Diversity and Newcomers lead in the 7th annual Metro FM Music Awards. The South African music industry indicates a glowing state with the finalists in the 7th annual METRO FM Music Awards – also known as The People’s Awards. The event takes place on 25 November in Port Elizabeth. Matona Ntshona, Metro FM station manager says, “We are really overwhelmed by how seriously the public has taken the Metro FM Music Awards – something that is evident in the diversity of the nominees and the high number of newcomers that we are seeing in different categories. Now the pressure is on for the nominees because once again, we are relying on the people who really count – the music fans – to have their say in who is the ultimate winner in the 16 different categories”. There have been an astonishingly high number of new faces on the music scene. The Best Newcomer category includes Amarobha, Puleng and Sash. Best Song of the Year sees newcomers Teargas and their song ‘Another Chance’ battle it out with industry stalwarts Revolution with ‘Light of my Life’ and Kabelo with ‘Dubula’. This year’s Best Club DJ title will be a battle between DJ Euphonik, DJ Ganyani and the ubiquitous DJ Cleo. When it comes to Best Dance Album, it’s a triple S shakedown as Sunshine, Siyanda and Shana compete for this highly regarded title. The Best Gospel category includes Redeemed, Vision and S’nethemba. In the Best Compilation category, Arthur is in contention with the album, ‘Best of Arthur’ up against DJ Fresh and Soul Candy Session 3 mixed by five DJ’s. It is up to the public to select who triumphs in each individual category. This time only the SMS number will be used. To vote for the winner send the category followed by the finalist being voted for to 34764. SMS is rated at R2 per sms.