The battle for South African hip-hop recognition is heating up after the Urban Music Awards South Africa announced 17 nominees for Best Hip-Hop Act at its 2026 ceremony.
South African hip-hop fans now have their say as voting officially opens for the Best Hip-Hop Act category at the upcoming Urban Music Awards South Africa.
The awards, which are preparing for their second edition, have unveiled a competitive shortlist featuring some of the country’s biggest rap names alongside artists who continue to shape the future of the genre.
From established stars such as Cassper, Nasty C, Emtee and K.O to younger voices including Loatinover Pounds, Usimamane and Maglera Doe Boy, the nominations highlight the variety of talent currently driving the local hip-hop scene.
Full list of Best Hip-Hop Act nominees
A total of 17 artists are competing for the prestigious title this year.
The nominees are:
- Cassper
- Emtee
- Loatinover Pounds
- Usimamane
- Stogie T
- Flvme
- Maglera Doe Boy
- Nasty C
- Priddy Ugly
- K.O
- Kwesta
- Yanga Chief
- Big Zulu
- A-Reece
- MashBeatz
- Blxckie
- Danya Devs
The diverse shortlist brings together artists with different sounds, styles and contributions to South African hip-hop. With 17 contenders in the running, the category is expected to attract considerable attention as fans get behind their favourites.
How to vote for your favourite artist
Public voting is now open, giving supporters an opportunity to influence the outcome of the Best Hip-Hop Act category.
Fans can cast their votes through the official Urban Music Awards South Africa voting page:
Vote for your favourite artist here
Voters are required to register with an email address before submitting their choices. The voting link is also available through the awards’ official social media bio.
With the public now involved in deciding the winner, supporters will be hoping to help their favourite rapper claim the title.
Urban Music Awards SA 2026: Date and venue
The second edition of the Urban Music Awards South Africa is scheduled to take place on 9 December 2026 at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace.
The event promises an evening celebrating the country’s urban music industry, with celebrity appearances, live performances and entertainment expected to form part of the occasion.
In its announcement, the organisers described the awards as a platform for celebrating culture, recognising stars and creating memorable moments.
They also encouraged music fans not to limit their involvement to following the event online, but to be part of the experience in person.
Tickets are already available for those who want to attend the ceremony and witness the winners being announced.
Who will take home Best Hip-Hop Act?
With major names and rising talents competing in the same category, the 2026 Best Hip-Hop Act race has plenty of potential to generate debate among South African hip-hop fans.
The nominations recognise the depth of the local scene, while the opening of public voting gives supporters a direct opportunity to back the artists they believe deserve the award.
The countdown to 9 December has begun. Now, the question is: which rapper will walk away with the 2026 Urban Music Awards South Africa Best Hip-Hop Act award?
