Metro FM Music Awards 2026: dress code and style tips for the black carpet

Oluthando Keteyi|Published

Metfro FM Music Awards, Black Carpet host, and Luyanda Zuma ('Shaka Ilembe' actress and Miss South Africa 2025 runner-up), and Miss South Africa 2025, Qhawe Mazaleni.

Image: Supplied/AFI

The 2026 Metro FM Music Awards are just days away and those attending the fashion soiree are putting the final touches to their Black Carpet looks.

The Black Carpet is an integral part of the awards night and Mzansi musicians, celebrities, influencers will come dressed to the nines in their boldest look.  The black carpet calls for the most put-together formal looks.

NALA Privé Atelier, the in-house brand of House of NALA, will dress the BlackCarpet hosts, Lamiez Holworthy (Metro FM DJ) and Luyanda Zuma ("Shaka Ilembe" actress and Miss South Africa 2025 runner-up).

Miss South Africa 2025, Qhawe Mazaleni, will also be dressed in a custom garment by the NALA Privé Atelier, and AFI will present the Best Styled Award.

This year, the MMAs are honouring Africa's music excellence, icons and elevating the new stars of the music industry.

House of Nala explained that the dress code centres on strong tailoring and bold dressing in African couture.

As this is a black tie event, House of Nala advises that eveningwear with shape and structure should be worn. Fabrics and textiles like silk brocade, leather, mohair, and beadwork bring weight, texture and definition.

Tailored outfits are the order of the night with polished shoes and jewelry to complement.

The fashion police, however, advise against wearing casual clothing, sneakers, oversized bags, visible logos and denim. Your black carpet look should appear well-curated, reflecting careful thought and planning.

Award-winning producer, actress, and fashion and celebrity stylist, Tshiamo Modisane, shared with IOL her expectations for the Black Carpet.

"I want to see legs. I want to see skin. I want to see boobs. I want to see shoulders.

"Durban is the one place that's got beautiful weather, humid.  You can pull off anything you want to wear. Of course, make it fashionable.

"Do consult your designer. Do consult a stylist. Make it fashion, edgy cuz it's the Metro FM Music Awards."

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