2026 Metro Music Awards Winners

The METRO FM Music Awards 2026 (MMAs) evening on Sunday 26 April was a night to remember, recording SA music’s biggest night this year! Unforgettable performances lit up the Durban ICC as METRO FM hosted the 20th METRO FM Music Awards on Saturday, 25 April. The MMAs aired on SABC 1 and streamed on SABC+ at 20:00.

Hosted by Lerato Kganyago and Lawrence Maleka, the electrifying ceremony unfolded against eThekwini’s vibrant backdrop, showcasing Mzansi’s music excellence.

It was the perfect setting to celebrate 40 years of METRO FM, with high energy sets delivered by artists such as DJ Tira, Nomfundo Hlophe, Shandesh, and Nkosazana.

Thukuthela & Jazzworld stole the show, taking home 3 awards: Best Produced Album, Best Dance, and Best Duo or Group. Ciza dominated, being named Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist. The Lekompo Queens sparkled, with Shandesh claiming Best Female Artist and Kharishma bagging Best New Artist

The festivities also reflected on METRO FM’s 40-year journey, honouring music excellence celebrated by the station over the years.

The legendary Wilson B Nkosi received a standing ovation, as he was presented with the Long Service Award, acknowledging his contributions to the station and to the SA music industry.

Maskandi legend, Bheki “Ihashi Elimphlophe” Ngcobo, who started his music journey at eight (8) years old, making a makeshift tin guitar with three strings, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award.

METRO FM Music Awards 2026 winners list:

• 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