1st round of KUMISA Industry Night judging happened on the 12 June 2019. Thanks to our panel of independent judges 1. Sandile GQ Ntshingila (MTV) , 2. Zanda Mthembu (Ukhozi FM compiler), 3. Lesiba Marokana (5fm compiler), 4. Sibusiso Khanyi (MTV Base/BET Compiler). After a listening session of hundreds of submissions and argument from the judges on who should be in the top 10, a consensus was finally reached. The following were selected:
- Samukelisiwe Mpanza aka Ntokazi from Esikhawini.
- Khokho Madlala from Portshepstone.
- Justin Zulu from Umhlanga (Durban).
- StoneSoup – The AfroPunks band from Durban.
- Siyabonga Mpungose aka Mac11 from Glenmore.
- Mphathiseni Khumalo aka King MZ from Richards Bay.
- Senamile Mkhwanazi aka SENA M from Umlazi ( Durban).
- Joel Kambomba aka Dawan Prince from Glenwood.
- Philani Khanyile aka Ubushintshile from Newcastle.
- Xolani Zwane aka Young Blessed from Lamontville.