Sol Phenduka, the beloved co-host of the ‘Podcast and Chill with MacG‘ has achieved an extraordinary milestone: his hit track ‘Diqabang‘ was crowned 2024-25 Song of the Year by Lesedi FM, one of South Africa’s most influential public radio stations.
“We dropped Diqabang in May 7 months ago . Literally on voting week. 🥹🥹 unbelievable man,” he told his followers on social media.
The victory is particularly poignant for the South African entertainer, who faced significant challenges in 2024. In July 2024, Sol survived a car accident in Rosebank, Johannesburg, a harrowing incident that tested his resilience. On top of that, he endured a public breakup with his former partner, adding to the emotional toll that came with the 2024.
But through it all, Sol channeled his experiences into his music. ‘Diqabang‘, is more than just a song—it’s a testament to his unwavering passion and dedication to his craft. Its success, culminating in this prestigious accolade, serves as a powerful reminder that even after life’s toughest moments, greatness is still within reach.
As fans celebrate this monumental achievement, Sol’s journey inspires countless others to persevere through their struggles and pursue their dreams with everything they’ve got. After all, his story proves, it’s not about how you start—it’s about how you finish.
What people say: reaction on social media (X)
While nationally, the 2024-25 Song of the Year unanimously went to Mr Pilato’s Biri Marung – as voted by majority of South Africans across various radio stations including Metro FM, Kaya 959 and Radio 2000 – many local music fans would agree that ‘Diqabang‘ has much more soul (no pun intended), especially if you consider the recent rendition by the renowned Ndlovu Youth Choir, as seen in the X post below.
Not only has it got multitudes of South Africans vibing into 2025 thanks to its catchy beats, the song resonates with many South Africans due to its relatable portrayal of familial strife and the pain of separation.
Better yet, the single – created in collaboration with Khathapillar, Smash SA and Kamoh Xaba – has been praised for promoting language inclusivity and giving Sesotho a well-deserved spotlight in music and pop culture.
Below are some inspiring words of encouragement from his multitudes of followers on X (formerlyTwitter):