Artists celebrate as Metro FM Music Awards return to Durban in 2026

The Metro FM Music Awards are returning to Durban in 2026, marking a new chapter for one of the country’s biggest music events.

The announcement was made at the media launch held at The Oyster Box in Umhlanga on Thursday, December 11.

The evening was hosted by Hope Mbhele and DJ Sabby and set the tone for what many in the industry believe will be a major moment for the city.

The awards will be held in Durban for the next three years, creating what organisers describe as a long-term partnership aimed at building local talent and boosting the regional creative economy.

Metro FM business manager Kina Nhlengethwa spoke about the return and the decision to select Durban as the host city.

She said, “After three years of successful awards in Mpumalanga, we had to look for another city to host. We came to Durban and were welcomed with open arms. The beauty of that is that this is not the first time we are hosting the awards in the city.”

She added that Durban has a long history with the event.

“The last awards in Durban were in 2017, and the first awards were launched here in Durban. Durban is going to be the home of the awards for the next three years, from 2026."

"We are looking forward to a great event, and people can expect a lot from the entertainment and job opportunities. We make sure that we support SMMEs and young upcoming talent, and we look forward to it.”

Local artists expressed strong support for the return, noting what the awards mean for the province and its creative community.

Artist and industry figure Tzozo said the announcement has created excitement across KwaZulu-Natal.

“We are happy that the Metro FM Music Awards are coming back to Durban. It has been a long time. They have been all over, and that is a good thing because other provinces also had a chance to host. What we are happy about in KwaZulu-Natal is that they are coming back to Durban.”

He encouraged fans to play an active role in the awards.

“People must get ready. They must start working on their outfits and make sure to vote for their favourite musicians so that they do not complain when they do not win. As the chairperson for the KwaZulu-Natal provincial branch of the Creative Industries Federation of South Africa, we support initiatives like this because they motivate our talent.”

He added that the awards inspire emerging artists who hope to one day walk away with a Metro FM Music Award of their own.

DJ Sox welcomed the return as a chance for growth in both music and tourism.

“We are happy that the awards are back in Durban. We have been waiting for them for so long because we know that when they are here, they will improve tourism and the artists. We will be booked and busy,” he said.

He added that the awards create creative momentum. 

“This encourages us to get back to the studio and make new music. The last time I held a Metro FM Award was when the awards were here in Durban with the song ‘Umsindo’ by myself, Professor and DJ Tira. Now this means we should get back to the studio and start working again.”

Actress and presenter Sthandwa Nzuza said that the awards bring energy into the city. “It means a lot for Durban artists and for tourism. It will be fun. They have been here before, so you know that fun will be had and that they will be bigger and better.”

DJ Sobz said that the creative sector is ready to rally behind the event.

“We are here as the creative industry to express our support towards the initiative. We appreciate that they are coming back to Durban. We are happy that our creative industry, as well as tourism, will be boosted.”