By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied – SABC, Metro FM
Johannesburg’s entertainment elite gathered at The Forum in Hyde Park on Thursday evening as Metro FM officially unveiled the nominees for the highly anticipated Metro FM Music Awards 2026 (MMA2026).
With 21 categories and more than 100 artists recognised, this year’s nominations reflect the dynamic, genre-blending force that is South Africa’s music industry — where amapiano dominates charts, gospel commands arenas, hip hop sharpens cultural commentary, and traditional sounds continue to evolve for new audiences.
The awards ceremony will take place on 25 April 2026 at the Durban International Convention Centre, with the City of eThekwini serving as host partner.
Two New Categories Signal Cultural Depth
In a defining move for 2026, Metro FM has introduced two new categories: Best Maskandi and Best Lekompo.
Best Maskandi recognises the enduring legacy and contemporary resurgence of traditional Zulu folk music, while Best Lekompo shines a spotlight on the emerging genre blending African traditional rhythms with pop and electronic influences.
The additions underscore the station’s commitment to celebrating both heritage and innovation.
Jazzwrld & Thukuthela Lead with Seven Nominations
This year’s nominations are led by Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, who each secured seven nods across major categories including Best Produced Album, Song of the Year, Best Dance, Best Music Video and Best Duo or Group.
Amapiano heavyweights Kabza De Small, Sam Deep and Kelvin Momo also feature prominently, while Mawhoo continues her impressive run with nominations spanning Best Female Artist, Best Collaboration and Best Dance.
First-time nominees Karishma, Goon Flavour and Nkesh signal a new wave of rising stars reshaping the national soundscape.
Major 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
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
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 Female Artist
Mawhoo
Lordkez
Zee Nxumalo
Shandesh
Lwah Ndlunkulu
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 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 Maskandi (New)
Umafikizolo – Uzoncengwa Unyoko
Simonofu & Zee Nxumalo – Sajola Kamnandi
Mzukulu & Intombi Yasolundi – Ubu Ghost Bami
Khuzani – Umanikinikana
Siya Ntuli – Amaphiko
Best Lekompo (New)
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
Additional categories include Best Collaboration, Best Viral Challenge, Best Styled Artist, Best R&B Song, Best Dance, Best Music Video, Best Kwaito/Gqom, Best African Pop, Best New Artist, Artist of the Year and Best Duo or Group — ensuring a holistic recognition of both commercial impact and artistic excellence.
Industry Backing and Public Voting
The Motsepe Foundation continues its sponsorship of Song of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Santam remains a supporter of Best Kwaito/Gqom. New sponsors Lottostar, Icebolethu and SAMRO join the awards family in 2026.
Public voting is now open via Metro FM’s official platforms, giving fans the opportunity to shape the final outcomes.
As anticipation builds toward April, the Metro FM Music Awards 2026 promise more than a ceremony — they represent a cultural barometer of South Africa’s sound, style and storytelling in motion.
