By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Isaka hit-maker Nkululeko ‘Ciza’ Nciza was crowned king of the 20th Metro FM Music Awards at the Durban ICC on Saturday night after winning Best Male Artist and Artist of the year.
The awards ceremony took place on Saturday at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC).
The awards were hosted by Lawrence Maleka and Lerato Kganyago, featuring performances from artists including Mafikizolo, Nomfundo Hlophe, Shandesh and Nkosazana.
The evening belonged to rising sensation Ciza, who emerged as one of the biggest winners after scooping the coveted Artist of the Year title, along with Best Male Artist, cementing his status as one of South Africa’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.
The women were also equal to the task, 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 music scene.
Despite seven nominations, Zee Nxumalo “lost 7 awards”, taking to social media to question the outcome while celebrating her EP’s success.
The awards also honoured veteran broadcaster Wilson B Nkosi with the Long Service Award and Maskandi artist Bheki “Ihashi Elimhlophe” Ngcobo honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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.
Here’s a full list of all the Metro FM Music Awards 2026 winners:
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.