The Urban Music Awards (UMA), a prestigious platform celebrating urban music genres since 2003, is set to make its South African debut on May 4, 2025, at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria. This landmark event marks the 20th anniversary of the UMA, which has expanded from the UK to the USA, Caribbean, and Asia, and now aims to spotlight South African musicians, producers, DJs, and artists on a global stage. The UMA SA introduces the South Africa’s Next Superstar competition, offering emerging artists a chance to perform live at the event, fostering new talent in genres like hip-hop, R&B, soul, gospel, jazz, and amapiano. With the UMA Academy’s global network of over 3.9 million musicians and fans, this initiative promises to amplify South African music’s international presence, building on the genre’s growing global influence, evidenced by a 28% increase in Afrobeats listenership and a 114% surge in sub-Saharan African consumption in 2024. Local artists like Griffith Malo and Exte C, who recently released tracks such as MIND OVER MATTER and BE (Dub Radio Edit), exemplify the vibrant talent pool that UMA SA seeks to elevate. This event not only celebrates South Africa’s rich musical heritage but also provides a platform for economic and cultural growth, connecting local artists with international opportunities.
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