Jazzwrld & Thukuthela Dominate 2026 Metro FM Music Awards Nominations

Jazzwrld and Thukuthela lead the pack for the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards, receiving seven nominations and demonstrating their influence in South Africa’s music scene. Their nominations span major categories including Best Produced Album, Best Collaboration, Song of the Year, and Best Dance, reflecting both commercial success and critical acclaim. The awards also highlight rising genres such as Lekompo and Maskandi, now recognized alongside more established categories. Other artists, including Mawhoo, Sam Deep, Kabza De Small, Shandesh, and Zee Nxumalo, earned multiple nominations, while first-time nominees like Kharishma, Goon Flavour, and Nkesh signal a commitment to showcasing emerging talent. The nominations were announced at a star-studded launch at The Forum in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, ahead of the ceremony on April 25.

The Metro FM Music Awards introduced Best Maskandi and Best Lekompo as new categories, reflecting the evolving landscape of South African music. Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, along with their collaborators, have been recognized for their versatility, blending production excellence with popular appeal. Other notable artists such as Sam Deep, Shandesh, and Mawhoo received nods across Song of the Year, Best New Artist, and Best Dance. Veteran acts like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and contemporary artists including Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Lwah Ndlunkulu, and Lordkez also feature prominently. The awards celebrate both performance and visual presentation, with categories like Best Styled Artist and Best Music Video included alongside traditional music awards.

Below is the full list of nominations for the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards:

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 New Dawn

Best Produced Album

• Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Most Wanted
• Kabza De Small – Bab Motha
• Sam Deep, Stixx & Nvcho – Kings of Kwapi
• Kelvin Momo – Thato Ya Modimo
• Lwah Ndlunkulu – Amaciko

Best Collaboration

• Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela
• Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela & Gl_ceejay – Uzizwa Kanjani
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me Happy
• Mawhoo, Gl_ceejay, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Bengicela
• Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni

Song of the Year

• Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela
• DJ Smallz, 031 Choppa & Uncool MC – Zep
• DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter – AbantwanaBakho
• Mawhoo, Gl_ceejay, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Bengicela
• Khadeair, Peekay Mzee & Kaytah – Magumba
• Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela & Gl_ceejay – Uzizwakanjani
• Shandesh & Mvzzle – Sdudla or Slender
• Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni
• Umafikizolo – Uzoncengwa Unyoko
• Ciza, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Isaka

Best Viral Challenge

• DJ Smallz, Zinedinex, Sguche, 031 Choppa & Uncool MC – Zep
• Mluucisian, Ricky Lenyora, DJ Maphorisa, VulelaMaweekend, Mark Khoza & Angekenanuye MC – Malacosta
• Goon Flavour, Master KG & Eemoh – Ngishutheni
• Shandesh & Mvzzle – Sdudla or Slender
• Umafikizolo – Uzoncengwa Unyoko

Best Female Artist

• Mawhoo
• Lordkez
• Zee Nxumalo
• Shandesh
• Lwah Ndlunkulu

Best Styled Artist

• Musa Keys
• Daliwonga
• K.O
• Vusi Nova
• Zee Nxumalo

Best R&B Song

• Lordkez – Aweh
• Una Rams – Priceless Possession
• Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele – Come Duze
• Lloyiso – Higher
• Langa Mavuso – Dangerous

Best Maskandi

• Umafikizolo – Uzoncengwa Unyoko
• Simonofu & Zee Nxumalo – Sajola Kamnandi
• Mzukulu & Intombi Yaselundi – Ubu Ghost Bami
• Khuzani – Umanikinikana
• Siya Ntuli – Amaphiko

Best Male Artist

• Sam Deep
• Ciza
• Kabza De Small
• Kelvin Momo
• DJ Maphorisa

Best Hip Hop

• Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz & A-Reece – Four Horsemen
• Yanga Chief – What If (Mngani)
• Big Zulu ft. Emtee – Abazazi Bafunani
• Makwa ft. Kwesta – Umguzumbane We Summer
• K.O ft. Cassper Nyovest – Supa Nova

Best Dance

• Mawhoo, Gl_ceejay, Thukuthela & Jazzwrld – Bengicela
• Khadeair, Peekay Mzee & Kaytah – Magumba
• Ciza, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Isaka
• Jazzwrld, Thukuthela, Babalwa M & Dlala Thukzin – Uvalo
• Jazzwrld, Mawhoo, Thukuthela & Gl_ceejay – Uzizwakanjani

Best Music Video

• Zee Nxumalo, Skillz & Sykes – Mamma
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me Happy
• Lordkez – Aweh
• Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela
• Ciza, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela – Isaka

Best Lekompo

• Janesh & Hitboss – Ngwanaka
• Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ Janisto – Wainama
• Shandesh & Mvzzle – Sdudla or Slender
• Shebeshxt, Naqua SA, Zee Nxumalo & Slidoo Man – Rato Laka
• Mvzzle, Mawhoo, Natiey Lepaka & Janesh – Leskandi 2.0

Best Amapiano

• Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano – Shela
• DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, Kabza De Small, Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter – AbantwanaBakho
• DJ Maphorisa, Focalistic, Ricky Lenyora, Uncool MC, Mellow & Sleazy – Dlala Ka Yona
• DJ Jaivane, Smaki 08, Wesley Keys & De Rose – Lutho
• Kabza De Small, Sykes, Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter, Tracy & Thatohatsi – Ngiyozama

Best Kwaito / Gqom

• Dladla Mshunqisi & Beast RSA – Puku Puku
• DJ Lag, Zee Nxumalo & KC Driller – Ngyasindelwa
• DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters & General C’mamane – Awungazi
• Kamo Mphela, Aymos, Que DJ & Space Ose – Partii
• Bello B & We Dem Boyz – Dubai

Best African Pop

• Lwah Ndlunkulu – Mnakwethu
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Nduduzo Makhathini & Mbuso Khoza – You Make Me Happy
• Naledi Aphiwe, Blxckie & Lily Faith – Waiting for You
• Mawelele & Naledi Aphiwe – Buya Ekhaya
• Samthing Soweto – Deda

Best New Artist

• Shandesh
• Khadeair
• Kharishma
• Goon Flavour
• Nkeshemba

Artist of the Year

• DJ Maphorisa
• Sam Deep
• Ciza
• Shandesh
• Zee Nxumalo

Best Duo or Group

• Thukuthela & Jazzwrld
• Dladla Mshunqisi & Beast RSA
• Inkabi Nation
• Focalistic & Ch’cco
• Major League DJs

The 2026 Metro FM Music Awards are set to honor both established and emerging talent while reflecting the diversity and innovation of South African music. Jazzwrld and Thukuthela’s leading nominations emphasize their dominance across genres, while the inclusion of new categories ensures recognition for evolving musical styles like Maskandi and Lekompo. Fans will be watching closely as the winners are revealed on April 25, celebrating the creative achievements that continue to shape South Africa’s vibrant music industry.