Award-winning gospel singer Betusile Mcinga's hit song Ngena Noah was powerful enough to usher listeners of Umhlobo Wenene FM into the New Year.
Ngena Noah became an anthem for Umhlobo Wenene FM's listenership regions after clinching "Ingoma Yonyaka" status at midnight of December 31.
The song won against top hits like Ngeke by Big Nuz featuring DJ Yamza, Ivolovolo by Big Zulu featuring Xowla, Bastrata by DJ Maphorisa & Visca, Sikilidi by Tira featuring General, C'mamane and Dladla Mshunqisi, Sete by KO featuring Young Stunna & Blxckie Sete, Thungisani by Mali Soul, Soft Life by Nomfundo Moh, Wanitwa Mos and Sofa Silahlane by Master KG & Lowsheen featuring Nkosazana Daughter, and Zain SA's Ashon'amalanga.
On the other side, Ngena Noah was in the top 10 of Ukhozi FM's version of Song of the New Year – Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka – and ended in fourth place with just over 30,000 votes.
Mcinga was driving from a gig to another show in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape, on New Year's Eve when he followed the turn out of events on both radio stations.
"While we were driving, I was listening to both radio stations. We tuned into Umhlobo in the car and had Ukhozi FM playing on the phone. When Ukhozi played my song at number four, we easily focused on Umhlobo. After playing the number three song, they said they were going to play the winning song and play the runner-up after 12. While anxiously waiting I heard the intro of Ngena Noah and I knew I'd won. It was a crazy moment. My team and I stopped at a garage and celebrated."
"I am glad that the competition was introduced this year [on Umhlobo] and I am its first-time winner. The win means a lot to me. The cherry on top is that I was also in both top 10s of big radio stations and competing with some of SA's hit songs."
Ngena Noah is an old traditional song sung in churches and community gatherings but Mcinga breathed new life into it by reworking it and introducing a new verse.
According to Mcinga, Ngena Noah broke the boundaries of gospel songs and was even played in taverns, which is something he appreciates a lot.
Ngena Noah became an anthem for Umhlobo Wenene FM's listenership regions after clinching "Ingoma Yonyaka" status at midnight of December 31.
With the station introducing the competition for the first time, Mcinga became the first winner of the competition.
The song won against top hits like Ngeke by Big Nuz featuring DJ Yamza, Ivolovolo by Big Zulu featuring Xowla, Bastrata by DJ Maphorisa & Visca, Sikilidi by Tira featuring General, C'mamane and Dladla Mshunqisi, Sete by KO featuring Young Stunna & Blxckie Sete, Thungisani by Mali Soul, Soft Life by Nomfundo Moh, Wanitwa Mos and Sofa Silahlane by Master KG & Lowsheen featuring Nkosazana Daughter, and Zain SA's Ashon'amalanga.
On the other side, Ngena Noah was in the top 10 of Ukhozi FM's version of Song of the New Year – Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka – and ended in fourth place with just over 30,000 votes.
Mcinga was driving from a gig to another show in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape, on New Year's Eve when he followed the turn out of events on both radio stations.
"While we were driving, I was listening to both radio stations. We tuned into Umhlobo in the car and had Ukhozi FM playing on the phone. When Ukhozi played my song at number four, we easily focused on Umhlobo. After playing the number three song, they said they were going to play the winning song and play the runner-up after 12. While anxiously waiting I heard the intro of Ngena Noah and I knew I'd won. It was a crazy moment. My team and I stopped at a garage and celebrated."
"I am glad that the competition was introduced this year [on Umhlobo] and I am its first-time winner. The win means a lot to me. The cherry on top is that I was also in both top 10s of big radio stations and competing with some of SA's hit songs."
Ngena Noah is an old traditional song sung in churches and community gatherings but Mcinga breathed new life into it by reworking it and introducing a new verse.
The singer, who has a penchant for turning hymns and traditional songs into hits, was forced to record and release it officially after trending on social media for months.
According to Mcinga, Ngena Noah broke the boundaries of gospel songs and was even played in taverns, which is something he appreciates a lot.
