The inaugural KwaZulu-Natal Entertainment Awards (KZNEA) announced winners at an award ceremony held at the Durban ICC on Tuesday, 15 December 2020.

Read More: Kelly Khumalo Tells Fans To Not Waste Their Money On The KZN Awards

The awards dedicated to the movers and shakers in the entertainment industry saw maskandi superstar Khuzani and Dj Sithelo dominates. Dj Sithelo of Kotini records took the crown for best Dj and Newest Find while Khuzani won best Maskandi and KZN’s most loved walking away with R600 000.

Winners in each category pocketed R100 000 while the KZN’s Most Loved was companied by an R500 000 cheque. Hosted by Somizi Mhlongo and Pearl Thusi, the awards were a night to remember for the limited-number crowd as their witnessed electrifying performances from the province’s best exports.

Durban-kwaito pioneers Big NUZ alongside DJ Tira took the crowd memory lane with their hit single Umlilo. Also part of the opening performance was L’vovo Derrango with Zakes Bantwini with Resista, Malini, and DJ Bongz with Thina Sobabili. Other performers on the night were Nomcebo Zikode, Khuzani, Nasty C, Sjava, Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha, Sithelo and Skyy Wanda, and others.

Babes Wodumo who was hoping to win did not score an award. The “Elamont” hitmaker is nominated in the category for 2020’s “Best Female Artist.” but Nomcebo Zikode won it. Other big winners included Sjava, SK Khoza, Thandeka Dawn-King, Dogg DBN, Jacinta Ngobese, Pearl Thusi and Bonang Matheba who is KZN’s favorite cousin.

“After many sleepless nights, our dream of honoring our own has been achieved. KZN is rich in arts and music and tonight was a testament to this. We aim to grow and inspire young kids that it is possible. Congratulations to all the winners,” commented KZNEA chairman.

The organizers said the rest of the country will be able to watch the broadcast of the awards on television on a date soon to be announced. Several people were not impressed with the awards recently even Hulisani slammed the awards and said they are a waste of money.

“Who’s paying? IF it’s government, this is a spit in the face of dilapidated schools, kids who cross dangerous rivers & walk for km’s to get to school, students who can’t afford tuition. I’m all for celebrating those who do well, the arts, mara please, this is a wasteful expenditure,” she commented.

Even Kelly Khumalo recently told her fans that they should not waste their money voting for her at the KZNEA. This follows after she was snubbed an award at the Crown Gospel Music Awards.