Gospel Musicians Slam Ukhozi FM Over New Year’s Eve Song Changes

Ukhozi FM’s new nomination process for the New Year’s Eve crossover songs Top 10 has sparked outrage among gospel musicians and music lovers. The Durban-based radio station’s decision to alter the long-standing listener-driven format has led to accusations of unfairness and exclusion.

Previously, Ukhozi FM allowed listeners to nominate any song for the Top 10, ensuring all genres, including gospel, had a chance. In 2025, the station replaced this approach with a curated Top 20 list from which listeners could vote for their Top 10. Gospel songs were excluded from this Top 20, angering musicians and fans.

Gospel musician Andile KaMajola, whose 2024 hit “Liphakanyisiwe” made the Top 10, told Daily Sun that the station’s new criteria were unjust. “We were not going to be hurt if listeners excluded us, but now the station itself has excluded gospel songs, even though they play them regularly. This is grossly unfair,” he said. KaMajola added that gospel needs recognition and respect within mainstream competitions, and he remains committed to campaigning for gospel music to feature prominently in the contest.

Legendary gospel musician Sipho Makhabane echoed KaMajola’s concerns, saying the station is undermining listeners by restricting their choice. “Gospel was normally included when listeners could freely nominate their favorite songs. Now they are being told what to pick, and gospel is absent. That shows the station doesn’t take gospel music seriously,” he said.

Ukhozi FM’s spokesperson, Mmoni Ngubane, explained that the Top 20 list was derived from the station’s play-out system and chart-topping songs from digital platforms. She confirmed that gospel was not included this year but emphasized that the station features a wide range of genres, with gospel regularly played. Listeners are encouraged to vote for their Top 10 from the Top 20 list until 26 November 2025 at 12h00.

The controversy highlights tensions between gospel artists and mainstream platforms over visibility and representation. While gospel has never won the Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka competition, artists argue they should not be preemptively excluded from participation.

KaMajola is set to release a four-track EP on 28 November, continuing his efforts to elevate gospel music despite the new nomination rules. The debate raises broader questions about fairness in music competitions and the role of radio stations in shaping cultural recognition.