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 BusukuBest Gospel Album• Musa Yende – Sustained by GraceBest Produced Album• Jazzworld & Thukuthela – Most Wanted Best Collaboration Song• Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me HappyBest Viral Challenge• Goon Flavour, Master KG & EeMoh – NgishutheniBest Female Artist• ShandeshBest Styled Artist• Musa KeysBest R&B Song• Una Rams – Priceless PossessionBest Maskandi• Khuzani – UmanikinikanaBest Male Artist• CizaBest Hip Hop• Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz & A-Reece – Four Horsemen Best Dance• Jazzworld, Mawhoo & Thukuthela, Gl_Ceejay – Uzizwa KanjaniBest Music Video• Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – ShelaBest Lekompo• Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ Janisto – Wa InamaBest Amapiano• Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – ShelaBest Kwaito / Gqom• DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters & General C’Mamane – AwungaziBest African Pop• Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me Happy Best New Artist• KharishmaArtist of the Year• CizaBest Duo or Group• Thukuthela & JazzworldGlobal Icon• Ladysmith Black MambazoLifetime Achievement• Ihashi ElimhlopheLong Service Award• Wilson B NkosiSong of the Year• Umafikizolo – Uyoncengwa Unyoko