AFDA is proud to announce that AFDA Durban alumna Neo Dube recently won the Best New Artist award at the Metro FM Music Awards 2025 held on May 3 at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
In an interview with Times Live Neo talks about winning the award. “Winning the award is incredibly humbling. It’s more than a personal achievement, it’s recognition of the journey, the late nights, the self-doubt and the risks taken to be heard. It affirms that my voice and story matter.”
Themed “Crowning Greatness,” the 19th annual ceremony, hosted by Metro FM with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and Motsepe Foundation, was a vibrant showcase of talent and glamour. Broadcast live on SABC1 and streamed on SABC+, the event captivated audiences with stellar performances and heartfelt tributes, cementing its status as Mzansi’s premier music event.
The 2025 MMAs saw fierce competition with 2,769 entries across 19 categories. The Motsepe Foundation elevated the stakes, awarding R50,000 per category winner and R150,000 for Song of the Year. Marking 30 years of South African democracy, Metro FM’s Kina Nhlengethwa called the night a “tribute to our musical heritage.”
Neo’s triumph at the Metro FM Music Awards is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the solid foundation she built at AFDA Durban. Her journey from student to award-winning artist reflects the power of creative education and the potential of South Africa’s emerging talent.