The Durban ICC was transformed into a sanctuary of South African sound on Saturday, April 25, as the Metro FM Music Awards 2026 celebrated the industry’s finest. The evening was a dual celebration, marking both the annual achievements of local artists and 40 years of Metro FM’s cultural legacy.
Hosted by the charismatic duo of Lerato Kganyago and Lawrence Maleka, the ceremony featured show-stopping performances from icons like DJ Tira and rising vocalists like Nkosazana Daughter.
The Rise of 3Step and Big Winners
The night’s biggest narrative was the undeniable surge of the 3Step genre. The duo Jazzwrld & Thukuthela emerged as the evening’s heavyweights, securing three major trophies, including Best Duo or Group and Best Produced Album.
Meanwhile, Ciza solidified his “A-List” status by sweeping the night’s most prestigious categories, taking home both Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist.
Honoring Legends
In a move that touched the hearts of the audience, the awards paused to honor the architects of the industry:
- Wilson B Nkosi: Received the Long Service Award for his unparalleled contribution to South African radio.
- Ihashi Elimhlophe (Bheki Ngobo): Awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of dedication to the Maskandi genre.
- Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Recognized as a Global Icon, further cementing their status as international ambassadors of SA music.
Official Winners List: Metro FM Music Awards 2026
| Category | Winner |
| Artist of the Year | Ciza |
| Song of the Year | Umafikizolo – Uzoncengwa Unyoko |
| Best Male Artist | Ciza |
| Best Female Artist | Shandesh |
| Best New Artist | Kharishma |
| Best Duo or Group | Jazzwrld & Thukuthela |
| Best Produced Album | Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Most Wanted |
| Best Dance | Jazzwrld & Thukuthela, Mawhoo, GL_Ceejay – Uzizwa Kanjani |
| Best Hip Hop | Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz & A-Reece – Four Horsemen |
| Best Amapiano | Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela |
| Best African Pop | Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me Happy |
| Best R&B Song | Una Rams – Priceless Possession |
| Best Maskandi | Khuzani – Umanikinikana |
| Best Kwaito/Gqom | DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters & General C’Manane – Awungazi |
| Best Gospel Album | Musa Yende – Sustained by Grace |
| Best Jazz Album | Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini – Ingoma Busuku |
| Best Lekombo | Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ Janisto – Wa Inama |
| Best Music Video | Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela |
| Best Styled Artist | Musa Keys |
| Best Viral Challenge | Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni |
