Lawrence Ubisi (right) handing Xidimingwana his special award on Saturday.
Victor Hlongwani
Munghana Lonene FM has hosted its 13th awards ceremony to honour Xitsonga musicians.
This year’s awards were held at Giyani Stadium, Limpopo on Saturday where thousands of Xitsonga music fans flocked to see their favourites artists being honoured.
One of the winners of the night was traditional singer Percy Mfana , whose real name is Percy Chabane. He dedicated his win to his late brother Collins Chabane and his producers.
Percy walked away with the Dr Thomas Chauke Award, a R50 000 cash prize and a trophy.
This was for his album VafundhisiVolume 11 which was released the day before his brother died.
Percy said his brother was the one who persuaded him to go traditional after he used to sing Xitsonga disco.
“The award is dedicated to my brother because were it not for him, I would not have played this music.”
) But the night was not without its share of drama. When fans realised that award winning artist Benny Mayengani was not part of the line-up they became angry and demanded that he be brought to stage.
Cans started flying when singer and producer Joe Shirimani was about to perform.
Benny’s fans tried to prevent him from performing, demanding their idol even though he was not part of the line-up.
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said the people who caused the chaos were hooligans.
“We did invite Benny to perform, but he declined. People didn’t know that.
“We really cannot accept what they did at the stadium.”
Benny’s manager King Chauke accused the SABC of bias, saying they knew what people wanted as most were hoping to see Benny.
Winners included MC Mabasa, who received the Living Legends award, while Mozambican Xidimingwana (Bernardo Onuane ) received a special award. The great Vusi Mahlasela was honoured with the Companion of Xitsonga Music award.
