The uproar began at midnight on January 1, 2026, when the station announced “Diqabang” by Sol Phenduka as the 2025 Song of the Year.
While Sol Phenduka is a well-known media personality, fans and local artists were left stunned by the result. The backlash centers on three main points:
- Lack of Airplay: Many listeners claim they had never heard the song on the station’s regular playlist prior to the win.
- Overlooked Hits: Popular Sotho tracks that dominated the 2025 festive season were notably absent from the top spot.
- Integrity Concerns: The FSMA suggests the result does not reflect the actual voting patterns of the Sesotho-speaking public.
The FSMA’s Demands
The FSMA, which represents local artists and industry stakeholders in the Free State, issued a stern statement on January 2, 2026. They are demanding:
- Full Audit: A detailed report on the SMS and online voting tallies.
- Selection Criteria: Clarification on how the “Top 10” nominees were originally shortlisted.
- Accountability: An explanation for the perceived “disconnect” between the winner and the public’s choice.
“The credibility of Lesedi FM as a custodian of Sotho culture is at stake. We cannot allow the hard work of our artists to be overshadowed by questionable processes.” — FSMA Spokesperson.
SABC’s Response
As of Saturday afternoon, the SABC has yet to release a formal rebuttal, though sources suggest the broadcaster is reviewing the voting data to address the 24-hour ultimatum. This incident follows similar “Song of the Year” disputes seen in recent years at other SABC stations like Ukhozi FM.
