BY Sipho Alphi Mkhwanazi

It is rare for one to find a job that allows them to pursue their passions and also travel to various destinations across the country, making people smile. We got the opportunity to do this one more time. This time our destination was Mpumalanga, the place of the rising sun, in Mbombela to be exact. 

When you are Alphi the MC, you sometimes have to feed more than one bird with one seed. This particular weekend was one of those. We were summoned to the auspicious Metro FM Music Awards at the beautiful Mbombela Stadium. We were also requested to facilitate the “It’s not just money” conference at the Ridge Hotel, in Emalahleni. 

It’s an absolute honour to be invited to such events because it affirms that ‍decision-makers are seeing the work that we do. Being on a stage this large is always a humbling experience and an affirmation that the sky is no longer our limit. As you can imagine, we were prepared to spend many hours on the road making sure we executed our itinerary seamlessly. 

A trip of this nature requires a vehicle that will offer you comfort, space, and a great performance. Fortunately, we were in safe hands with the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 L. We took off on a rainy Friday afternoon from Gauteng and joined the open N4 headed to Mpumalanga. The XUV700 AX7 L impresses as soon as you enter with features like a panoramic roof, soft-touch materials, a sleek piano black center tunnel treatment, and white faux leather accents that turn the premium up a notch. It is important to add the infotainment system is louder than me. If you have had the privilege to be on a road trip with Alphi, you will understand why this is such an important feature. 

The journey to Nelspruit was a tricky one, especially considering the multiple roadworks taking place along the N4. But our intentions were set and nothing would stop us from getting there. When it comes to the drive itself, the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 L is powered by a 2.0-litre Stallion turbocharged petrol engine and if we’re being honest, that tank has quite a healthy appetite, so make sure you’re ready for that. I can’t speak too much on the intricate numbers, but I can assure you that they give the car enough pep for daily driving, and it has enough power for overtaking, courtesy of a responsive engine and the automatic transmission that shifts smoothly. 

With everyone arriving at the Metros in the typical German bus and SUV, I thought, why not do the unexpected and arrive in the sleek XUV700 and have heads turning? This year’s theme, same as last year’s, was ‘Black to The Future”. Now I know you’re already expecting everyone to be dressed in black, but my interpretation of this theme is us, blacks, stepping into our most futuristic selves. And that is exactly why I wore the most stellar red suit with a dramatic red hat that screamed BEYONCE! We are the future, we are the vision, and this is our time! 

This year’s Metro FM Music Awards also focused on celebrating diversity and inclusivity in the music industry, with a strong emphasis on promoting and supporting artists from various backgrounds and genres. The awards show was a true reflection of the vibrant musical landscape in South Africa, showcasing the incredible talent that exists within the country.

We can dream BIGGER! Perhaps we will meet at the next event, keep a look out for Alphi the MC, we shall cross paths soon. 

The Mahindra XUV700 priced from R474,999