Event: The Metro FM Music Awards 2026

The Metro FM Music Awards 2026 nominations spotlight amapiano’s dominance, with Jazzwrld and Thukuthela emerging as the names to watch. The race for the Metro FM Music Awards 2026 has begun, with Jazzwrld and Thukuthela emerging as the clear early frontrunners. Announced at a star-studded nominees party at The Forum in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, this year’s nominations reflect a music landscape firmly in the grip of amapiano’s continued evolution, while making space for gospel, jazz, maskandi and hip-hop heavyweights. In total, 21 categories and more than 100 artists are in contention. Jazzwrld and Thukuthela each secured seven nominations, giving the duo significant momentum heading into the awards ceremony scheduled for April. Close behind is a cluster of multiple nominees, among them Mawhoo, Sam Deep, Kabza De Small and Jazzwrld’s frequent collaborators across the amapiano ecosystem, a sign of how collaborative the scene has become. This year’s edition also introduces two new categories, Best Maskandi and Best Lekompo, signalling the awards’ attempt to keep pace with shifting listener tastes and the resurgence of traditional and hybrid sounds. Notably, artists Karishma, Goon Flavour and Nkesh, among others, arrive as first-time nominees, suggesting the pipeline of new talent remains strong even as established names continue to dominate the upper tiers of the ballot. The ceremony will take place at the Durban ICC on Saturday, 25 April 2026, with public voting now open via Metro FM’s website. Below is the full list of nominees. Best Jazz Album Mandisi Dyantyis — Intlambululo: ukuhlambulula Judith Sephuma — When Winter Fades Andile Yenana — Way Out Is In Benjamin Jeptha—- Homecoming Revisited Siphamandla “Paras” Dlamini — Ingoma Busuku Best Gospel Album Xolly Mncwango — Unusual Live/Deluxe Nontokozo Mkhize — The Live Experience Musa Yende — Sustained by Grace Mmatema — Heart of Gratitude Nothando Hlophe — A…