South Africa’s fiercely contested Song of the Year 2025 race has officially concluded across the country’s biggest radio stations — and one track has emerged as the clear national winner.
After tallying announcements from major broadcasters including Ukhozi FM, Metro FM, YFM, Kaya FM, Motsweding FM, Ligwalagwala FM, Thobela FM and Gagasi FM, “Shela” by Sam Deep, Boohle and Nia Pearl has claimed the most wins — crowning it South Africa’s Official Song of the Year 2025.
How the Winner Was Decided
Unlike formal awards ceremonies, Song of the Year in South Africa is determined independently by public voting on major radio stations, often producing multiple regional winners. The song that dominates the most stations ultimately earns national bragging rights — a tradition that reaches its climax just before midnight on New Year’s Eve.
This unique cultural phenomenon, previously unpacked in NOWinSA’s deep dive into the Song of the Year voting system, once again delivered drama, surprise victories and heated debate.
Song of the Year 2025: Station-by-Station Winners
🏆 Thobela FM: Rato Laka
🏆 Gagasi FM: Awungazi
🏆 YFM: Shela
🏆 Metro FM: Isaka (6AM)
🏆 Ukhozi FM: Uyoncengwa Unyoko
🏆 Kaya FM: Shela
🏆 Motsweding FM: Shela
🏆 Ligwalagwala FM: Shela
With four major stations backing it, Shela officially tops the national chart.
Key Winners and Talking Points
Shela’s Nationwide Sweep
The amapiano anthem “Shela” by Sam Deep, Boohle and Nia Pearl proved unstoppable, winning on YFM, Kaya FM, Motsweding FM and Ligwalagwala FM — giving it the widest cross-regional appeal of 2025.
Zee Nxumalo’s Continued Dominance
Although she didn’t take the national crown outright, Song of the Year fierce frontrunner Zee Nxumalo remains one of 2025’s most influential hitmakers. She co-won Thobela FM’s Song of the Year with Rato Laka alongside Shebeshxt, Naqua SA and Slidoo Man, reinforcing her status as a generational star — a rise NOWinSA has closely tracked in its coverage of her journey from viral sensation to live-band powerhouse.
ALSO READ: Zee Nxumalo’s next chapter — from viral star to live band powerhouse
Shebeshxt Makes History from Prison
One of the most talked-about moments of the Song of the Year race came from Shebeshxt, who won Thobela FM’s Song of the Year while behind bars — an unprecedented moment that sparked viral debate on X (formerly Twitter).
A fan reaction circulating online declared: “Shebeshxt is the first artist to bag Song of the Year while in prison.”
Ukhozi FM’s Traditional Power
Legendary group Umakhizolo claimed Ukhozi FM’s Song of the Year with Uyoncengwa Unyoko, once again proving the enduring strength of maskandi and traditional sounds — a rivalry NOWinSA previously explored in depth here.
Metro FM: Ciza Takes It
On Metro FM, rising star Ciza secured victory with Isaka (6AM), marking a significant breakthrough moment on one of the country’s most influential urban stations.
Gagasi FM’s Durban Anthem
DJ Tira continued his coastal dominance as Awungazi was crowned Gagasi FM’s Song of the Year, reflecting the station’s deep connection to Durban’s club culture.
Why Song of the Year Still Matters
Every year, the Song of the Year race acts as a real-time reflection of South Africa’s cultural mood, shaped directly by listeners rather than industry panels. From amapiano and maskandi to crossover radio hits, 2025’s results highlight just how diverse — and competitive — the local music landscape has become.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: “Shela” didn’t just win votes — it captured the moment
