Hailing from Mpumalanga, artist Exoh ZA has definitively cemented his position as a foremost figure in contemporary South African Amapiano. This recognition culminated in him securing the coveted “Best Amapiano” accolade at the Mpumalanga Music Awards 2025.
This significant triumph represents more than just a personal milestone for the musician; it signals a landmark moment for the entire province. Mpumalanga is rapidly gaining traction and asserting itself dynamically as a burgeoning cultural hub within South Africa's vibrant artistic landscape.
The context for this regional success was the Metro FM Music Awards 2025 ceremony, which was held on May 3. The grand event took place at Mbombela Stadium, fulfilling part of a critical three-year hosting agreement that positioned Mpumalanga as the official home for this highly esteemed annual music celebration.
Operating under the powerful theme, “Coronation of Greatness,” the awards forum was strategically scheduled to align with the momentous 30th anniversary of South African democracy. The competition saw unprecedented engagement this year, drawing a record 2769 applications across 19 distinct categories, thereby evolving into a massive showcase of unity, creativity, and musical excellence.
Exoh ZA first burst onto the scene and captured national attention with his debut single, “Lalela.” The track immediately proved its commercial appeal by twice topping the charts on Apple Music iTunes South Africa.
Characterized by its profound warmth and undeniable honesty, the song resonated deeply with audiences. Its success served as a powerful testament to the enduring principle that authenticity and high-quality production consistently find a global audience.
The artist followed up quickly with the release of “Isdakwa,” a collaborative track featuring rapper Assessa and produced by Squire-4-Hyre. This composition enjoyed widespread airplay and robust backing from major South African radio and television broadcasters.
Furthermore, the track’s teaser went viral on TikTok, accumulating more than 2.5 million views, effectively establishing Exoh ZA’s reputation for seamlessly blending traditional sounds with modern sensibilities.
Currently, Exoh ZA is signed to Pantsula Nation Records and is strategically preparing for a major international release. This ambitious project is being undertaken in partnership with the Virgin Music Group, a move anticipated to propel South African Amapiano onto the global stage and secure its place in worldwide music markets.
His journey serves as a compelling case study, illustrating how unwavering internal persistence translates into widespread external recognition when the creative output is fueled by genuine, palpable energy.
When reflecting on his rapid ascent, Exoh ZA shared his philosophy: “I just follow the rhythm of my heart — and the world listens.”
Beyond the artistic achievements, hosting the Metro FM Music Awards delivered substantial, tangible economic benefits to Mpumalanga. Data released by the province’s Chamber of Commerce confirmed that local hotels experienced 100% occupancy rates. Furthermore, restaurants reported a record influx of patrons, particularly throughout the extended weekend surrounding the event.
While the initial three-year contractual period for hosting the prestigious awards is nearing its conclusion, regional authorities have expressed strong optimism regarding a potential extension. They emphasize that events of this magnitude are vital, serving to inspire the local community, stimulate job creation, and sustain cultural vitality—acting as the very lifeblood of the region.
Ultimately, the triumph of Exoh ZA transcends mere musical recognition. It reflects deeper societal currents: when an artist remains authentic to their unique sound, that sound often transforms into the universal rhythm of the collective heart.