All you need to know about the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards: new categories, top nominees, and more
2026-02-27 - 11:03
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. View this post on Instagram A post shared by METRO FM (@metrofmsa) 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. ALSO READ: Another one! Tyla wins NAACP Image Award for ‘Is It’ 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. NOW READ: SABC 1 calls for entries as ‘Wedding Chefs’ returns for second season