At midnight, all eyes will be on UKhozi FM and Umhlobo Wenene FM as they get ready to reveal the Song of the Year competition winner. With song nominees vying for the final votes, the pressure was already on by Tuesday noon. UKhozi FM reports
that Mthandeni 'SK' Manqele’s song 'Gucci' is currently at number one, followed closely by Malibongewe 'Mjolisi' Gwala’s tune 'My Dululu.' Gwala pleaded with his followers on social media to vote for his song, writing: 'One last kick of a dying horse, please NGOMA G to 35615.'
Fans also showed their support, with Thulisile MaGcwensa commenting: 'I wish you all the best, my brother; we did our best; God will do the rest.' Meanwhile, Yamkela Lethukuthula reassured him by saying, 'My homie, don’t worry because we are voting for you. Regardless of the outcome of this battle, you have left a lasting impression, and we hold you in high regard.'
At the time of writing, Khuzani Mpungose’s song 'Imbongolo' was at number one on Umhlobo Wenene, followed by Linda Mtangayi’s song 'Kuvele Kukhanye' at number two. Mtangayi urged her followers to vote extensively, posting: 'Let us push harder and vote for the last time.' Mpungose echoed similar sentiments, encouraging his supporters to keep casting votes until the countdown ceased.
For those following UKhozi FM, the top ten songs include:
1. Skuta Baba – Woodblock DJs
2. Thokoza – Thokozani Langa
3. Gucci – Mthandeni SK featuring Mawhoo
4. UNobuhle – Allen featuring Master KG, Big Zulu, and Charlotte Lyf
5. Uyavela – Malungelo featuring Rethabile Khumalo, Nokwazi & DJ Ale
6. Uthunyelwe Abadala – Malini
7. My Dululu – Mjolisi featuring Mnqobi Yazo
8. Sdakiwe Sbali – Black Major
9. Liphakanyisiwe – Andile KaMajola
10. Sabela – Zinhle Kwaaiman featuring Mpumi & Torque MusiQ.
On Umhlobo Wenene, the top songs listed are:
1. Abantu Bam – Mr Vee
2. Sholo Bayeza – DJ Stax featuring Thabie Ngethe
3. Endaweni – Celeb Ozz featuring Mr Vee & Zee Mbembe
4. Gucci – Mthandeni SK featuring Mawhoo
5. Imbongolo – Khuzani featuring Sphesihle
6. Kuvele Kukhanye – Linda Mtangayi
7. Ukuphumla – King Jade & Baby Joe featuring DJ Rego
8. Amalanga Awafani – Mas MusiQ
9. Amahloni – Liema featuring Nhlanhla Dube
10. Amayeyeye – Tenza.
Meanwhile, East Coast Radio is calling on music lovers to also vote for their choice of 2024 Song of the Year. They invite listeners to join the voting process to decide which track will be crowned as the ultimate favorite. Fans can tune in on December 31 from 5 PM to midnight to find out who made it to the top 100 and cast their votes, making their voices heard.
On the other hand, Radio X announced the results of their listeners’ votes, with Linkin Park’s 'The Emptiness Machine' taking the title of Record Of The Year for 2024. The single, released in September, marked the band’s powerful return and introduced new members Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain as they thrilled fans with their first comeback effort since the death of their beloved frontman Chester Bennington.
The victory was hard-fought, as 'The Emptiness Machine' had to beat fierce contenders like Fontaines D.C., Sam Fender, and The Last Dinner Party. The Radio X audience shared their favorites throughout the year, and as part of the voting process, listeners were encouraged to select from the complete list of Radio X Records Of The Week aired from January through December.
Linkin Park's return has been monumental, not only for the band but also for fans grieving the loss of Bennington. The new lineup – which includes original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave Phoenix Farrell, and Joe Hahn – managed to reignite the passion of their following through their remarkable shows and the release of their UK Chart-topping album, 'From Zero.'
The top 10 animated by Radio X's audience voting included:
1. The Emptiness Machine - Linkin Park
2. Favourite - Fontaines D.C.
3. Gaslight - Travis
4. People Watching - Sam Fender
5. Too Sweet - Hozier
6. Sinner - The Last Dinner Party
7. Gary - Blossoms
8. Zombieland - Jake Bugg
9. Call - Kasabian
10. I’m Sorry I’m Late I Didn’t Want To Come - The Wombats.
These engagements mark not only a celebration of music popularity but also of the shared experiences music creates, especially as we prepare for the final hours of 2024. With fans across platforms actively participating, it's clear the music launched this year has struck chords to last and resonate beyond their time.