{"id":4297,"date":"2026-02-27T08:20:44","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T06:20:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/?p=4297"},"modified":"2026-02-27T08:20:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T06:20:45","slug":"metro-fm-announces-nominees-for-the-metro-fm-music-awards-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/metro-fm-announces-nominees-for-the-metro-fm-music-awards-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"METRO FM ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR THE METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Johannesburg \u2013 Thursday, 26 February 2026 &#8211;<\/strong> METRO FM revealed the 2026 METRO FM Music Awards nominees at a star studded nominees party held at Hyde Park, The Forum on Thursday, 26 February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A total of 21 categories and over 100 artists are under consideration this year, showcasing the vibrant and ever-evolving SA music industry and the diverse talent across all genres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re thrilled to showcase the best of South African music at the METRO FM Awards,&#8221; says Kina Nhlengethwa, METRO FM Business Manager. &#8220;These nominations reflect the vibrant diversity of our music landscape. It&#8217;s a testament to the creativity and talent of our artists, and we&#8217;re excited to honour their achievements. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued partners The Motsepe Foundation, Africa Fashion International, and Santam for their continued support. We&#8217;re also delighted to welcome new sponsors Lottostar, Icebolethu, and SAMRO to the METRO FM Music Awards family \u2013 thank you for joining us on this journey\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, two new categories have been added: <strong>Best Maskandi<\/strong>, celebrating traditional Zulu folk music, and <strong>Best Lekompo<\/strong>, fusing African traditional sounds with contemporary pop and electronic elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This brings a diverse mix of talent, with Karishma, Goon Flavour, and Nkesh emerging as first-time nominees. Mawhoo, Sam Deep, Kabza De Small, Jazzwrld, and Thukuthela received multiple nominations. Jazzwrld and Thukuthela lead with 7 nominations each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The METRO FM Music Awards 2026, will take place at the Durban ICC centre on Saturday 25 April 2026. People can vote for their favourite nominees on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.metrofm.co.za\">www.metrofm.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The METRO FM Music Awards 2025 is proudly hosted by the City of eThekwini and sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Motsepe Foundation is sponsoring the Song of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement award and African Fashion International (AFI) is supporting the Best Styled category. Santam, remains a proud supporter of the Best Kwaito\/Gqom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Here is a full list of the nominees for the METRO FM Music Awards 2026:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Jazz Album&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mandisi Dyantyis \u2013 Intlambululo: ukuhlambulula<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judith Sephuma \u2013 When winter fades<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Andile Yenana &#8211; Way out is in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benjamin Jeptha \u2013 Homecoming Revisited<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Siphamandla \u2018paras\u2019 Dlamini \u2013 Ingoma Busuku<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Gospel Album<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Xolly Mncwango &#8211; Unusual live \/ Deluxe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nontokozo Mkhize &#8211; The live experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Musa Yende &#8211; Sustained by grace<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mmatema &#8211; Heart of gratitude<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nothando Hlophe &#8211; A new dawn<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Produced Album<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Jazzwrld &amp; Thukuthela &#8211; Most wanted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kabza De Small &#8211; Bab Motha<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sam Deep, Stixx and Nvcho &#8211;\u00a0 Kings of kwapi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kelvin Momo &#8211; Thato ya modimo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lwah Ndlunkulu \u2013 Amaciko<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Collaboration<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sam Deep, Nia pearl, Boohle and Mano \u2013 Shela<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela and Gl_ceejay &#8211; Uzizwa Kanjani<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini &amp; Mbuso Khoza \u2013 You make me happy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mawhoo, Gl ceejay, Jazzwrld &amp; Thukuthela \u2013 Bengicela<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goon fFavour, Master kKG&amp; Eemoh \u2013 Ngishutheni<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Song of the year<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle &amp; Mano \u2013 Shela<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dj Smallz, 031 Choppa &amp; Uncool MC\u2013 Zep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dj Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna &amp; Nkosazana Daughter- Abantwana Bakho<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mawhoo, Gl ceejay, Jazzwrld &amp; Thukuthela \u2013 Bengicela<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Khadeair, Peekay Mzee &amp; Kaytah \u2013 Magumba<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela &amp; Gl_ceejay &#8211; Uzizwa kanjani<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shandesh and Mvzzle &#8211; Sdudla or Slender<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goon Flavour, Master KG &amp; Eemoh \u2013 Ngishutheni<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Umafikizolo &#8211; Uzoncengwa unyoko<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ciza, Jazzwrld &amp; Thukuthela \u2013 Isaka<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Viral Challenge<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dj Smallz, Zinedinex, Sguche;031 Choppa &amp; Uncool MC\u2013 Zep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mluucisian, Ricky Lenyora, DJ Maphorisa, Vulela Maweekend; Mark Khoza &amp; Angekenanuye MC \u2013 Malacosta<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goon Flavour, Master KG &amp; Eemoh \u2013 Ngishutheni<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shandesh and Mvzzle- Sdudla or Slender<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Umafikizolo &#8211; Uyoncengwa Unyoko\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Female Artist<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mawhoo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lordkez<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zee Nxumalo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shandesh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lwa Ndlunkulu<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Styled Artist<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Musa Keys<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dali wonga<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>K.O<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vusi Nova<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zee Nxumalo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best R&amp;B Song<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lordkez \u2013 Aweh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Una Rams \u2013 Priceless Possesion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Naledi Aphiwe\u00a0 and Mawelele- Come Duze<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lloyiso &#8211; Higher<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Langa Mavuso \u2013 Dangerous<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Maskandi<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Umafikizolo &#8211; Uzoncengwa Unyoko<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simonofu and Zee Nxumalo &#8211; Sajola Kamnandi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mzukulu, Intombi yasolundi &#8211; Ubu Ghost Bami<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Khuzani &#8211; Umanikinikana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Siya Ntuli &#8211; Amaphiko<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Male Artist<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sam Deep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ciza<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kabza De Small<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kelvin Momo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DJ Maphorisa<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best HIP HOP<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz &amp;\u00a0 A- Reece &#8211; Four Horsemen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yanga Chief &#8211; What if (Mngani)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Big Zulu ft. Emtee &#8211; Abazazi bafunani<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Makwa ft. Kwesta &#8211; Umguzumbane we Summer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>K.O ft. Cassper nyovest- Supa Nova<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Dance<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mawhoo \u2013\u00a0 Cl_ceejay, Thukuthela &amp; Jazzwrld- Bengicela<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Khadeair, Peekay Mzee, Kaytah \u2013 Magumba<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ciza, Jazzwrld, Thukuthela \u2013 Isaka<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jazzwrld, Thukuthela, Babalwa M &amp;\u00a0 Dlala Thukzin \u2013 Uvalo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jazzwrld, Mawhoo &amp; Thukuthela, Gl_ceejay &#8211; Uzizwa kanjani<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Music Video<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Zee Nxumalo, Skillz &amp; Sykes \u2013 Mamma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini &amp; Mbuso Khoza &#8211; You make me happy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lordkez \u2013 Aweh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle &amp; Mano \u2013 Shela<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ciza, Jazzwrld &amp; Thukuthela \u2013 Isaka<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Lekompo<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Janesh &amp; Hitboss \u2013 Ngwanaka<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax &amp; DJ\u00a0 Janisto &#8211; Wa inama<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shandesh and Mvzzle &#8211; Sdudla or Slender<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shebeshxt, Naqua SA; Zee Nxumalo &amp; Slidoo Man &#8211; Rato Laka<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mvzzle, Mawhoo, Natiey Lepaka &amp; Janesh- Leskandi 2.0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Amapiano<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sam Deep, Nia pearl, Boohle &amp; Mano \u2013Shela<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna &amp; Nkosazana Daughter- Abantwana Bakho<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DJ Maphorisa, Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow and Sleazy &#8211; Dlala ka yona<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dj Jaivane, Smaki 08, Wesley Keys &amp; de rose \u2013 Lutho<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kabza De Small, Sykes, Young Stunna, Nkosazana, Tracy &amp; Thatohatsi &#8211; Ngiyozama<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Kwaito \/ Gqom<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dladla Mshunqisi &amp; Beast RSA- Puku Puku<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DJ Lag &amp; Zee Nxumalo\u00a0 &amp; KC Driller \u2013 Ngyasindelwa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters &amp; General C\u2019mamane \u2013 Awungazi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kamo Mphela, Aymos, QUE DJ &amp; Jay Music- Partii<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bello B &amp;\u00a0 We dem Boyz \u2013 Dubai<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best African Pop<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lwah Ndlunkulu \u2013 Mnakwethu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini &amp; Mbuso Khoza &#8211; You make me happy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Naledi Aphiwe, Blcxkie, Lily Faith &#8211; Waiting for you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mawelele &amp; Naledi Aphiwe &#8211; Buya Ekhaya<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Samthing Soweto \u2013 Deda<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best New Artist<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shandesh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Khadeair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kharishma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Goon Flavour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nkeshemba<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Artist of the Year<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Maphorisa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sam Deep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ciza<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shandesh<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zee Nxumalo<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>Best Duo or Group<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Thukuthela &amp; Jazzwrld<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dladla Mshunqisi &amp; Beast RSA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inkabi Nation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focalistic &amp; Ch\u2019cco<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Major League DJs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ENDS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Issued By<\/strong>:&nbsp;Group Communications<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Media Enquiries:&nbsp;<\/strong>Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"mailto:NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za\"><strong>NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za<\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;T. 011 714 3057| C. 073&nbsp;688 1590<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Matla Ragoasha<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>METRO FM PR Manager<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"mailto:Matla@maijawe.com\"><strong>Matla@maijawe.com<\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp; C. 084&nbsp;604 5120<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Johannesburg \u2013 Thursday, 26 February 2026 &#8211; METRO FM revealed the 2026 METRO FM Music Awards nominees at a star studded nominees party held at [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4067,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pgc_sgb_lightbox_settings":"","cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[3,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4297","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-news","category-uncategorized"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MMA-26.jpg",1024,574,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MMA-26.jpg",1024,574,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MMA-26.jpg",1024,574,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MMA-26-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MMA-26-300x168.jpg",300,168,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MMA-26.jpg",525,294,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MMA-26.jpg",1024,574,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MMA-26.jpg",1024,574,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MMA-26-600x450.jpg",600,450,true]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"majolats","author_link":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/author\/majolats\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/category\/uncategorized\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Uncategorized<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Johannesburg \u2013 Thursday, 26 February 2026 &#8211; METRO FM revealed the 2026 METRO FM Music Awards nominees at a star studded nominees party held at [&hellip;]","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4297","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4297"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4297\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4298,"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4297\/revisions\/4298"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4067"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4297"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4297"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.metrofmmusicawards.co.za\/metrofmmusicawards\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4297"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}