Mafikizolo Achieves Great Success: ‘Uyoncengwa Unyoko’ Named Ukhozi FM Song of the Year for 2025/2026

Mafikizolo Achieves Great Success: ‘Uyoncengwa Unyoko’ Named Ukhozi FM Song of the Year for 2025/2026: Durban, South Africa – As fireworks illuminated the sky to usher in 2026, millions tuned into Ukhozi FM for the eagerly anticipated announcement of the Song of the Year. In an exhilarating conclusion, Maskandi sensation Umafikizolo claimed the top position with his hit track “Uyoncengwa Unyoko“. This achievement signifies a proud moment for traditional Zulu music, demonstrating its enduring strength in a landscape filled with contemporary sounds. The victory not only celebrates the song’s infectious rhythm but also underscores the influence of listener votes in shaping South Africa’s music industry.
‘Uyoncengwa Unyoko’ by Umafikizolo has been declared the 2025/2026 Song of The Year on Ukhozi FM. Fans throughout KwaZulu-Natal and beyond rejoiced as the station unveiled the results during its New Year’s Eve crossover show. This annual event, known as Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka, attracts large audiences who cast their votes for their favorite songs to welcome the new year.
The Rise of Umafikizolo: From Ladysmith to National Fame
Umafikizolo, whose birth name is Lethukuthula Mhlongo, originates from Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal. Raised in a musically inclined family, he grew up listening to Maskandi legends and aspired to make his own impact. At the age of 32, he has realized that aspiration, merging traditional guitar melodies with narratives that resonate with everyday individuals.
His journey commenced with local performances in Newcastle and Ladysmith, where he cultivated a following through genuine, emotive shows. Adopting a stage name that references the renowned duo Mafikizolo while adding a distinctive twist, he released his initial tracks in the early 2020s. By 2025, Umafikizolo had emerged as a significant figure in the Maskandi genre, recognized for songs that blend tradition with contemporary influences. He operates his own record label and frequently collaborates with emerging artists, contributing to the preservation of Zulu music for younger audiences.
This year has been monumental for him. In addition to the Ukhozi FM accolade, “Uyoncengwa Unyoko” amassed over 80 million streams on platforms such as Spotify. He also received nominations at various other awards, including a place on Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Song of the Year list.

As the sole Maskandi representative in Ukhozi FM’s top 10, his triumph signifies a victory for the entire genre, which has encountered significant competition from Amapiano and 3-step beats.
Breaking Down ‘Uyoncengwa Unyoko’: A Defiant Break-Up Anthem
At its essence, “Uyoncengwa Unyoko” narrates a compelling story of love gone awry, pride, and resilience. The title can be loosely translated to “your mother will plead with you,” but in context, it conveys a more forceful meaning of “over my dead body.” It depicts a man’s determination to avoid returning to a toxic relationship, regardless of the pressure he faces.
The lyrics vividly illustrate conflict and heartache. Phrases that describe repeated appeals and misunderstandings resonate deeply with many listeners who have endured similar challenges. Umafikizolo’s emotive voice, complemented by traditional Maskandi guitar and rhythms, renders the song both poignant and danceable. It ignited viral challenges on social media, where fans posted videos of themselves dancing to the rhythm or reenacting the narrative.
Released in mid-2025, the song rapidly ascended the charts and became a favorite at parties, weddings, and taxis. Its success demonstrates how Maskandi can appeal to broader audiences, merging cultural heritage with universal themes. For Umafikizolo, this creation is deeply personal – he drew inspiration from his own life experiences to craft something authentic and relatable.
The Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka Competition: How It Functions
Ukhozi FM’s Song of the Year is not merely an accolade; it represents a cultural tradition that brings the nation together. The process begins with a top 20 list, which is refined to a top 10 through public voting. Listeners cast their votes via SMS to 32253, selecting their preferred choice by letter code. Each vote incurs a cost of R1.50, and the station promotes fair play to prevent allegations of rigging from previous years.

For 2025, the top 10 finalists showed a mix of genres, but Maskandi stood out with Umafikizolo’s entry. The list included:
A: Zee Nxumalo ft Skillz – Mamma
B: Sam Deep ft Boohle & Nia Pearl – Shela
C: Ciza ft MaWhoo & Thukuthela – Isaka (6AM)
D: Umafikizolo – Uyoncengwa Unyoko
E: MaWhoo ft GL-Ceejay – Bengicela
F: DJ Tira ft Pcee & Campmasters – Awungazi
G: Dlala Thukzin ft Zee Nxumalo – Mali
H: Sjava ft Inkabi Zezwe – Umcebo
I: Zee Nxumalo ft Dlala Thukzin – Mali (another entry)
J: Jazzworx ft MaWhoo – Bengicela (remix)

Voting was fervent throughout December, as fans actively campaigned both online and within their communities. The victor receives substantial rewards, including a brand-new VW Polo TSi R-Line, monetary prizes, and extensive airplay. For artists, this represents a significant career advancement that can lead to additional performances and contracts.

This year, the station modified its regulations to enhance fairness, eliminating certain repeat participants to provide emerging talent with an opportunity. This strategy proved successful, as Umafikizolo’s victory generated excitement and demonstrated that grassroots support can prevail.

Fan Reactions: Joy, Pride, and a Boost for Maskandi

The announcement triggered waves of joy across social media platforms and in the streets. Fans commended Umafikizolo for revitalizing Maskandi, with many asserting that it was a well-deserved recognition of traditional sounds. One supporter remarked, “Finally, a song that resonates with our roots wins big!” Others emphasized how the track’s message of resilience struck a chord during challenging times.

Some pointed out the irony of Umafikizolo’s name mirroring the renowned duo Mafikizolo, adding a playful element to the celebrations. Detractors of previous winners, who believed Amapiano had overshadowed other genres, welcomed this change. Overall, the reactions reflected pride in Zulu culture and optimism for a broader range of winners in the future.

The victory also ignited discussions regarding the future of Maskandi. As the genre’s first significant crossover success in years, it may pave the way for other artists. Umafikizolo himself expressed gratitude to fans, describing it as a blessing and a motivation to continue producing authentic music.

Looking Back: A History of Ukhozi FM Song of the Year Winners

This tradition has influenced South African music for decades. Beginning in the 1990s, early winners such as Arthur Mafokate’s “Mnike” in 1995 established the foundation for lively crossover hits. Over the years, icons like Brenda Fassie with “Vulindlela” in 1998 and Mdu’s “Mazola” in 1997 achieved legendary status through this award.

In recent years, Maskandi has shone brightly.

In the years 2024/2025, Mthandeni SK featuring MaWhoo achieved success with their track “Gucci”. Prior to this, Khuzani’s “Umjolo Lowo” was the winner in 2023/2024, which ignited discussions regarding the voting process. Other notable mentions include the works of Big Zulu and DJ Hlo’s rise to prominence in 2021/2022.

Each winner encapsulates the essence of their respective year, ranging from lively party anthems to poignant ballads. Umafikizolo’s triumph in 2025/2026 contributes to this illustrious narrative, serving as a reminder of the unifying power of music.

As we enter 2026, the song “Uyoncengwa Unyoko” will continue to resonate, fostering both dance and dialogue. The journey of Umafikizolo illustrates that with dedication and the support of fans, anyone can ascend to greatness. Stay tuned for the upcoming developments in South Africa’s dynamic music scene.