Amanda Black's phenomenal rise to stardom continues to unfold and all eyes will be on her this weekend at the Metro FM Music Awards in Durban.

The 23-year-old newcomer of Amazulu fame stunned the industry by leading the nominations list with an impressive five nods for Best New Artist, Best R&B, Best Female, Best Afro-pop and Song of the Year.

The musician, whose real name is Amanda Benedicta Antony, tells Time Out that her eyes are on the much coveted Song of the Year gong. "I'm excited about all my nominations but mostly I am very, very much looking forward to Song of the Year for 'Amazulu'," says the singer.

It will be a battle against the likes of King Monada's anthemic Ska Bhora Moreki, Babes Wodumo's Wololo, Lebo Sekgobela's Lion of Judah, Musa featuring Robbie Malinga's Mthande and Kwesta's Ngud'.

The competition has not fazed her. She is hopeful to leave with an armful of trophies.

"I'm expecting and hoping to take the majority of the awards I'm nominated for. I'm just looking forward to a great night. This is a great experience and I am honoured to be a part of it," she says.

The details of her outfit are still under wraps but the music sensation, who says she will also be performing at the awards ceremony, promises to dazzle on Saturday night. "I want everybody's eyes on me," she laughs.

Black says she is stunned by the numerous nominations. "I am very happy. I was not expecting it at all. I was hoping to get nominated but didn't know it would be for so many categories, so for me it was a shock, but I'm very grateful."

l The Metro FM Music Awards will be held tomorrow night at the ICC in Durban. They will be broadcast live on SABC1 from 8pm.