BY:TANA MALINGA
The excitement is officially on. METRO FM has revealed the nominees for the highly anticipated METRO FM Music Awards 2026, setting the tone for what promises to be a spectacular celebration of South African music.
The announcement was made at a star-studded nominees’ party held at The Forum Hyde Park, where industry leaders, artists and partners gathered to honour excellence across the country’s dynamic music landscape.
This year’s awards feature 21 categories and recognise over 100 artists, reflecting the vibrancy, growth and genre diversity that continue to define the South African music industry.
“We’re thrilled to showcase the best of South African music at the METRO FM Awards,” said Kina Nhlengethwa, METRO FM Business Manager. “These nominations reflect the vibrant diversity of our music landscape. It’s a testament to the creativity and talent of our artists, and we’re excited to honour their achievements.”
She extended gratitude to valued partners including Motsepe Foundation, Africa Fashion International and Santam, while welcoming new sponsors Lottostar, Icebolethu and SAMRO to the awards family.
NEW CATEGORIES CELEBRATE CULTURE AND EVOLUTION
In keeping with the evolving sound of the nation, two new categories have been introduced: Best Maskandi, honouring traditional Zulu folk music, and Best Lekompo, spotlighting the fusion of African traditional sounds with contemporary pop and electronic influences.
First-time nominees such as Karishma, Goon Flavour and Nkesh step boldly into the spotlight, while heavyweights including Mawhoo, Sam Deep, Kabza De Small, Jazzwrld and Thukuthela secured multiple nominations. Jazzwrld and Thukuthela lead the pack with an impressive seven nominations each.
DURBAN SET TO HOST THE BIG NIGHT
The METRO FM Music Awards 2026 will take place on Saturday, 25 April 2026, at the iconic Durban ICC. The ceremony is proudly hosted by the City of eThekwini.
Music lovers can cast their votes for their favourite nominees via www.metrofm.co.za.
The Motsepe Foundation sponsors the Song of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award, Africa Fashion International supports the Best Styled category, and Santam continues its proud backing of Best Kwaito/Gqom.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES – METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS 2026
BEST JAZZ ALBUM
Mandisi Dyantyis – Intlambululo: ukuhlambulula
Judith Sephuma – When Winter Fades
Andile Yenana – Way Out Is In
Benjamin Jeptha – Homecoming Revisited
Siphamandla ‘Paras’ Dlamini – Ingoma Busuku
BEST GOSPEL ALBUM
Xolly Mncwango – Unusual Live / Deluxe
Nontokozo Mkhize – The Live Experience
Musa Yende – Sustained by Grace
Mmatema – Heart of Gratitude
Nothando Hlophe – A New Dawn
BEST PRODUCED ALBUM
Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Most Wanted
Kabza De Small – Bab Motha
Sam Deep, Stixx & Nvcho – Kings of Kwapi
Kelvin Momo – Thato Ya Modimo
Lwah Ndlunkulu – Amaciko
BEST COLLABORATION
Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela
Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela & Gl_ceejay – Uzizwa Kanjani
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me Happy
Mawhoo, Gl_ceejay, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Bengicela
Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni
SONG OF THE YEAR
Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela
DJ Smallz, 031 Choppa & Uncool MC – Zep
DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter – Abantwana Bakho
Mawhoo, Gl_ceejay, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Bengicela
Khadeair, Peekay Mzee & Kaytah – Magumba
Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela & Gl_ceejay – Uzizwa Kanjani
Shandesh & Mvzzle – Sdudla or Slender
Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni
Umafikizolo – Uzoncengwa Unyoko
Ciza, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Isaka
BEST VIRAL CHALLENGE
DJ Smallz, Zinedinex, Sguche, 031 Choppa & Uncool MC – Zep
Mluucisian, Ricky Lenyora, DJ Maphorisa, Vulela Maweekend, Mark Khoza & Angekenanuye MC – Malacosta
Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni
Shandesh & Mvzzle – Sdudla or Slender
Umafikizolo – Uyoncengwa Unyoko
BEST FEMALE ARTIST
Mawhoo
Lordkez
Zee Nxumalo
Shandesh
Lwah Ndlunkulu
BEST STYLED ARTIST
Musa Keys
Dali Wonga
K.O
Vusi Nova
Zee Nxumalo
BEST R&B SONG
Lordkez – Aweh
Una Rams – Priceless Possession
Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele – Come Duze
Lloyiso – Higher
Langa Mavuso – Dangerous
BEST MASKANDI
Umafikizolo – Uzoncengwa Unyoko
Simonofu & Zee Nxumalo – Sajola Kamnandi
Mzukulu & Intombi Yasolundi – Ubu Ghost Bami
Khuzani – Umanikinikana
Siya Ntuli – Amaphiko
BEST MALE ARTIST
Sam Deep
Ciza
Kabza De Small
Kelvin Momo
DJ Maphorisa
BEST HIP HOP
Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz & A-Reece – Four Horsemen
Yanga Chief – What If (Mngani)
Big Zulu ft. Emtee – Abazazi Bafunani
Makwa ft. Kwesta – Umguzumbane We Summer
K.O ft. Cassper Nyovest – Supa Nova
BEST DANCE
Mawhoo, Gl_ceejay, Thukuthela & Jazzwrld – Bengicela
Khadeair, Peekay Mzee & Kaytah – Magumba
Ciza, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Isaka
Jazzwrld, Thukuthela, Babalwa M & Dlala Thukzin – Uvalo
Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela & Gl_ceejay – Uzizwa Kanjani
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Zee Nxumalo, Skillz & Sykes – Mamma
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me Happy
Lordkez – Aweh
Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela
Ciza, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Isaka
BEST LEKOMPO
Janesh & Hitboss – Ngwanaka
Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ Janisto – Wa Inama
Shandesh & Mvzzle – Sdudla or Slender
Shebeshxt, Naqua SA, Zee Nxumalo & Slidoo Man – Rato Laka
Mvzzle, Mawhoo, Natiey Lepaka & Janesh – Leskandi 2.0
BEST AMAPIANO
Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela
DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter – Abantwana Bakho
DJ Maphorisa, Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow & Sleazy – Dlala Ka Yona
DJ Jaivane, Smaki 08, Wesley Keys & De Rose – Lutho
Kabza De Small, Sykes, Young Stunna, Nkosazana, Tracy & Thatohatsi – Ngiyozama
BEST KWAITO / GQOM
Dladla Mshunqisi & Beast RSA – Puku Puku
DJ Lag, Zee Nxumalo & KC Driller – Ngyasindelwa
DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters & General C’mamane – Awungazi
Kamo Mphela, Aymos, QUE DJ & Jay Music – Partii
Bello B & We Dem Boyz – Dubai
BEST AFRICAN POP
Lwah Ndlunkulu – Mnakwethu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me Happy
Naledi Aphiwe, Blxckie & Lily Faith – Waiting For You
Mawelele & Naledi Aphiwe – Buya Ekhaya
Samthing Soweto – Deda
BEST NEW ARTIST
Shandesh
Khadeair
Kharishma
Goon Flavour
Nkeshemba
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
DJ Maphorisa
Sam Deep
Ciza
Shandesh
Zee Nxumalo
BEST DUO OR GROUP
Thukuthela & Jazzwrld
Dladla Mshunqisi & Beast RSA
Inkabi Nation
Focalistic & Ch’cco
Major League DJs
South Africa’s finest are ready to shine. The stage is set. The votes are open. And the countdown to 25 April has officially begun.
IMAGE SUPPLIED
