by Thinus Ferreira
The 24-year-old Isaka-hitmaker Cisa (Nkululeko Ncisa) won Artist of the year as well as Best male artist at Saturday night's live 20th Metro FM Music Awards (MMAs) broadcast on SABC1 and SABC+, while chart-topping Zee Nxumalo got shut out and won none of her seven nominations.
The 2026 MMAs were co-hosted by Lawrence Maleka and Lerato Kganyago with the live broadcast from the Durban International Convention Centre that featured on-stage performances by DJ Tira, Nomfundo Hlope, Shandesh and Nkosazana Daughter.
Veteran broadcaster Wilson B Nkosi was honoured with a special long-service award for his decades-long career.
The Maskandi legend, Bheki Ngobo (Ihashi Elimphlophe) who started his music journey when he was 8 with a makeshift guitar with three strings, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award.
"I feel blessed by God, blessed by my supporters, who have been supporting me since day one and will continue to support me through this journey," Cisa said on stage.
"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them. My dad has also been a great supporter and a guide and he's helped me navigate the industry cautiously."
"I remember the gents and I were sitting in a studio in the East Rand and I told them, 'We need to make a song that's going to change the sound of South African music and Isaka became that," he said when he accepted his award.
"This song has made amazing things for us and I'm grateful to Thukuthela and Jazzworld."
Thukuthela and Jazzworld won 3 awards: Best produced album, Best dance, and Best duo or group.
The Lekompo Queens sparkled, with Shandesh winning Best female artist and Kharishma winning Best new artist.
Kharishma was absent, recovering after a serious car accident in 2025 with her brother accepting the award and noting how much her fans' continued appreciation and support is helping keep her emotionally and psychologically.
Zee Nxumalo left the awards with nothing, although she was tied with producer Sam Deep as the 2026 MMAs' most-nominated artist. On social media she vented: "God, you're confusing me. I just lost 7 awards but my new EP is doing well. What must happen?"
The full list of 2026's 20th Metro FM Music Awards winners:
Best jazz album
Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini – Ingoma Busuku
Best gospel album
Musa Yende - Sustained by Grace
Best-produced album
Jazzworld & Thukuthela - Most Wanted
Best collaboration song
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza - You Make Me Happy
Best viral challenge
Goon Flavour, Master KG & EeMoh – Ngishutheni
Best female artist
Shandesh
Best styled artist
Musa Keys
Best R&B song
Una Rams – Priceless Possession
Best Maskandi
Khuzani - Umanikinikana
Best Male Artist
Ciza
Best Hip Hop
Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz & A-Reece - Four Horsemen
Best dance
Jazzworld, Mawhoo & Thukuthela, Gl_Ceejay - Uzizwa Kanjani
Best music video
Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela
Best Lekompo
Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ Janisto - Wa Inama
Best Amapiano
Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela
Best Kwaito / Gqom
DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters & General C’Mamane – Awungazi
Best African pop
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza - You Make Me Happy
Best new artist
Kharishma
Artist of the Year
Ciza
Best duo or group
Thukuthela & Jazzworld
Global icon
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Lifetime Achievement
Ihashi Elimhlophe
Long service award
Wilson B Nkosi
Song of the Year
Umafikizolo - Uyoncengwa Unyoko
