The Open Chat podcast has ignited a debate on social media after winning Podcast of the Year at the South African Social Media Awards, beating fan favourites such as MacG’s Podcast and Chill and The Penuel Show.
The awards took place this past weekend at the Mosaiek Lifestyle in Johannesburg, leaving many talking after the winners were announced on X, particularly about the Podcast of the Year category that was won by Sino Kama and Mthokozisi, hosts of “Open Chats” podcast.
Their podcast was nominated alongside MacG’s Podcast and Chill, L-Tido Podcast, Mpoomy Ledwaba, Podcast and Chill’s Spreading Humours, The Penuel Show, and Wide Awake Podcast.
Despite having strong contenders in the category, the winning podcast has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among fans on X.
The YouTube podcast is run by Kama and Donald. It has made a name for itself by tackling controversial topics that have their viewers hooked.
These topics range from sex, clubbing, and girls to discussions about other YouTubers and TikTokers.
With a massive following of over 220,000 subscribers on YouTube, the podcast seems to have an audience that resonates with its content.
As stated in their bio, the channel is designed by young people for young people and it’s mission is to tackle pressing and engaging societal topics, offering fresh perspectives with the help of various guest speakers.
Through these discussions, the aim is to challenge norms, spark curiosity, and encourage critical thinking.
While some praise the podcast's authenticity and relatability, others feel that the content is all about sex, too superficial, and does not deserve a SASMA award.
Other fans emphasise that the voting process was open to the public, allowing them to choose their preferred winner. They argue that “Open Chats” podcast is deserving of the win as they were chosen by their loyal viewers.
X user @LemponeNanky commented: “Y'all don't bother to vote for your favourite podcasts, then you cry foul when others win.”
Y'all don't bother to vote for your favourite podcasts then you cry foul when others win😩
— Lempone❤️ (@LemponeNanky) November 24, 2024
While @SidwellNjabulo wrote: “They deserve it. The gents are funny.”
They deserve it
— NjabuloSidwell (@SidwellNjabulo) November 24, 2024
. The gents are funny
And @_theboyjayy commented: “All from talking about sex 😂.”
All from talking about sex🤣
IOL