BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE — The Kingdom of Eswatini stood still at the stroke of midnight as the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Service (EBIS1) officially crowned Nothando Hlophe’s “Methodist Medley” as the 2025 Song of the Year.
The announcement, which was made exactly at 12:00 am on January 1, 2026, sparked nationwide celebration, marking a historic conclusion to a year that has belonged entirely to the gospel powerhouse. As the legendary radio station transitioned into the new year, the soulful strains of the medley filled the airwaves, symbolizing a spiritual crossover for thousands of listeners who had tuned in to hear the final verdict of the annual charts.
This victory serves as the ultimate validation for a track that has defied all digital expectations. Just days prior to the crossover announcement, the “Methodist Medley” hit an unprecedented milestone by surpassing five million views on YouTube. This achievement is not merely a statistic but a reflection of the song’s profound impact on the hearts of believers across the African continent and beyond. Since its high-profile debut on October 8, 2025, the song has dominated airwaves and digital playlists, maintaining a consistent presence at the top of the charts. The journey toward this success began during a night of spiritual intensity on June 7, 2025, at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, where the live recording of the album A New Dawn took place.
The crowning of “Methodist Medley” as Song of the Year on EBIS1 is particularly significant given the stiff competition within the local music industry. While Hlophe’s other viral sensation, “Sithumela Wena,” previously secured the Song of the Year title at the National Gospel Music Awards, the public’s choice for the midnight crossover proved that the “Methodist Medley” held a special resonance with the masses. The medley’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional Methodist hymns and contemporary worship production has allowed it to transcend generational boundaries, making it a staple in both rural homesteads and urban centers.
Hlophe’s dominance over the past twelve months has been nothing short of legendary. Her historic win at the 18th SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards in Durban, where she became the first Liswati female artist to take home the Best of Africa title, set the stage for this local triumph. Throughout the 2025 season, she has swept every major category available to her, proving that her ministry is currently the benchmark for excellence in the Kingdom’s music industry. The artist’s reaction to her recent milestones has been one of deep humility, as she continues to credit her success to divine grace and the unwavering support of her fanbase.
As 2026 begins, the success of the “Methodist Medley” sets a high bar for the local arts scene. The song’s crossover victory is a testament to the technical artistry and spiritual depth that Hlophe brings to her work. With millions of views and the nation’s top broadcasting honor now under her belt, she has firmly established A New Dawn as a masterpiece of modern gospel. The sounds of the medley now serve as a beacon of hope for the year ahead, ensuring that Nothando Hlophe remains the leading voice in Eswatini’s cultural and spiritual landscape.
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