The only thing that redeemed the 2024 Metro FM Music Awards was the red-carpet looks from some of Mzansi’s top stars.
Amid the tragic production and chaos behind the scenes, music stars graciously walked the red carpet in their best efforts to meet the 'Black to the Future' theme at Mbomebla Stadium.
The ceremony was hosted by the talented Luthando ‘LootLove’ Shosha and former rapper Proverb. Adding energy and pizzaz to the entertainment was Lameez Holworthy and Zanele Potelwa.
Amid the madhouse that was the Metros, where Metro FM contractors were bounced from doors at their own event, frustrated and famished crew and media roamed around in hopes of delivering the happenings of the awards to the rest of South Africa - this particular ceremony could not have ended soon enough.
Some of the winners include Lwa Ndlunkulu who took home the Artist of the Year award, the Lifetime Achievement honour went to Oskido and 90s pop group Boom Shaka. Tyla received the global artist award in absentia and Oscar Mbo won the Best Styled beating DBN Gogo, Morda and Zakes Bantwini in the category. Much to the appreciation of fans, Makhadzi walked away with the Best Female award.
The winners of each category received R50 000 with the Song of the Year winner walking away with R150 000, courtesy of Motsepe Foundation.
The music awards were preceded by an African Fashion International (AFI) Fashion Experience at the Christies venue in the city. Models dazzled in glamorous gowns and guests were treated to a DJ set by the dapper Kyeezy and a vote of thanks from the AFI founder and executive chairperson Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
Dazzling in a Grecian-styled sun dress during the warm April evening in Mpumalanga, Dr Precious says, “We joined the Metro music awards 2024 as a sponsor [because] we believe that music and fashion go together.”
The mogul tells TRUELOVE, “The creative arts are very, very important in society. It’s not only about the glamour and beauty and bringing people together but about social cohesion, job creation – that is very important.”
Opening the actual awards ceremony on 27 April 2024, this is how the attending celebrities interpreted the theme on the red carpet: