Ciza, Shandesh and Ihhashi Elimhlophe steal the spotlight at 2026 Metro FM Music Awards

Durban was the beating heart of South African music on Saturday night as the 20th METRO FM Music Awards lit up the Durban ICC in a glittering celebration of local talent, legacy and musical excellence.

Broadcast live on SABC1 and streamed on SABC+, the prestigious ceremony — hosted by Lerato Kganyago and Lawrence Maleka — delivered unforgettable performances and emotional tributes, while celebrating four decades of Metro FM’s influence on the country’s music landscape.

The evening belonged to rising sensation Ciza, who emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners after scooping the coveted Artist of the Year title, along with Best Male Artist, cementing his status as one of Mzansi’s brightest stars.

Equally dominant were Thukuthela & Jazzworld, who swept three major categories — Best Produced Album for Most Wanted, Best Dance, and Best Duo or Group — making them the standout act of the night.

The women also shone brightly, with Shandesh crowned Best Female Artist, while Lekompo rising star Kharishma walked away with Best New Artist, underlining the growing influence of new voices in the South African music scene.

The awards ceremony also paid tribute to industry legends. Veteran broadcaster Wilson B Nkosi received a standing ovation after being honoured with the Long Service Award in recognition of his immense contribution to Metro FM and the broader music industry.

One of the night’s most heartfelt moments came when Maskandi legend Bheki 'Ihhashi Elimhlophe' Ngobo was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. From humble beginnings — crafting a makeshift three-string tin guitar at just eight years old — to becoming one of South Africa’s most revered traditional music icons, his journey drew thunderous applause from the audience.

Other major winners included Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini and Mbuso Khoza, whose collaboration You Make Me Happy won both Best Collaboration Song and Best African Pop, while the globally celebrated choral group also received the Global Icon award.

With dazzling performances from stars including DJ Tira, Nomfundo Hlophe, Shandesh and Nkosazana Daughter, the MMAs once again proved why they remain one of the country’s premier music showcases — a night where legends were honoured, new stars were crowned, and South African music took centre stage.

Here's a full list of all the 2026 winners:

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 Possesion

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

SUNDAY TRIBUNE