From “Biri Marung” to “Chokeslem”: Which Crossover Songs Topped the Radio Charts Coming into 2025?
The end of the year, particularly the 31st of December, always brings with it the hype of radio marathons leading up to the crossover song of the year. Covered by multiple radio stations countrywide, the top 100 countdown this time around included all of the year’s beloved sonic gems, with radio stations customising their lists according to what was loved most in a particular province or region.
From the crooning of shining amapiano star MaWhoo alongside the King of Maskandi Mthandeni SK to the infectious party-starting vibes of Wanita Mos’s Blaq Major, this year’s countdown was a mixed bag of club bangers and soulful ballads, highlighting Mzansi’s diverse taste in music as people fired their hundred shooters and shared kisses to the beat of the clock touching 2025 for the very first time.
Today, we’ll be looking at the songs which topped the charts in different radio stations nationwide ranging from Gagasi FM and Ukhozi FM to Radio 2000 and Y FM.
Metro FM, Radio 2000, Y FM, Kaya 959, and more – “Biri Marung” by Mr Pilato
First on today’s list is the song that spawned challenges on TikTok and even made today’s King of R&B Chris Brown move to the rhythm of the challenge during his time here in South Africa for this two-leg shows in Jozi.
“Biri Marung” by Mr. Pilato – alongside an ensemble cast of stars including DJ Maphorisa, Focalistic, CowBoii, and Scotts Maphuma – topped the crossover charts of multiple radio stations, including Metro FM, Radio 2000, Y FM, Kaya 959, Motsweding FM, and Ligwalagwala FM. With the song’s visuals already sitting on 10 million views after only a month on the digital shelves of YouTube, the song was without a doubt the people’s favourite coming into the new year.
Metro FM on X celebrating “Biri Marung”:
Ukhozi FM and TruFM – “Gucci” by Mthandeni SK, featuring MaWhoo
Maskandi’s hottest asset Mthandeni SK and amapiano vocal powerhouse MaWhoo had a year to remember, with both stars releasing commercially successful singles before capping off the year with their touching collaboration titled “Gucci”.
Having dropped visuals of the song early December 2024, the song topped charts of Ukhozi FM and TruFM, with the song securing over 970 000 public votes for the former’s countdown.
Ukhozi FM announcing “Gucci” as the number-one song on X:
Thobela FM and Capricorn FM – “Chokeslem” by Karishma and Ba Bethe Gashoazen
Unleashed during the second quarter of 2024, “Chokeslem” was a rather surprising wildcard, climbing to the summit of not one but two major radio stations: Thobela FM and Capricorn FM. While the song was released over half a year ago, the release of the single’s visuals in December resurrected the hype of the jam and reminded people just why they fell in love with it in the first place.
“Chokeslem” being dubbed the song of the year by Thobela FM on X:
Gagasi FM – “Sdakiwe Sbali” by Blaq Major, Bless the Gentleman and DJ Kap
Handled by Luyanda Khambule (from 9AM to 12PM), Sizwe Sibisi and DJ HappyGal (from 2PM to 4PM), the Kings of the Weekend and Zisto (from 4PM to 6PM), DJ Sonic and Khaya Mthethwa (from 6PM to 8PM), Heazy and Njabs (from 8PM to 10PM), as well as Felix Hlophe and Minnie Ntuli (from 10PM to 12AM), the Gagasi FM Top 100 countdown crowned “Sdakiwe Sbali” as the number-one tune of the chart.
The song claimed the top spot ahead of Dlala Thukzin’s “Sohlala Sisonke” as well as “Impumelelo” by CiCi with Liema.