Johannesburg – If you’re not acquainted with Mr Pilato from New Money Gang, you might recognize his hit song featuring Ego Slimflow, “Biri Marung,” which was awarded song of the year by six prominent South African radio stations, including Metro FM and YFM, as reported by Temoso Mokoena.

This year, a total of eight tracks achieved the noteworthy crossover honor on 18 national and regional radio stations.

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 in classic Mzansi style, here’s how South Africans voted for their song of the year.

  • Metro FM: Biri Marung by Mr Pilato
  • UKhozi FM: Gucci by Mthandeni featuring MaWhoo
  • Thobela FM: Chokeslam by Kharishma
  • Gagasi FM: Sdakiwe Sbali by Blaqmajor
  • Umhlobo Wenene: Imbongolo by Khuzani featuring Sphesihle
  • Lesedi FM: Diqabang by Sol Phenduka
  • Radio 2000: Biri Marung
  • Ikwekwezi FM: Koko by Isumi Lamadoda
  • Ligwalagwala FM: Biri Marung
  • Motsweding FM: Biri Marung
  • Mughana Lonene FM: Maseve Wa Thawula by Mlambya WaNdzumbha
  • Kaya 959: Biri Marung
  • YFM: Biri Marung
  • Choice FM: Chokeslam by Kharishma
  • Energy FM: Chokeslam by Karishma
  • Capricorn FM: Chokeslam by Karishma
  • TruFM: Gucci by Mthandeni featuring Mawhoo
  • Phalaphala FM: Ri Vhana Vhu by Leroyale, DJ Awakening, and Clauds

Star-studded lineup, global sensation: 2024 SA Song of the Year winner ‘Biri Marung’

Marking a significant moment in 2024, ‘Biri Marung‘ is a chart-topping track by New Money Gang artists Mr Pilato and Ego Slimflow.

Lauded as the crossover anthem welcoming the new year on six radio stations, the song features a remarkable lineup of South African artists, including Scott’s Maphuma, Tebogo G Mashego, Sje Konka, Amapiano king Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, and CowBoii, each adding their unique flair.

Since its release, the single has soared to #1 on South Africa’s official single charts and internationally.

It has made it to #3 on Shazam and has been featured in local charts across 24 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Nigeria, and more.

Focalistic’s contribution to ‘Biri Marung’ – especially the iconic lines ‘Cash kontant huh … Trrrrrr phaa ‘huh …Shandapha huh (yey wena mahn!) … Are Maradona ke star huh’ – has garnered significant attention, thrusting the song into the streaming spotlight with a viral TikTok dance.

Blending infectious beats and vocals, “Biri Marung” has already generated 1.7 million creations and 2 billion views on TikTok, spurred by its globally appealing dance challenge – a trend matched by stars like Davido and most recently, Chris Brown during his sold-out concert in South Africa.

This track transcends mere dance music; it acts as a national anthem in its own right, representing the pride of South Africans while encapsulating the vibrant spirit of Amapiano, a genre that fosters unity.

Stream “Biri Marung” here.

*This article first appeared at Now in SA