Ciza
The Metro FM Music Awards 2026 took centre stage on Saturday, April 25, as some of South Africa’s biggest names in music gathered at the Durban ICC for a night of celebration, recognition and high-energy performances.
The annual awards honoured both established icons and rising stars who continue to shape the sound of the local industry, while also highlighting emerging genres making waves across the country.
Among them was the fast-growing 3Step sound, which proved to be one of the night’s biggest winners.
Duo Jazzworx and Thukuthela dominated the evening, walking away with three major awards, including Best Duo or Group, Best Produced Album for Most Wanted, and Best Dance for their hit single Uzizwa Kanjani.
Another standout was Ciza, who scooped top honours as Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist, cementing his place among the country’s leading acts.
The night also saw Shandesh take home Best Female Artist, while Kharishma was named Best New Artist.
Hosted by Lerato Kganyago and Lawrence Maleka, the ceremony doubled as a celebration of 40 years of Metro FM.
The evening was also packed with memorable performances from artists including DJ Tira, Nomfundo Hlophe and Nkosazana Daughter.
Beyond the competitive categories, the awards also took time to honour industry legends. Veteran broadcaster Wilson B Nkosi received the Long Service Award for his contribution to radio and music, while maskandi icon Bheki Ngobo was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long impact.
Below is the full list of winners:
Best New Artist
Kharishma (Winner)
Best Jazz Album
Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini – Ingoma Busuku (Winner)
Best R&B Song
Una Rams – Priceless Possession (Winner)
Best Kwaito/Gqom
DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters & General C’Manane – Awungazi (Winner)
Best Gospel Album
Musa Yende – Sustained by Grace (Winner)
Best Styled Artist
Musa Keys (Winner)
Best Music Video
Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela (Winner)
Best Hip Hop
Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz & A-Reece – Four Horsemen (Winner)
Best Female Artist
Shandesh (Winner)
Best Male Artist
Ciza (Winner)
Best Maskandi
Khuzani – Umanikinikana (Winner)
Global Icon Award
Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Winner)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ihashi Elimhlophe (Winner)
Best New Artist
Kharishma (Winner)
Best Jazz Album
Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini – Ingoma Busuku (Winner)
Best R&B Song
Una Rams – Priceless Possession (Winner)
Best Kwaito/Gqom
DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters & General C’Manane – Awungazi (Winner)
Best Gospel Album
Musa Yende – Sustained by Grace (Winner)
Best Styled Artist
Musa Keys (Winner)
Best Music Video
Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela (Winner)
Best Hip Hop
Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz & A-Reece – Four Horsemen (Winner)
Best Female Artist
Shandesh (Winner)
Best Male Artist
Ciza (Winner)
Best Maskandi
Khuzani – Umanikinikana (Winner)
Best Lekombo
Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ Janisto – Wa Inama (Winner)
Best Amapiano
Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela (Winner)
Best Viral Challenge
Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni (Winner)
Best Duo or Group
Jazzwrld & Thukuthela (Winner)
Best Collaboration Song
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me Happy (Winner)
Best Produced Album
Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Most Wanted (Winner)
Best African Pop
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me Happy (Winner)
Best Dance
Jazzwrld & Thukuthela, Mawhoo, GL_Ceejay – Uzizwa Kanjani (Winner)
Song of the Year
Umafikizolo – Uzoncengwa Unyoko (Winner)
Artist of the Year
Ciza (Winner)
Long Service Award
Wilson B Nkosi (Winner)
Global Icon Award
Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Winner)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ihashi Elimhlophe (Winner)
