The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has officially announced the nominees for the METRO FM Music Awards 2025, celebrating the best music releases between 28 February 2024 and 28 February 2025.
This year saw a record-breaking 2,769 entries across 19 categories, a significant jump from last year’s 1,700 submissions. As expected, Amapiano continues to dominate, with heavyweights Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Scotts Maphuma leading the pack with four nominations each. Sjava follows closely with three nominations, while hip-hop giants Kwesta and Cassper Nyovest also secured three nods each.
The highly anticipated theme for this year’s ceremony is “Crowning Greatness”, a tribute to the artists shaping South African culture. More than just an awards night, this year’s event will celebrate Black Royalty, honoring those who have made a lasting impact on the music industry.
Set to take place on Saturday, 3 May 2025, at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, the awards will be broadcast live on SABC1.
The METRO FM Music Awards 2025 is proudly hosted by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation, which is adding major incentives to this year’s winners.
- Category winners will each receive R50,000 in prize money.
- The Song of the Year winner will take home a grand prize of R150,000.
- The Motsepe Foundation is sponsoring Song of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- African Fashion International (AFI) will sponsor the Best Styled category.
- Santam remains a proud supporter of the Best Artist category.
- SAMPRA is the official sponsor of the prestigious Artist of the Year award.
Key Category Nominees
Best Female Artist
- Xolly Mncwango
- Dbn Gogo
- Babalwa M
- Nontokozo Mkhize
- Makhadzi
Best R&B Song
- Shekhinah ft. Moliy – Risk
- Mawelele & Kwesta – All My Life
- Elaine – Love Me Slowly
- Langa Mavuso – Best Friend (Control)
- Nanette, Tellaman & Nasty C – Tonight
Best Dance Song
- Casswell P & Nobuhle – Can’t Get
- Dlala Thukzin feat. Zeh McGeba, MK Productions – Sohlala Sisonke
- Chronical Deep, Leehleza, Kabza De Small ft. Latique, Ezra – Hayi Baba
- Oscar Mbo and Jazzworx feat. Thukuthela – Vuka
- CAIIRO ft Ami Faku – Ndisize
Best Hip-Hop Song
- K.O ft. Maglera Doe Boy – Let Me Cook
- Usimamane & Sjava – Uvalo
- Emtee – W
Best Amapiano Song
- DJ Stokie – Selimathunzi
- Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma & ThabzaTee ft. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza – Yebo Lapho (Gogo)
- Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0
- Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow, Tebogo G Mashego ft. Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma, CowBoii – Biri Marung
- Blaq Major ft. Bless The Gentleman & DJ Kap – Sdakiwe Sbali
Song of the Year
- Blaq Major ft. Bless The Gentleman & DJ Kap – Sdakiwe Sbali
- Makhadzi, Prince Benza, Iyanya – Number 1
- WOODBLOCK DJS ft. Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Kane Keid – Skuta Baba (Remix)
- Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma & ThabzaTee ft. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza – Yebo Lapho (Gogo)
- CAIIRO ft. Ami Faku – Ndisize
- Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow, Tebogo G Mashego ft. Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma, CowBoii – Biri Marung
- Shakes & Les ft. LeeMcKrazy – Funk 99
- Kabza De Small & Vigro Deep ft. Scotts Maphuma & Young Stunna – Wishi Wishi
- KMAT ft. CowBoii, djygubzin.live & Ranger – MKK
Best Artist of the Year
- Tyler ICU
- Kabza De Small
- Morda
- Makhadzi
- Kelvin Momo
With an exciting lineup of nominees, high-stakes prizes, and a celebration of musical excellence, the METRO FM Music Awards 2025 promises to be an unforgettable night!