Metro FM has announced the nominees for the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards.
The nominees were revealed at a launch event held at The Forum in Hyde Park on Thursday, 26 February.
This year’s awards feature 21 categories, with more than 100 artists nominated across genres. Two new categories have been added: Best Maskandi and Best Lekompo.
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Most nominated artists
Jazzwrld and Thukuthela lead the nominations with seven each. Mawhoo, Sam Deep and Kabza De Small also received multiple nominations. Karishma, Goon Flavour and Nkesh are among the first-time nominees.
Kina Nhlengethwa, Metro FM business manager, said the awards celebrate the breadth of South African music.
“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,” Nhlengethwa said.
Metro FM Music Awards 2026
The main ceremony will take place at the Durban ICC on Saturday, 25 April 2026.
The awards are sponsored by top brands, including the Motsepe Foundation, which sponsors the Song of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards. African Fashion International supports the Best Styled category. Santam sponsors Best Kwaito/Gqom.
Voting is open on the Metro FM website.
Key categories and nominees
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
Song of the Year
- Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle and Mano – Shela
- DJ Smallz, 031 Choppa and Uncool MC – Zep
- DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter – Abantwana Bakho
- Mawhoo, Gl_ceejay, Jazzwrld and Thukuthela – Bengicela
- Khadeair, Peekay Mzee and Kaytah – Magumba
- Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela and Gl_ceejay – Uzizwa Kanjani
- Shandesh and Mvzzle – Sdudla or Slender
- Goon Flavour, Master KG and Eemoh – Ngishutheni
- Umafikizolo – Uzoncengwa Unyoko
- Ciza, Jazzwrld and Thukuthela – Isaka
Artist of the Year
- DJ Maphorisa
- Sam Deep
- Ciza
- Shandesh
- Zee Nxumalo
Other categories include Best Produced Album, Best Collaboration, Best Viral Challenge, Best Female Artist, Best Male Artist, Best Hip Hop, Best Dance, Best Music Video, Best Amapiano, Best Kwaito/Gqom, Best African Pop, Best New Artist and Best Duo or Group.
See full list here.
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