Miss South Africa 2024, Mia le Roux, has released a heartfelt statement after a video from the Metro FM Music Awards 2025 went viral, leading to mixed reactions on social media.
The video, shared by TVwithThinus, a popular X (formerly Twitter) account that covers South African television news, shows Metro FM radio host Mpumi Mlambo asking Mia on the black carpet, “Who’s your favourite South African artist?”
Mia responded, “Within the music industry I don’t have a favourite South African artist as I am deaf, so I do not listen to music.”
Mpumi Mlambo on @METROFMSA Awards black carpet asks Miss SA 2024 Mia le Roux who's her favourite artist.
"Within the music industry I don't have a favourite South African artists as I am deaf, so I do not listen to music."#MetroFMAwards2025 #MMA2025 #MetroAwards2025 pic.twitter.com/ZGF0deNRx2
— TVwithThinus (@TVwithThinus) May 3, 2025Her answer sparked strong reactions online. Some X users felt the question was inappropriate, given that Mia’s deafness had already been part of her public journey when she won Miss SA.
One user, @thabso_lesoetsa, said: “Wasn’t the red carpet host supposed to know that our Miss SA is deaf? I think the question was insensitive.” Another user, @JustTrish_23, added: “Oh wow, how insensitive.”
However, others felt Mia could have responded differently. @Bheki_CEO commented, “Today’s music displays lyrics. She’s Miss SA 2024, she should have answered that question way better. I’m deaf so I barely can hear music much but I am intrigued by Oscar Mbo’s fashion/dance moves he seems to have a whole lot of fans. I’m sure he’s a great artist. Duuuh!!”
In response to the public discussion, Mia took to her official platform to share her side of the story in a detailed and emotional statement.
“I want to take a moment to address the conversation happening online about my experience with music.
This is, in fact, one of my biggest insecurities. Within the Deaf community, everyone experiences music differently. Some perform entire songs in South African Sign Language (SASL). Others feel music through rhythm and vibration. Some dance by counting beats. There are Deaf musicians and artists which I am in awe of, because I can imagine how much dedication it takes.”
Mia explained her personal journey with sound, sharing that she uses cochlear implants, which help her perceive sound, though it’s not the same as hearing.
“I have nothing to compare it to, as I’ll never truly know what someone without a device hears,” she wrote.
She shared a touching memory from her childhood involving her father and the song “Love Gets Old” by Wouter Kellerman.
“I could see how it moved him. That memory stayed with me—not just because of the sound, but because of the emotion and meaning behind it. That’s what I connected to.”
Mia also admitted that music has always been a sensitive topic for her. “I often struggle with music. I can’t always hear lyrics. Some songs sound unclear to me. I’ve had moments where I’ve played music in the background just to feel less alone.”
Explaining her response at the awards show, she said: “I didn’t want to give a superficial answer or name an artist I couldn’t fully appreciate in the way they deserve. I was trying to be respectful—not evasive.”
She concluded with a message to the Deaf community: “I hear you. I see you. I respect the diversity within our community. And I will continue to grow. With humility, Mia Le Roux.”
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