Styled for the throne: Inside Metro FM's Crowning Greatness red carpet
Hosted by the dynamic duo Siyabonga 'Scoop Makhathini' Ngwekazi and Luthando 'LootLove' Shosha, the event was packed with unforgettable moments, from jaw-dropping choreography to electric performances by Black Motion, Usimamane, K.O. and Langa Mavuso, turning the stage into a celebration of South Africa's greatest hits.
From iconic wins like Makhadzi snagging Artist of the Year to standout visuals in the Best Music Video category, it was more than just an awards night; it was a full-on cultural moment.
With a theme that salutes the storytellers of South Africa's culture, the Metro FM Music Award's red carpet turned into a runway of beautiful and proudly local fashion.
From Anele Zondo's crown-worthy headpiece to Nomalanga Shozi's blooming petal gown, we've rounded up the best fashion moments that had us do double takes:
1. Golden goddess of the Metro
The KwaZulu-Natal born and raised media showbiz Anele Zondo stunned in a glamorous champagne-toned ensemble with a structured, jewel-encrusted gold corset that cinched the waist.
The look is elevated with a high-slit silk wrap skirt that drapes elegantly, adding motion and drama.
She completed the outfit with a sculptural headpiece spelling out her name.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ??????-??????-?????? (@anele_zondo)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ??????-??????-?????? (@anele_zondo)
@anele_zondo Prepping for the Metro fm awards tonight , see you later ???? #fyp #anelezondo? original sound - Neythebae
2. Queen of the galaxy
Radiating all things regal, Rorisang Thandekiso wore a deep purple beaded gown that's both futuristic and royal.
The embellishments that extend into beaded sleeves add volume and edge.
The entire ensemble glows with violet brilliance under the spotlight, accentuating her commanding pose.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Rorisang Thandekiso (@rorisangt)
3. Divine matriarch
LootLove served celestial elegance in this white gown.
The asymmetrical silhouette, detailed with delicate embroidery cascades into sheer textures and long, flowing drapes.
Her beaded crown-like headpiece adds divine elevation to a look that balances strength and softness.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2)
She also rocked several other outfits:
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2)
4. Midnight bloom
Lamiez Holworthy-Morule's look featured a form-fitting black velvet gown with a dramatic-off-the-shoulder neckline.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Lamiez Holworthy-Morule (@lamiez_holworthy)
5. Golden serpent of majesty
Zola Mhlongo's figure-hugging black velvet gown with a dramatic train is adorned with gold embellishments that snake from the chest to the hem in abstract patterns.
The bodice is sheer, adding dimension while the poised stance commands presence.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo (@zolazeelovin)
6. Crimson blossom
Nomalanga Shozi wore a striking red mini dress sculpted into the shape of a blooming rose.
The petals are richly textured and adorned with shimmering embellishments, creating a three-dimensional floral silhouette that's both playful and regal. The look is finished off with soft and vintage-inspired curls.
READ MORE | Nomalanga Shozi's fashion evolution – 'My style is a lot different to how it was two years ago'
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Nomalanga Shozi (@realnomalanga)
Makhadzi winning Artist of the Year
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Makhadzi (@makhadzisa)
Best Viral Challenge
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
8 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
White House Jet2 Holiday Deportations Video Backlash
Once again, the White House has posted some truly despicable content on social media. This time, it's a video combining the viral "Jet2 holiday" internet sound with immigrant deportations. In case you haven't heard it, the Jet2 holiday sound has been used thousands of times online. Apparently, it originated in the UK humorously — you might hear the vacation voiceover with videos of something going wrong, like "torrential rain, fights on a plane, etc," to quote one redditor in the r/AskUK subreddit. However, the sound became popular internationally, with many people using it over their vacations, funny skits, adventures, and other videos. The White House's video starts with a plane and quickly moves to shackled immigrants stepping out of a van and moving toward the aircraft. Meanwhile, the sound says, "Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday." Notably, the video does not bother to blur the faces of the immigrants (!!!) while making sure to blur the faces of ICE agents. The sound talks about saving money on vacation... ...with "£200 savings for a family of four" — while the video continues showing people whose entire lives are being upended by this administration. After a clip of Trump giving a thumbs up and pointing to the camera, the video ends with: "Book now with Jet2holidays!" In the caption, the White House account wrote, "When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation. Nothing beats it!" Along with the voiceover about vacations, this version of the internet sound includes a cheerful, upbeat song: "Hold My Hand" by British singer Jess Glynne. She caught wind of the whole thing and shared her response on social media. "This post honestly makes me sick," she wrote in her Instagram story. "My music is about love, unity, and spreading posivity — never about division or hate." She also added two angry, swearing emojis over a screenshot of the video. Obviously, people had a lot to say about all this. Many called it an "embarrassment": Others focused on the people running the White House account: Many shared their thoughts on this combo of social media and politics: Some people called the internet sound "officially done": And finally, this person made an excellent point: What are your thoughts on this? Share them in the comments below.
USA Today
38 minutes ago
- USA Today
Mexican music star Junior H announces $ad Boyz Live & Broken Tour: How to get tickets
If it's a Junior H show, get ready for all the emotions. The regional Mexican breakout star, who's captivated audiences with his retro-modern sound and emotive, sierreño-style lyrics, is heading out on the road this fall with the $ad Boyz Live & Broken Tour. "Your favorite $ad Boy is returning to your city," Junior H wrote in Spanish in a July 30 Instagram post announcing the headlining trek. The 22-date tour, which follows the singer's main-stage debut at Coachella in April, kicks off on Aug. 31 at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Illinois. Junior will visit a host of North American cities including Camden, New Jersey; Atlanta; Houston; and Phoenix before wrapping with a show at Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl on Nov. 7. More: Fuerza Regida on making history, performing in LA amid turmoil Born Antonio Herrera Pérez in Guanajuato, Mexico, the 24-year-old singer is considered one of the exponents of the corridos tumbados genre, a style fusing traditional Mexican music with trap and hip-hop. His most recent album, 2023's "$ad Boyz 4 Life II," peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned the top-10 Latin hit "Y Lloro." Cyndi Lauper concert review '80s pop icon says goodbye to touring with heart, color and powerhouse vocals How to get tickets to Junior H tour Tickets for the $ad Boyz Live & Broken Tour go on sale to the general public on Friday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. local time, according to the Ticketmaster website. Presale tickets for the Nov. 7 Hollywood Bowl show go on sale on Thursday, July 31, at 10 a.m. local time. Cowboy Carter tour earns over $400M: Beyoncé makes history with highest grossing country tour $ad Boyz Live & Broken Tour dates
Refinery29
an hour ago
- Refinery29
JaNa Craig's Split Proves A Pattern & It's Black Women Who Pay The Price
Love Island Season 6 couple JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez have broken up nearly a year after leaving the villa. As soon as the split was announced,fans immediately started speculating about what happened. Rumors about their ending began spreading like wildfire when social media users began noticing nearly all of the Season 6 cast and host Ariana Madoix had unfollowed Rodriguez. What few saw coming was that their demise was due to Rodriguez, who is Dominican, being an alleged racist and clout chaser who had been faking his relationship with the Las Vegas native the entire time. Craig confirmed the breakup on Tuesday when she shared a statement via Instagram Stories. 'As you know, Kenny and I are no longer together,' Craig wrote. 'Please know that I have seen all the breakup theories and none have matched up to how terrible, disgusting and disappointing it truly is. Discovering that someone you loved isn't who you thought they were and that the relationship you thought you were building hasn't been genuine since day one has been truly devastating.' Shortly after, Rodriguez followed with his own statement, sharing that 'the past few days have been incredibly difficult.' He continued, 'I'll always be grateful for the time we shared and the memories we created. I release this chapter with no ill will, only hope that JaNa's path forward brings her nothing but happiness.' Craig called out Rodriquez in a response on Instagram, referring to him as a 'manipulative liar.' She said, 'You not taking accountability and telling people the type of person you really are is insane to me!!' Season 6 castmates seemingly confirmed claims that Rodriguez was using Craig for brand deals and status. Serena Page called him 'a narcissist and a racist' on an Instagram post while Leah Kateb called Rodriguez a 'clout demon' under another post. Olivia Walker reposted Rodriguez's statement and said 'I hope this gives you the clout you always wanted you f*****g loser.' In another post, shared by a friend of Craig's who wasn't on the show, she suggests that Rodriguez had messages in his phone that said he doesn't like Black women, he thought he'd get more money out of their relationship and that he couldn't wait to break up so he could date other women. Since Monday, Rodriguez has lost about 100,000 followers on Instagram. He has yet to respond to the allegations. Reality TV dating shows have historically been unkind to Black women. Especially as desirability politics, tokenism and a lack of diversity in cast have long been a standard. More recently, however, Black women have found themselves in a peculiar place in the genre. Those discriminatory factors that have existed on reality dating shows have come head-to-head with the natural social capital Black women on these shows have. With more Love Island USA fans gravitating towards Black women — and the cultural fetishizing and appropriation they face — they've become central players on the show the past two seasons. But still, they experience the same misogynoir they would've otherwise and face double standards and ridicule when they stray outside of the boundaries others want to keep them in. In other words, it's cool to be a Black woman until it's time to be with a Black woman. A similar incident happened with Love Island USA Season 4 winners and fan favorites Zeta Morrison and Timmy Pandolfi. After Pandolfi refused to ride to the airport with Morrison, she said in an interview that she soon found out that he was faking his connection with her the entire time. She recounted a conversation with his sister in which his sister revealed she said, 'I told Timmy to go for a dark skin girl. America loves that.' Rodriguez seemed to have the same idea. This is not only incredibly unfair and manipulative to Craig and Morrison, but it's dehumanizing. Let's be very clear: we weren't rooting for Craig and Rodriguez because they just had stellar chemistry. We were rooting for Craig to be happy. We were rooting for a Black woman with a bubbly personality who wore her heart on her sleeve to get the treatment that she deserved after witnessing men play in her face time and time again. And Black women at home watching deserve to see someone who looks like them being loved genuinely and abundantly. Rodriguez would've been better off showing exactly how he felt about Craig — and Black women — early on. Because of his alleged stunt, he's worse than Simmons and Newsum. Craig was vocal about discussing them connecting over faith and going to church together. But Rodriguez wasn't praying for her, he was preying on her. For nearly a year, while Craig was sharing vulnerable, intimate and authentic moments with Rodriguez, he was carrying on a lie. He rode Craig's coattails to bring in brand deals and followers. He used her for capitalistic gain and clout. He took advantage of her and the social power that Black women come with. When Black women root for you, we're loud and confident about it. We rally support for our faves and that energy spreads to other demographics. As Love Island USA gains more popularity, that's become more and more evident in the reality TV genre. Black women may be the prize but we are not your meal ticket. Any breakup can be hard, but what Craig is experiencing is on another level of trauma that no one deserves to go through. JaNa Craig can do bad all by her damn self. And the same folks who were rooting for her will continue to be there to lift her up and give her community and care that is filled with real love, long after everyone has forgotten Rodriguez and the clout he so desperately chased has vanished.
