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FSMA
By Thabo Mosia
Bloemfontein, South Africa –
The start of 2026 has brought unexpected drama to the Free State’s music scene, with fans and artists in an uproar over Lesedi FM’s choice for the 2025 Song of the Year.
The SABC radio station, which broadcasts in Sesotho and reaches millions across the region, was named “Diqabang” as the winner by Sol Phenduka – a decision that has caused widespread confusion and anger.
Many listeners claim that the song is largely unknown, leaving them to wonder how it topped the charts in a listener-voted contest.
For everyday music lovers who tune into Lesedi FM for their daily dose of local hits, this feels like a betrayal of trust, especially when popular favorites seemed to be coming out for the crown.
The Free State Music Association (FSMA) has joined the fray, demanding urgent answers from the broadcaster and the SABC within 24 hours on how the selection process worked.
While outrage prevails on social media and in community chats, this controversy has divided artists and fans, raising major questions about the fairness of awards that reward regional talent.
In a province where music like Sotho tracks binds communities together, the row threatens to sour the festive atmosphere that heralded the new year.
With Phenduka thanking the channel for making his song a hit despite the backlash, the debate rages on whether this was a real victory or a flawed process that needs to be fixed quickly.
Lesedi FM’s Song of the Year is a much-loved tradition, with listeners voting for their top pick to ring in the new year with airplay and prestige.
But this year’s choice has turned the celebration into confusion, with the FSMA leading the way for transparency to close the gaps.
The winning song: “Diqabang” by Sol Phenduka provides a surprise
“Diqabang”, a Sotho song by artist Sol Phenduka (also known as Sol Pheduka), was announced as Lesedi FM’s Song of the Year for 2025, beating the expected frontrunners in a vote that concluded on December 31, 2025.
Phenduka, a rising star in the local music scene, expressed his gratitude to the station and listeners for making the song a hit.
He credited collaborator Kamoh
But for many the victory came as a shock. Listeners flooded social media with questions like “How did a song that no one knows become Song of the Year?”
Some claimed they had never heard it on the station’s playlists, while others pointed to more popular songs from 2025 that seemed to be overlooked.
The controversy grew when the FSMA intervened, saying the decision had caused division among artists and raised serious doubts about the integrity of the voting system.
Lesedi FM, part of the SABC family that broadcasts weekly in Sesotho to over two million listeners, is organizing the award as a listener-driven event.
Votes come in via text message or online, with the top song played at midnight to start the new year.
Past winners such as Sad Tebogo G Mashego’s ‘Biri Marung’ in 2024 became huge hits, but the low profile of ‘Diqabang’ before the win has fueled suspicions of irregularities.
Ultimatum from the FSMA: 24 hours for answers or action
The Free State Music Association (FSMA), a group representing local artists and industry players, did not hesitate in their response.
On January 1, 2026, they issued a statement giving Lesedi FM and the SABC just 24 hours to explain the selection process.
They demanded transparency about how votes were counted, why an ‘unknown’ song prevailed and what steps would be taken to resolve any flaws.
The FSMA highlighted how the row has divided the music community, with some artists feeling deprived of recognition.
They warned that without clear answers, confidence in the award – and the channel – could be lost forever.
This isn’t the first time radio awards have faced backlash; Similar controversies hit Ukhozi FM’s Song of the Year in 2025, where voting issues sparked public outrage.
The association’s pressure reflects wider frustrations in the Free State’s music industry, where artists work hard for airplay but feel overlooked by major stations.
Because Sotho music is a big part of the cultural identity here, the award carries more weight than just a title: it can launch careers and spotlight local talent.
Community reactions: fuming fans and divided artists
Social media exploded with responses from Free State residents, many outraged by the choice.
Posts questioned the song’s popularity, with one user saying: “Ya itshephelang modimo” – a local expression expressing disbelief. Others shared playlists of 2025 hits that they felt deserved the win, such as songs from well-known Sotho artists.
Artists also joined the battle. Sad Tebogo G Mashego, whose ‘Biri Marung’ was a hit in 2024 but faced royalty issues, highlighted the ongoing wage disputes with stations like Lesedi FM.
He claimed he didn’t receive a cent for his song’s success, fueling complaints about the way prizes benefit artists.
The controversy has been divisive, with some defending Phenduka’s victory as a new vote, while others see it as rigged.
For listeners, it undermines trust in voting systems that are intended to reflect public choice. In a region where radio like Lesedi FM shapes cultural tastes, this gap could harm listening audiences if left unaddressed.
The role of Lesedi FM: a station at the heart of Sotho culture
Lesedi FM, which has been broadcasting from Bloemfontein since 1996, reaches more than 3 million listeners with Sotho content, music and news.
The Song of the Year is a highlight, with past winners such as ‘Biri Marung’ becoming anthems.
The award boosts artists through airplay and prestige, but controversies like this question its fairness.
In 2025, the station faced similar selection processes, with claims of bias or technical issues.
Phenduka’s ‘Diqabang’, a feel-good song about perseverance, gained popularity late in the year but many say it lacked the buzz of rivals. The SABC, as a parent organization, is now under pressure to intervene and provide clarification.
Broader implications: trust issues in music awards
This row ties into broader debates about transparency in South African radio awards.
Stations like Ukhozi FM and Metro FM have faced fraud claims, with artists like Sad Tebogo G Mashego highlighting unpaid royalties. In 2025, the Metro FM Music Awards were criticized for ‘tone deaf’ choices amid technical issues.
For the Free State industry, where Sotho music flourishes but is often overshadowed by Zulu or English hits, fair prices are important for exposure. The FSMA’s requirement could lead to audits or rule changes, allowing votes to really count.
As the 24-hour deadline passes, eyes are on Lesedi FM for a response.
Phenduka, meanwhile, stands by his victory and thanks the fans for the support. By 2026, this could lead to fairer processes, allowing music to unite instead of divide.
In a year full of promise, let this controversy lead to better, transparent awards that celebrate real talent and keep the beats strong. If you have thoughts, share them – music is for everyone.
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