Zakes Bantwini Named Music Director for 20th Metro FM Music Awards
Grammy award-winning producer and music icon Zakes Bantwini has been announced as the Music Director for the 20th Metro FM Music Awards. His involvement promises to elevate the theme of music excellence against the culturally vibrant backdrop of Durban. When Bantwini received the call to participate, he described feeling deep gratitude, the kind that reminds an artist of their purpose and journey. Having spent his life shaping South African music, he viewed the role not as an opportunity but as a responsibility to the culture he has long served. Bantwini explained that he wanted to help tell the story of South African music through sound, ensuring the stage reflects the best of the nation’s artistry.
The 2026 Metro FM Music Awards carry the theme “Icon-Inspired Music Excellence,” and Bantwini will interpret this vision through the night’s musical curation. He explained that icons live not only in history but in the music that carries their influence forward, and he intends to build a journey that honors the past while celebrating present achievements. Every transition, performance arrangement, and sonic element will be deliberate, designed to convey the evolution of South African music. Bantwini emphasized that the music will do more than fill the room; it will tell the story of the country’s creative excellence. His approach promises an immersive experience that reflects both heritage and contemporary innovation.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, will host the awards for the first time since 2015, returning to Bantwini’s roots in KwaMashu where his music career began. He highlighted Durban’s longstanding creative impact, noting that many globally influential sounds originated from the city’s streets and studios. Hosting MMA26 in Durban provides validation and infrastructure for local talent, signaling that the world is watching the city’s artists. Bantwini noted that this exposure matters for young producers, singers, and dancers, creating opportunities, attracting investment, and encouraging creatives to dream bigger. The awards will therefore serve as a platform not just for recognition but for nurturing and expanding Durban’s cultural ecosystem.
Throughout his career, Bantwini has been vocal about the role of music awards in South Africa, advocating for recognition that goes beyond competition to celebrate collaboration and cultural growth. He explained that awards should emphasize collective achievement and the creative energy shared among artists. Serving as Music Director allows him to implement these ideas, ensuring that the night highlights artistic collaboration and the power of culture rather than focusing solely on winners. His vision positions the event as a celebration of music’s impact, where performances, arrangements, and shared moments become part of a larger cultural narrative.
The 20th Metro FM Music Awards will take place on Saturday, April 25, at the Durban ICC, with the event airing on SABC 1 and streaming on SABC + at 20:00. With Zakes Bantwini directing the musical journey, audiences can expect an unforgettable showcase that blends heritage, innovation, and artistry. The awards aim to leave viewers with more than just recognition for artists—they will experience the vibrancy and depth of South African music culture. Bantwini’s leadership promises a celebration of excellence that honors icons, empowers emerging talent, and reinforces Durban’s role as a creative powerhouse in the country.
