GLM TEAM 
Melitta Ngalonkulu 
Thatho Mathabela, known as TitoM and Bongani Sibanyoni, famously known as Yuppe, were epically celebrated at Diageo Headquarters on Friday.
The hitmakers of Tshwala Bam were awarded $15 000 [R283, 714.50] scooping the song of the year award at the Trace Awards 2025, held in Zanzibar, early this year.
The event celebrated and showcased creativity. Coolness and pride of Afro-inspired music and culture globally, was not short from the theme.
Group head of culture, influencer and advocacy at Diageo Africa, Ifeoma Agu says the song of the year award was sought by many artists, but it was the viewers who had the ultimate choice on who would take home the award.
“This event is highly celebrated because Johnnie Walker is at the heart of celebrating Africa’s trailblazers, who are putting African music on the map. We see how the African genre is very important these days. Everyone is listening to African music, and the world is really paying attention, and Johnnie Walker is here to amplify that momentum,” she says.
“We celebrate TitoM and Yuppe for the beautiful music they gifted Africa, and we encourage them to continue doing beautiful work, says Agu.
The Amapiano duo are set to travel to Scotland, the home of Johnnie Walker, the main sponsor for song of the year at the Trace Awards 2025.
The hitmakers say the award and prize money will improve the status of their life and career.
“We are truly grateful for the prize money, it is going to upgrade our life. We are also going to be able to buy equipment for our studio, because we believe that we must invest the money back into the business,” says Mathabela.
Upcoming musicians were encouraged to continue working hard to reach their dreams.
“Look at where we are now, we never expected this to happen for, so don’t give up, keep working hard to reach your goals. Just keep believing in yourselves,” says Sibanyoni.
Agu encourages Africans to continue to be game changers.
“Keep an open mind, and remain bold, because Africans are known for their boldness and resilience. We are creative, gifted, and talented and I don’t want us to be shy about it. To everyone who dares to dream, I encourage them to put in the work and effort because they never know how far they can get,” says Agu.
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