Year End Awards: The Best In The Game. II

Mzansi Avenue Year End Awards: Part II

The Year End Awards celebrate the greatest and most profound achievements in Writing. Music. Social. Business. Sports. Film & TV.

Applauding the work that sets an unforgettable mark in the specific industry that drives further a successful narrative and empowers the upcoming acts to dare to do something new and innovative. There has to be a starting point of purpose and completion. We

Many stars in music released some of the most timeless records with strong productions, valuable and versatile in a highly competitive market. We've seen some of the best written characters onscreen with key unlocking storylines to whole new worlds. 

Brands experiencing a high rise and shine. Audience building and maintenance. Not forgetting our Sports stars who keep us engaged and energized nothing like an active crowd roaring and cheering!

Album Of The Year: Elijah by Elijah Blake 

Elijah Blake has never missed a beat, always with the most clear and crisp crafted vocal deliveries suee to blow you away, flavourful writings and  beyond safe productions that give you a sense that this artist isn't afraid to channel new spaces and compel with incredible composition. This album has some outstanding cuts like Rainberry Woods whuch feels like a sequel to the haunting ballad 6 (years old). 

Hottie Of The Year: Aaron Pierre

Ladies, we get it!we recognise his rise and prominence in the film scene and it's epuc alright. 

Hottie Of The Year: Elizabeth Tulloch 

Her role on Superman & Lois was phenomenal, she portrayed a powerful and relatable character that fekt natural and intriguing. She brought beauty, action and presence. 

National Social Media Star Of The Year: Thick Dudle

She's truly one of the most upbeat, humorous and relatable content creators spreading love and positivity. Her content is so much fun, captivating and her energy is a burst of sunshine. Our favourite viral trend from her is the "Mfudumezo" clip which solidifies her as someone with an organic and authentic take. 

International Social Media Star Of The Year: Sarah & Xavier

These two are one of the most hilarious and loveable couples ever!! Their content is filled with only good vibes. They definitely deserve a reality show, their chemistry is off the roof! With Xavier crying out "Mush!!" And Sarah just playing oblivious, there's no denying their draw in. 

Best Independent Release: Jordan Alexander - Scared To Get Close (omega Mighty Remix)

This is a fun record, a love song that has a bouncy intoxicating beat very vibrant and the chorus is a highlight. Both stars bring something that works, it's not the usual radio ready bop, it has this distinct tone to it which we appreciate.

Best Album Track: Back To You by Tyla 

Truly another defining moment part of her discography. The song has soul and character. Emotional presence and a hauntingly ghosted tone that grips and grounds you to a compelling production. 

International Actor Of The Year: Dave Bautista (My Spy: The Eternal City)

Dave Bautista portrayed a fatherly character who had to deal with a teenager and it was actually nice to see the warmth, humour and yes it would've been nice to see him in an epic hand to hand combat scene but since his character wanted a different life, he was more reserved afraid of tapping into the past. A job well done!

International Actress Of The Year: Emayatzy Corinealdi (Reasonable Doubt, Season 2)

Emayatzy Corinealdi brought down the house as Jax Stewart a cery complex character who takes you through various stages of emotion. Showcasing her flaws and strengths, it's messy drama that takes you on a journey where you love to hate her, love to love her and understand human nature. She truly embodies the role leaving no doubt about her performance as she takes centre stage and you're left applauding. 

National Actor Of The Year: Jesse Suntele (Savage Beauty, Season 2)

He had big shoes to fill, the second season lost its star of the show, he couldn't just be the son in business who teases potential. It had to be him coming into the awareness of the role he'll step into. He was used, lied to and made shocking discoveries having to choose to side with family or be an honest man. Jesse Suntele brought out the big guns, keeping you intrigued. You felt the different spaces of emotion he was into. Actually rooting for him and what an ending!

National Actress Of The Year: Xolile Tshabalala (Blood Legacy)

These characters can get boring quickly. Good characters don't always receive the best material to go up against a villain. Usually they come across as an irritant, making the bad guys shine instead of be exposed and brought down. Xolile portrays a powerful woman who suppresses herself for the sake of her family and eventually is unleashed taking on a challenge and giving us a very elegant, conflicted and benevolent delivery.

Best Animated TV Series (International): X-Men '97

X-Men '97 is one of the best shows ever. May be animated but gripping hard hitting storylines that are eye opening. Led by Beau Demayo, it is one of most talked about and acclaimed shows as it changed the landscape in terms of animation and storytelling with episode 5 being one of the most shocking events ever 

Best TV Series (National): How To Ruin Love: The Proposal 

Burnt Onion Productions know what they're cooking and it's definitely delicious! How to Ruin Love is a spinoff based on the hit series How to Ruin Christmas. Focusing on a different yet chaotic family that brings the plot to life it doesn't get lost in translation yet stays true to the title in terms of delivery. Comedic, dramatic and romantic suspense, the good kind. Now that's entertainment. 

Breakout Star Of The Year: Terrence Ignatius Ngwila

A well deserved spotlight on this amazing actor who has been in the industry for some good years and has been on numerous productions finally receiving more mainstream attention with shows on Showmax/M-Net & Netflix. He definitely had a really good year. He is the face of television and we love to see it. Versatility and range he has showcased. 

Songwriter Of The Year: Elijah Blake 

Fresh off a new album with rich tones and clever deep rooted writing, Elijah proves it isn't about rhyming and sounding cool, the songs have a sense of sentimental value and intimacy, carrying depth. Definitely a true artist. CongratulatiM

National Song Of The Year: Blackbyrd - Didn't I

Their comeback single truly is a country tinged pop brilliance, guitar geared and get together grooves over smooth and fun vocal acrobatics that sooth the heart and capture an unforgettable feeling of music meant to move you. The Pre-Chorus is a highlight as it has this gorgeous cooing before a thumping chorus. 

International Song Of The Year: Angel Of My Dreams by Jade Thirlwall 

It's different. Usually Girls Aloud & Sugababes are known for a different signature sound that made them unique. Jade brought in something not usual. Angel Of My Dreams is a heartfelt love-hate letter to the music industry with a crashing chorus that sounds like shattered dreams, verses that transition into the spotlight, the highs and it's such a brilliant record. One of the best releases of 2024. 

International Game Changer Of The Year: Tyla

She stepped into the music scene with her own flavour that didn't get lost in the shuffle forcing her to get in line and blend in with other established pop girlies. Tyla showcases versatility and genre flows with ease still maintaining her artistic tone and she's got our attention with an acclaimed studio album, she's becoming an influential figure in music early in her career.

National Game Changer Of The Year: Quizzical Pictures 

Their productions are outstanding they make a necessary effort in storytelling. We appreciate their dedication and how their projects aren't icing, decorative with no actual flavor. They have a finer luxurious flavor and we're rooting for them to tell more stories. White Lies is an excellent display of that. I don't usually do repeats with movies or series, I watch once and that's it but this! Amazing!

International Brand Of The Year: NXT (WWE, Pro Wrestling)

NXT may be a developmental brand but it definitely outshines even the flagship shows most of the times. The tag division, women's and men's divisions are well balanced out with enough screentime to further storytelling and build stars. 

They keep things exciting.

OMG Moment Of The Year: Chelsea vs Michin in a dumpster match

These two are like wrestling soulmates we wish their feud had a lengthier run but we got some fun promo videos and segments to build up to one of the best matches of this year, the crowd was so into it that these two have been consistently thriving whenever given the spotlight. 

Wrestler Of The Year: Iyo Sky

They call her the genius of the Sky. This year she held no titles but she proved to be one of the best in the division as her in-ring work definitely leaves you on a high! 

Wrestler Of The Year: Drew McIntyre 

Give the man a mic and he'll amaze you. Drew was one of the reasons to watch WWE programing this year. His heel run was brilliant and more of the best on the way as we await his return to the title scene. 

A Creative Congratulations to all our Stars!

2024 has been filled with the most exciting and unforgettable moments on and off the screen, on radio and so on. Let it never stop. Keep it moving. 

Thank You for Joining Us.

Until Next Time.

Happy New Year's Eve!

God Bless.