'Diqabang' wins song of the year on Lesedi FM

In a victory that resonates deeply with South African listeners, Diqabang by Khathapillar, Smash SA, and Sol Phenduka has been named Song of the Year on Lesedi FM, securing its place in the hearts of many across the country.

The song, which was released on May 20, 2024, has captured the raw essence of familial strife, earning it a spot as both a musical and emotional anthem for those familiar with the pain of separation.

The title Diqabang, which translates to "Feud that leads to family separation," speaks directly to the struggles many face when tensions within a family bubble over, often leading to permanent rifts. It’s a narrative many South Africans know all too well, which has undoubtedly contributed to the song's overwhelming success.

Sol Phenduka, one of the song’s key collaborators and the co-host of the popular Podcast and Chill with MacG, couldn’t be more thrilled by the win. In an episode of the podcast earlier this year, Phenduka had openly expressed his hope that Diqabang would be recognised as Song of the Year. "I wish Diqabang wins," he said, his excitement palpable. "It’s a track that speaks to real stories, real people."

Seven months after the song's initial release, Diqabang took home the coveted title during the station’s annual award ceremony. Sol Phenduka took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his gratitude, writing: “We dropped Diqabang in May, 7 months ago. Literally on voting week. Unbelievable man.” The response from fans was immediate, with many flooding the social media platform to celebrate the achievement.

Felix Kambule, a self-professed non-Amapiano fan, was quick to jump in, commenting: “I’m not an Amapiano fan, but this one is deservedly 2024 Song of the Year, no competition… Diqabang.”

Others, like ChrisExcel, praised Phenduka's contribution to the South African music scene, saying: “Sol Phenduka after carrying the entire music industry on his shoulders this year with Diqabang.”

Fans weren’t the only ones showing support. Sol’s fellow artists and industry figures also took to social media to express their admiration for the song and its success. Karabo Yakoena tweeted: “Well done @Solphenduka for this banger.”

However, the excitement surrounding Diqabang wasn’t just about the music itself – it was also about the personal stories the song seemed to trigger.

For many listeners, Diqabang is more than just a hit song; it’s a reminder of their own lived experiences. One listener, @Kagiso Mokgara, shared a poignant memory, tweeting: “This song is dearest to me… it reminds me of my grandfather. He worked so hard to unite his children and grandchildren but #Diqabang happened.”

The connection to the song runs deep, with many relating it to personal family experiences. Another user, @Tebogo_007, revealed: “We decided to escape family gatherings to avoid unwanted tensions. Groove is better than family issues @Solphenduka #Diqabang.”

@Tshoki Moses echoed these sentiments, writing: “So many of us relate to @Solphenduka’s Diqabang. On top of that, the song is fire! Whoever decides on the Song of the Year, please be fair. Diqabang should win.”

One particularly striking response came from Jeffrey_Blakk, who shared: “I saw this family having a meeting this morning which ended up in a fight, and I quickly thought of Diqabang.” For many, it was not just the song’s catchy beat and rhythm that made it a hit – it was the authenticity of the message it conveyed.

What Diqabang has proven is that music is more than just entertainment, it’s a mirror to society, reflecting its pain, joys, and everything in between. For Sol Phenduka and his collaborators, this recognition serves as an affirmation of the power of storytelling through song. As the song continues to make waves, its legacy as a testament to the struggles and complexities of family relationships is set to endure.

IOL Entertainment