The METRO FM Music Awards 2026 (MMAs) evening 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” Ngobo 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