by Thinus Ferreira
The 20th MMAs come as Metro FM marks its 40th anniversary, and will incorporate "a fusion of heritage and greatness through Zulu-textured cultural elements".
This year's theme blends Zulu izinhlonzi patterns, animated beadwork and a triangular motif that's a nod to the Isigqi (rhythm) of Zulu culture, representing the three
beats, three points, and one unbroken loop of music.
According to Kina Nhlengethwa, Metro FM FM business manager, this year's theme "combines the best of African luxury and global style, creating an unforgettable experience that's both nostalgic and forward-thinking".
After a 9-year break and 3 years in the Mpumalanga province, the Metro FM Music Awards is moving back to Durban for another 3 years.
The 2026 Metro FM Music Awards is returning to the coastal city of Durban on Saturday, 25 April at the Durban ICC, with the city of eThekwini that has committed R60 million to host the awards show for the next 3 years in the province through 2028 to encourage economic growth and boost "township tourism".
The move is however, not without its hurdles. Local officials will be under pressure to demonstrate a clear return on investment (ROI) after previous controversies regarding public spending on major events.
Success will be measured by the event's ability to create sustainable jobs for local designers, makeup artists, and production crews beyond the single night of the ceremony.
The 20th Metro FM Music Awards, taking place over the Freedom Day long weekend, will have the Metro FM DJ Lerato Kganyago and presenter Lawrence Maleka as the co-hosts this year, with the awards show that will be broadcast on SABC1 as well as SABC+ from 20:00.
It will start with black carpet coverage at 19:30 leading up to the live awards broadcast done by Lamiez Holworthy.
Nomuzi Mabena and Siyabonga Ngwekazi will be the two co-presenters in the so-called green room. Zakes Bantwini is the music director of the 20th Metro FM Music Awards.
Lerato Kganyago previously hosted the Metro FM Music Awards in 2023.
The awards show will be preceded by a MMA26 Music Conference on 23 April at the Durban Playhouse Company for music enthusiasts.
The 20th Metro FM Music Awards is adding two new categories: Best Maskandi, celebrating traditional Zulu folk music, as well as Best Lekompo to recognise this fast-rising genre that blends traditional African sounds with contemporary electronic elements as a high-energy dance genre that originated in Limpopo.
According to the SABC, these new categories for the awards show are to ensure that the Metro FM Music Awards continue to evolve alongside listeners and provide a platform for music genres that dominate local music charts but that were until now underrepresented.
The 2026 20th Metro Music Awards nominees are:
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 Possession
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
Best
Kwaito / Gqom
Dladla Mshunqisi & Beast RSA - Puku
Puku
DJ Lag & Zee Nxumalo & KC Driller – Ngyasindelwa
DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters & General
C’mamane – Awungazi
Kamo Mphela, Aymos, QUE DJ & Jay
Music - Partii
Bello B & We dem Boyz – Dubai
Best
African Pop
Lwah Ndlunkulu – Mnakwethu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo
Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza - You make me happy
Naledi Aphiwe, Blcxkie, Lily Faith -
Waiting for you
Mawelele & Naledi Aphiwe - Buya
Ekhaya
Samthing Soweto – Deda
Best
New Artist
Shandesh
Khadeair
Kharishma
Goon Flavour
Nkeshemba
Artist
of the Year
Maphorisa
Sam Deep
Ciza
Shandesh
Zee Nxumalo
Best
Duo or Group
Thukuthela & Jazzwrld
Dladla Mshunqisi & Beast RSA
Inkabi Nation
Focalistic & Ch’cco
Major League DJs
