Mzansi Avenue Year End Awards: 2023
Mzansi Avenue Year End Awards
2023
Pop. Burst. Celebrate the Greatness!
Welcome to the 3rd annual Year End Awards where we celebrate Global acts for their amazing input in the creative industry with a variety of serving that is not only impactful but timeless. Let's get to it!
Artist Of The Year -
International Artist Of The Year - Sabrina Carpenter
After the success of her 5th studio album Sabrina Carpenter gained further recognition and she's been an artist who has been on numerous tabloids for the right reasons. Her song nonsense trending online and VMAs performance which helped her make an all new statement as one of the best artists in the music scene.
National Artist Of The Year - Brendan Peyper
Brendan had a solid year with single releases after the success of his recent album Insomnia. He's definitely thriving and making good music while having fun, a good role model, his interactions and buzz are like a good cup of freshly brewed coffee. With his electric stage presence and charm you can't help but be a fan of the good music.
Local Artist Of The Year - Hisa Wa Tiko
He's adored for his meaningful music and the homey approach that feels organic and rooted in culture. He's passionate and one artist who is growing and spreading like a good flame bursting into something beautiful. Who needs a spotlight when you burn bright?
Social Media Star Of The Year - Yurila Lamasbella
Her unique and hilarious take on the Kardashians takes spoofing to a whole new level. Totally one of the best in the game in terms of content creation. She's always tapping into her creativity, recreating iconic scenes and Khloe's impersonation takes the cake with the post-it nails and catchphrase "Not the...."
Comeback Of The Year -
International Comeback Of The Year - Jordin Sparks
Jordan Sparks is one of the best vocal diaries in the industry with hits such as Battlefield, One Step at a Time & Right Now which is a sultry arrangement produced by Dem Jointz. She's been releasing singles and EPs throughout the years after her long awaited 2015 third studio album and now she stepped back into the scene with Call My Name an alluring dreamy R&B record with vocal theatrics. What a way to set a statement!
National Comeback Of The Year - Eric Jr
Truly one promising artist on the rise who is gold unearthed. His musical perspective is fresh and also gives you a hint of his mainstream success.
International Actor Of The Year - Manuel Garcia-Rulfo
His starring role as Mickey Haller in The Lincoln Lawyer was very fun to watch. Compelling portrayal from start to finish that we cannot wait for a season 3. A hot man in his late 40s wasn't just given a role to look sexy and charming in a suit! No, we received a spectacular performance.
National Actor Of The Year - Nat Ramabulana as Tenda Mudau on Muvhango
Nat has been in the industry for years and he has portrayed a variety of good and bad guys, like Samaki on Thola who was wickedly wonderful. While some fans rant about Tenda Mudau and how he usually gets away with most of his crimes, we can't deny the phenomenal work Nat delivers onscreen. He's a villain you can't help but root for, he's so good it's easy to cheer on the resident baddie.
Actress Of The Year -
International Actress Of The Year - Olivia Rose Keegan as Duela Doe on CW's Gotham Knights
Well despite some saying Duela is a discount version of Harley Quinn or Alice (CW's Batwoman) Olivia Rose Keegan had big shoes to fill as DC's new wildcard, the Joker's daughter before a stunning revelation that she's Harvey Dent's daughter. Her take on the character was pleasant, like Cinderella wearing the shoe and Prince Charming realising "she's the one" Duela brought sass, unpredictability and vulnerability.
National Actress Of The Year - Kamo Zukiswa Letsosa as Mamiki on Smoke & Mirrors
Who doesn't love her? She's so funny and ditzy at times that it doesn't come across as degrading and distasteful but it's handled in a more charming way which the actress effortlessly brings out. Channeling the right expressions and delivering a very memorable watch.
Best TV Series - Suits On Netflix (Peacock)
Suits premiered back in 2011 on the USA network in America created by Aaron Korsh. Starring Gabriel Macht & Patrick J. Adams as Harvey Specter & Mike Ross alongside Gina Torres, Rick Hoffman, Sarah Rafferty, Meghan Markle & Dulé Hill. It concluded in 2019 after 9 long seasons and a 1 season spinoff titled: Pearson focusing on Jessica Pearson's new life in Chicago. Suits has since then gained new relevance online as it's one of thee most watched shows this year as it's available on Netflix & Peacock. It's been reported that a continuation or universe expansion is in the works focusing on all new characters in the cutthroat corporate world set in Los Angeles. Who wouldn't love suits for it's high levels of intense gripping jaw dropping drama with its witty and charming campy elements with each episode.
Best Telenovela - Smoke & Mirrors
Smoke & Mirrors is produced by The Final Chapter ProductionsAnd written by Loyiso Maqoka
Starring Ayanda Bandla as Thandiswa Mseleku. Smoke & Mirrors premiered in April this year to mixed reviews mostly negative as most questioned the cinematography and storyline but as the story progressed it became a slow burn hit with it receiving massive acclaim for the writing, characters and overall tone. It has some spine chilling thriller moments here and there with gritty touches while maintaining humor that doesn't feel out of place with fan favourite character Mamiki who sizzles the scene. It's well balanced and the small town of Emnyameni seems to be ambitious and dangerous.
Song Of The Year
International Song Of The Year- When The Rain Comes by Sugababes
UK girl band the Sugababes best known for their hits such as Overload, Too Lost In You, Hole in the head and Push the Button released a brand new single in September 2023 which serves as the lead single to their 9th studio album. When The Rain Comes is a soulful ballad that is empowering, showcasing their harmonies and unity.
National Song Of The Year - Bassie Ft. Aymos - Izenzo
- A Feisty feel good record about love and support. Actions speak louder than words is the serve with a mesmerizing instrumentation. Soothing vocals and euphoria at its best.
Game Changer Of The Year:
Game Changer Of The Year - Zyle
He keeps going out of his way to expand his growth and reach. Never settling in the comfort zone, Zyle proves to learn a new mastery of the art as an Artist On The Rise, paving way for an interesting take on music.
Best Music Group - Citizen Queen
Their EP Clique reintroduced them and it's naughty, playful/fun and also meaningful as they take charge vocally and showcase the edge of the block. Drip so clean....can't nobody do it better than Me as they sing on Whatchu Want. They had a really good year and we hope to see them rise bigger and bigger. Kudos to the Queens.
Best Pop Collaboration - Dove Cameron & Khalid - We Go Down Together
This song is art, the verses and how they're sung is outstanding. It's a dark song yet delicate, in love, questionable and desirable. These two were a surprise duo who worked well together. A 5/5.
Best Indie Collaboration - Zyle Ft. Bongi Mathlabane - Mtofotofo
They truly shined on love record that dazzles in a mesmerizing way containing charm, classic energy that gives nod to the maskandi genre yet pops to its own identity.
DJ Of The Year
International DJ Of The Year - Gift Of Africa
He's definitely going strong, featured on National & International Radio, Acclaimed and it's only just the beginning before he's Grammy Nominated. Gift of Africa has a distinct taste to the music making his palette one that's on demand. Something's cooking and it's good music.
Local DJ Of The Year - Intel DeBird Urbanity SA
Even when he's not releasing music he's always creating a buzz and taking on a conversation in controversy or humour. Intel is truly talented and when given the opportunity he rises to the occasion with more than expected.
Brand Of The Year- Bathu's Khalanga
This brand is really emerging with style. Steps of a strong design that brings South Africa into great relevance interms of expansion, footprint and growth. Not many were able to tap into the market and do something as mostly we see collaboration, limited edition sneakers with well established brands but it's another to start from scratch and build something great like this. Congratulations!
Album Of The Year
International Album Of The Year - Tension By Kylie Minogue
She proved that she can make another disco album with more experimental touches of darker club synths that blend so well with her voice and she has been a massive ride of acclaim and chart dominance. Minogue doesn't miss a beat with her 16th studio album. Love train is the standout track for us.
Local Album Of The Year - Trap Baby by King Driez
It's well deserved. King Driez had a solid comeback and is in control of his craft with a clear direction of input value into the art to create records that promise to mature into masterpieces.
Best New Act - Tyla
She released Water and its been pouring success nonstop as she has taken the international scene by storm performing on shows such as Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and was nominated for a Grammy early in her career. Tyla's rise is truly beautiful and exciting. We're rooting for her!
Man Of The Year - Free Maluleke
A successful Author on the rise, Free is making a positive impact with the books he's published which has been well received and got proper coverage from various forms of media. The consumption showcases the endless possibilities of talent embraced and celebrated.
Woman Of The Year - Kim Kardashian
While highly controversial as public reception isn't kind on the Kardashians, Kim's success and how she stays on top regardless of the hate and bad publicity she's always scoring with The Kardashians reality show on Hulu and Skims, she's not stopping at nothing. She's moving forward more accomplished.
Hottie Of The Year - Rome Flynn
He's definitely a good looking man. Mesmerizing and dreamy.
Hottie Of The Year - Theron Ashante
She's blazing the scene and growing her footprint, stylish & sassy.
Best Electronic Record - Max Hurrell & Locnville - Be My Love
The charged up dancefloor friendly track is definitely a 5/5. With intense beats that bring a memorable atmosphere that serve dark euphoria at its peak.
Underrated Song Of The Year - Whatchu Want by Citizen Queen
It's one of their best songs vocally and production wise, aggressive beats that match their elegant harmonies, swagg energy and they've never sounded so self assured, they've found their lane, sound and are definitely one of the best to do it.
Congratulations to Our Winners!
2023 was an amazing year for talent in terms of releases and expansion. We cannot wait to see what 2024 has instore for us!
Comments
Post a Comment