The who’s who of the South African music industry converged at the trendy ZOR venue for a blistering celebration of heritage, hustle and hits as Nkabi Nation honored its incredible roster of artists. The evening, held on 13 February, was a blissful testament to the collective’s dominance on the charts, packed with industry heavyweights, close friends and family who came together to witness a historic night of plaque presentations.
Founded by the iconic Big Zulu, Nkabi Nation has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the African music landscape. The ceremony recognized the astounding streaming numbers and prestigious certification achievements amassed by its artists, highlighting the label’s consistent ability to produce anthems that resonate across the continent and beyond.
The night was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with gratitude and high-energy celebration. Highlight of the evening saw the founder take the stage, not just to accept his own accolades, but to honor the family he has built.
“We are not just a record label; we are a movement. We are the voice of the people and last night proved that the world is listening,” said a proud Big Zulu, Founder of Nkabi Nation. “Seeing my brothers and sisters achieve these milestones fills my heart with pride. This is for the struggle, for the culture, and for everyone who rides with Nkabi Nation. We worked hard for this, and we celebrate it together.”
In a fitting end to a perfect evening, Big Zulu invited every artist from the roster to join him on stage. As the beats dropped, the entire Nkabi Nation family from seasoned stars to rising talents danced and celebrated in unison, symbolizing the unity and collective spirit that defines the label.
The night’s accolades celebrated multi-platinum success across the board. The full list of achievements honoured includes:
Lwah Ndlunkulu
- Mnakwethu – 7.2 Million Streams (Platinum)
- Maye (Ft. Dr Buselaphi) – 3.5 Million Streams (Gold)
- Imizwa Album – 40 Million streams (Gold)
- Nembeza (Ft. Mawhoo) – 5.5 Million streams (Platinum)
- Notification – 2.7 Million (Gold)
- Seloku – 3.2 million (Platinum)
Big Zulu
- Ivolovolo (Ft. Xowla) – 25 million streams (Triple Platinum)
- Amacala Othando (Ft. Azana) – 15 Million Streams (Double Platinum)
- Abazazi Bafunani (Ft. Emtee) – 13 Million streams (Double Platinum)
- Mthulise (Ft. Shwi Mantombazane) – 2.6 million streams (Gold)
- S’yaz’Siyizoni – 1.2 Million streams (Gold)
- Home Sweet Home – 7.2 million streams (Platinum)
- Awufuni Ukung’Qoma – 11 Million streams (Double Platinum)
Mduduzi Ncube
- Dear Ex Yami – 20 million streams (Triple Platinum)
- Ngeke Ngimyeke – 11 million streams (Double Platinum)
- Lange Linye – 10 million streams (Double Platinum)
- Angsakhoni – 12 million streams (Double Platinum)
- Seloku – 3.2 million streams (Platinum)
Siya Ntuli
- Ama Out (Ft. Xowla) – 1.2 Million streams (Gold)
- Umbuzo Wodwa – 1.2 Million streams (Gold)
- Seloku – 3.2 million streams (Platinum)
Xolwa
- Beng’dakiwe – 5.5 million streams (Platinum)
- Gibela – 7.5 million streams (Platinum)
- Umsindo Wenhliziyo – 5 million streams (Platinum)
- Seloku – 3.2 million streams (Platinum)
Starr Healer
- Allowance – 3.7 million streams (Platinum)
As the plaques were collected and the music faded, one thing was clear: Nkabi Nation is not just celebrating past glories but is charging full speed ahead into an even brighter future.
