be begged by your mother,” and it unpacks a break-up narrative that flips emotional expectations. Rather than pleading for love, the narrator asserts self-worth and refuses to beg, choosing detachment instead.
At the heart of the track is the line: “Ngeke ngikuncenge mina, uyoncengwa unyoko” — “I will not beg you; you will be begged by your mother.”
Hailing from Mnambithi in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, Umafikizolo represents a new wave of Maskandi artists blending traditional sounds with modern melodic elements. His music bridges generational gaps, resonating with both long-time fans of the genre and younger digital audiences.
His Song of the Year win not only cements his place in the industry, but also highlights how local sound, cultural storytelling, and viral platforms are reshaping the South African music landscape.
DAILY NEWS