If there’s one thing South Africans love almost as much as a good groove and a plate of pap and nyama, it’s a proper music awards showdown. And this year, the METRO FM Music Awards nominations dropped with all the drama, excitement and “yoh, how did they not nominate my fave?!” energy we’ve come to expect.
The big reveal went down at a star-studded nominees party at The Forum in Hyde Park on Thursday, 26 February, and let’s just say the room was packed with more talent than a Sunday talent show in the kasi. Celebs were serving looks, the cameras were flashing, and somewhere in the crowd someone was already practicing their “I’d like to thank my fans…” speech.
Over 100 Artists, 21 Categories… Yoh, The Industry Is Cooking ?
This year’s awards are stacked. More than 100 artists across 21 categories are battling it out, proving once again that the South African music scene is not just alive — it’s thriving like a braai on a long weekend.
According to Kina Nhlengethwa, the nominations reflect just how diverse the local music industry has become.
She explained that the awards celebrate the creativity and talent of South African artists while also recognising the partners who continue to support the event. Big shoutout goes to organisations like The Motsepe Foundation, Africa Fashion International, and Santam, along with new sponsors including Lottostar, Icebolethu, and SAMRO.
In other words, the awards are backed by a whole squad — because celebrating Mzansi music properly requires serious teamwork and serious vibes.
Two New Categories Enter the Chat ?
Just when you thought the awards couldn’t get more exciting, organisers said, “Hold up, let’s add more flavour.”
This year introduces two brand-new categories:
Best Maskandi – celebrating traditional Zulu folk music that still gets people stomping their feet at family gatherings.
Best Lekompo – a rising sound blending African traditional elements with modern pop and electronic beats.
Basically, it’s proof that Mzansi music never sits still. One minute you’re vibing to amapiano, the next minute someone drops a new genre and suddenly everyone’s doing a dance challenge on TikTok.
Best Maskandi – celebrating traditional Zulu folk music that still gets people stomping their feet at family gatherings.
Best Lekompo – a rising sound blending African traditional elements with modern pop and electronic beats.
Basically, it’s proof that Mzansi music never sits still. One minute you’re vibing to amapiano, the next minute someone drops a new genre and suddenly everyone’s doing a dance challenge on TikTok.
First-Time Nominees Making Big Noise
But the magic didn’t start in Pretoria. Nah, Mahindra said, “We’re not keeping the party in one place.”
Months before the big finale, the Fusion Fest spirit travelled across the country with vibrant campus and cultural activations in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Think music, art, fashion, and crowds full of young creatives ready to show off their sauce.
Each stop felt like a mini festival on its own — the kind where you arrive saying “I’ll just stay for one hour” and suddenly it’s dark outside and you’re still there because the vibes are just too good.
Months before the big finale, the Fusion Fest spirit travelled across the country with vibrant campus and cultural activations in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Think music, art, fashion, and crowds full of young creatives ready to show off their sauce.
Each stop felt like a mini festival on its own — the kind where you arrive saying “I’ll just stay for one hour” and suddenly it’s dark outside and you’re still there because the vibes are just too good.
A Stage for the Next Big Stars
Every year the awards give new stars their moment to shine, and 2026 is no different.
Artists like Karishma, Goon Flavour, and Nkesh have landed their first-ever nominations, proving that the next generation of talent is not here to play — they’re here to shake the industry a little.
And honestly? Mzansi loves a good underdog story.
The Artists Dominating the Nominations
Some artists clearly decided 2026 is their year.
Heavy hitters like Mawhoo, Sam Deep, Kabza De Small, Jazzwrld, and Thukuthela scored multiple nominations across different categories.
But the real MVPs of the nominations list? Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, who are leading the pack with seven nominations each.
Seven! At this point they might as well arrive at the awards with extra shelf space ready at home.
Mark Your Calendars – Durban Is About To Be Lit ?
The METRO FM Music Awards will take place at the Durban International Convention Centre on Saturday, 25 April 2026.
And if you know Durban, you know the vibe: warm weather, ocean breeze, and a crowd that knows how to celebrate.
The awards are proudly hosted by the City of eThekwini, and fans can vote for their favourite artists on the Metro FM website.
So if your favourite artist is nominated, now’s the time to stop lurking and start voting.
The Real Question Is…
Who will take home the trophies?
Who will deliver the most emotional acceptance speech?
And who will show up with the outfit that breaks the internet?
One thing is certain: when the METRO FM Music Awards arrive, Mzansi will be watching, tweeting, arguing and celebrating — all at the same time.
Because in South Africa, music isn’t just entertainment.
It’s a lifestyle, a culture… and sometimes the reason the whole taxi sings along on the way to work.