Gqeberha, Eastern Cape – Tuesday, 20 January 2026 – Umhlobo Wenene FM and Black Mobile will officially hand over the R25,000 cash prize to the winner of the 2025 Ingoma Yonyaka competition, “Umalume” by Mr Vee Sholo, at a dedicated handover ceremony taking place on Friday, 23 January 2026 in Gqeberha.
This ceremony marks the third official handover of the Ingoma Yonyaka competition with Black Mobile, reinforcing Umhlobo Wenene FM’s commitment to recognising and celebrating South African music through meaningful, audience-driven platforms
On 1 January 2026, Mr Vee Sholo was officially congratulated during the 2025/2026 crossover on-air by veteran Luks Gidane, and later that morning, welcomed on i-Breakfast Eyondlayo Ekuseni following his win. During the interview, Vee Sholo shared that part of the prize money would be used to buy school uniform for children at a school he has adopted in Gqeberha, a gesture that resonated deeply with listeners and reflected the shared values of community upliftment that define Umhlobo Wenene FM. He profoundly highlighted that the song is reflective of most South African households that are single mother led, where umalume (uncle) takes on the pivotal father figure. The song portrays oomalume as unsung heroes, and in this catchy strophic song, it basically says “we see you”.
Ingoma Yonyaka remains one of the station’s most listener-centric flagship properties, driven by public participation, shared sentiment, and collective celebration. It recognises not only artists, but also the listeners whose votes, passion, and loyalty shape the moment, memory and soundtrack that defines the year. Mr Vee Sholo’s campaign was simple: he was booked for events and ceremonies such as weddings and imigidi where his music or genre would have been sung as igwijo (chant). He would then urge all attendees to vote for him at those events.
Speaking on the significance of Ingoma Yonyaka, Umhlobo Wenene FM Business Manager, Loyiso Bala, said:
“Ingoma Yonyaka is powerful because it belongs to the listeners. It reflects what people have lived, danced to, and celebrated throughout the year. This handover is not only about the prize money; it is about honouring the cultural moments that unite our communities and ensuring that the artists who give us that soundtrack feel seen, supported, and valued.”
Loyiso also added that “The popularity of Umalume reflects South Africa’s growing embrace of isiXhosa cultural sounds. The prominence of imigidi and wedding ceremonies during December amplified public excitement around ceremonial music, illustrating how cultural moments can expand the reach and relevance of indigenous sound.”
The Handover Ceremony will include the presentation of a symbolic cheque and live performances, headlined by Mr Vee Sholo performing the winning song Umalume. He will be supported by a line-up of respected and emerging local artists, including runner up for this leg of the competition, Aypee Soundz, Nomabotwe, Joliza BhacaSoul, and other local artists, reinforcing the spirit of unity, celebration, and cultural pride.
The ceremony will be broadcast and live-streamed during iDrive Enochatha (15:00–18:00), allowing listeners across the province to be part of this landmark moment in real time. Listeners will be able to view the entire ceremony on Umhlobo Wenene FM’s Facebook page on @Umhlobo Wenene FM 88-106 and YouTube.
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Issued By: Group Communications
Media Enquiries: Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)
Mail to: NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za | T. 011 714 3057 | C. 073 688 1590
