Jazzwrld and Thukuthela emerged as the biggest winners at the Metro FM Music Awards 2026, taking home three awards on the night.
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Durban came alive on Saturday night as it hosted the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC).
The ceremony brought together leading names in South African music and marked the awards’ return to the city after nine years.
Durban last hosted the event in 2017. In the years that followed, the ceremony moved to Mpumalanga, where it was held from 2023 to 2025. Its return to KwaZulu-Natal forms part of a new three-year hosting agreement, placing the city back at the centre of one of the country’s biggest nights in music.
The event was hosted by Lerato Kganyago and Lawrence Maleka, who led a programme that highlighted achievements across genres.
The awards, powered by the Motsepe Foundation, continue to serve as a platform that connects music with fashion and culture.
Chief operating officer of the foundation, Kenneth Mashaba, said that the partnership reflects a shared vision.
“We are delighted to partner with the Metro Music Awards. At Africa Fashion International, we believe that fashion transcends clothing. It reflects a cultural movement. Our FAMES initiative brings together fashion, music, art and entertainment to support creative expression, economic growth and job creation,” he said.
On the night, production duo Jazzwrld and Thukuthela emerged as the most awarded act, taking home three trophies, including Best Produced Album for “Most Wanted”, Best Dance and Best Duo or Group.
Jazzwrld said, “South Africa, God has shown us mercy time and time again. Through your support, we are who we are. Thank you, God, Bazali and our supporters. We love you.”
Legendary group Ladysmith Black Mambazo matched that achievement with three awards of their own. They received the Global Icon Award and won Best African Pop and Best Collaboration Song for “You Make Me Happy”, alongside Nduduzo Makhathini and Mbuso Khoza.
The recognition comes shortly after the release of their album “One Voice One World” and follows the passing of long-serving member Albert Mazibuko earlier this month, adding a reflective note to their moment on stage.
The ceremony also honoured industry veterans. Broadcaster Wilson B Nkosi received the Long Service Award, while Bheki Ngcobo (aka Ihhashi Elimhlophe) was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Across the categories, winners reflected the range of South African music.
Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini won Best Jazz Album for “Ingoma Busuku", while Musa Yende took Best Gospel Album for "Sustained by Grace”.
Shandesh was named Best Female Artist and Ciza secured Best Male Artist and Artist of the Year.
In other categories, Una Rams won Best R&B Song for “Priceless Possession”, Khuzani took Best Maskandi for “Umanikinikana” and the hip hop category went to Stogie T, Nasty C, Maggz and A Reece for “Four Horsemen”.
Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle and Mano won both Best Music Video and Best Amapiano for “Shela”.
Kharishma was named Best New Artist and also won Best Lekompo for “Wa Inama" alongside DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax and DJ Janisto. DJ Tira, Pcee, Campmasters and General C Mamane won Best Kwaito or Gqom for “Awungazi”.
The Song of the Year award went to Umafikizolo for “Uyoncengwa Unyoko”, closing the night on a high note.