Some were gold, some were dross. This statement best summarized the maiden edition of the KwaZulu-Natal Entertainment Awards (KZNEA) which held recently.
For this award, which is in 23 categories, some of South Africa’s finest voices were nominated, from Pearl Thusi to Babes Wodumo. Some DJs who were nominated for the award released public statements rejecting their nominations.
On her part gqom queen Babes Wodumo was somewhat wary. In a recent Instagram post, she had stated that the politics of awards has made her somewhat circumspect about speaking of the KZNEA at the time of her nomination. Well, she still urged fans to vote for her.
Below are the full list of winners of the maiden edition of the KZNEA
KZN’S Most Loved Cousin – Bonang Matheba
KZN’S Most Loved Award – Khuzani Mpungos
Best Male Artist – Sjava
Best Female Artist – Nomcebo Zikode
Best Female Actress – Dawn Thandeka King
Best Male Actor – SK Khoza
Best Radio Presenter (Male) – Tshatha Ngobe (UKhozi FM)
Best Radio Presenter (Female) – Jacinta Ngobese
Best Club DJ (Male) – DJ Dlala Thukzin
Best Club DJ (Female) – Sithelo the DJ
Best Maskandi – Khuzani Mpungose
Best New Find – Sithelo the DJ
Best Telenovela – Imbewu the Seed
Best Entertainment Writer – Charles Khuzwayo (Isolezwe)
KZN’S Most Loved Cousin – Bonang Matheba
Coolest Hangout Spot – Eyadini Lounge
Event of the Year – Impucuzeko Maskandi Festival
Special Achievement Award – DJ Tira, Black Coffee, Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Best Producer – Mondli Ngcobo
Best TV Presenter (Male) – Robert Marawa
Best TV Presenter (Female) – Pearl Thusi
Comedian of the Year – Siyanda Maphumulo
Best Promoter- Dogg DBN
