Singer, actress, and television personality Thembi Seete is beaming with pride as her legendary kwaito group Boom Shaka was honoured with the UMA ICON Award at the 2025 Urban Music Awards. Held at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria on May 3, the star-studded event brought together the best of South Africa’s urban music scene, and Boom Shaka’s recognition added a nostalgic and emotional highlight to the night.
Thembi took to Instagram to celebrate the group’s achievement, sharing glamorous pictures from the event along with a heartfelt message:
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the @urbanmusicawards for presenting @boom_shakasa with this incredible honor UMA ICON. We are truly humbled by your love and support. Our music represents unity and joy for our community and to the world. Your appreciation means everything to us. To our fans, friends, and family, we love you and deeply appreciate your support over the years. Motho ke motho ka batho — we are who we are because of you. There is no music without the people. Thank you for celebrating our legacy. Big congratulations to our brothers and sisters who were honored.”
Boom Shaka rose to fame in the 1990s as one of South Africa’s most iconic kwaito groups, helping to shape post-apartheid youth culture and music. With their bold fashion, high-energy performances, and socially conscious lyrics, they became a voice for the youth and left a lasting legacy in the country’s music history. The group’s UMA ICON Award is a testament to that impact.
This year’s Urban Music Awards also celebrated many other stars. Hip-hop artist Priddy Ugly took home Artist of the Year and Best Hip Hop Act, while dance queen Kamo Mphela swept multiple categories including Best Female Act, Best Live Performance, and Best Music Video for her hit Dalie.
Other big winners included Mawelele for Best Newcomer, Mellow & Sleezy for Best Group, and Woodblock DJs, Cassper Nyovest, and Kwesta for Best Collaboration with their hit Skuta Baba. Internationally, Tyla and Tems won Best International Collaboration for No.1.
Thembi Seete and Boom Shaka’s win stands as a powerful reminder of the group’s influence and the importance of honouring music legends who helped pave the way for the stars of today.
