Here is what you need to know about the 2026 Metro FM Awards

PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ MAWHOO

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal gears up to host the Metro FM Music Awards for the next three years, starting with the 2026 edition.

This follows a successful three-year run in Mpumalanga from 2023 to 2025. Musician from KwaZulu-Natal bagged 31 nominations at the Metro FM Music Awards reveal evening held in Johannesburg on Thursday, February 26. The awards will take place at the Durban ICC on Saturday 25 April 2026.

Also see: TKZee and Rebecca Malope scoop Lifetime Achievement Award at Metro FM Awards

SABC Group Executive for Radio, Nada Wotshela says, “We’re thrilled to bring the Metro FM Music Awards back to South Africa’s favourite playground, Durban in 2026. We’re excited to celebrate South African music talent in eThekwini, a city known for its exceptional music and entertainment scene, as well as a rich cultural tapestry.”

Two new categories were added to this year’s line-up of awards – Maskandi, recognising the traditional Zulu music genre and Lekompo, recognising Limpopo’s popular modern dance genre.

Here is a full list of the nominees for the 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 and Nvcho – Kings of kwapi
Kelvin Momo – Thato ya modimo
Lwah Ndlunkulu – Amaciko

Best Collaboration

Sam Deep, Nia pearl, Boohle and Mano – Shela
Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela and Gl_ceejay – Uzizwa Kanjani
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You make me happy
Mawhoo, Gl ceejay, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Bengicela
Goon fFavour, Master kKG& 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 and 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 and Mvzzle- Sdudla or Slender
Umafikizolo – Uyoncengwa Unyoko

Best Female Artist

Mawhoo
Lordkez
Zee Nxumalo
Shandesh
Lwa Ndlunkulu

Best Styled Artist

Musa Keys
Dali wonga
K.O
Vusi Nova
Zee Nxumalo

Best R&B Song

Lordkez – Aweh
Una Rams – Priceless Possesion
Naledi Aphiwe and Mawelele- Come Duze
Lloyiso – Higher
Langa Mavuso – Dangerous

Best Maskandi

Umafikizolo – Uzoncengwa Unyoko
Simonofu and 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 – Cl_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 and 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 and Sleazy – Dlala ka yona
Dj Jaivane, Smaki 08, Wesley Keys & de rose – Lutho
Kabza De Small, Sykes, Young Stunna, Nkosazana, Tracy & Thatohatsi – Ngiyozama

Also see: Mr Thela bags Best Kwaito/Gqom Award at Metro FM Awards

Best Kwaito / Gqom