Metro FM Music Awards add Maskandi category for Durban comeback
Maskandi and Lekompo take centre stage as the iconic awards show comes home in 2026, celebrating South Africa’s rich musical roots and future beats.
Image: Metro Fm/ Facebook
The Metro FM Music Awards are set to make a triumphant return to Durban in 2026, with organisers announcing the inclusion of two new categories, Best Maskandi and Best Lekompo, in a move that celebrates South Africa’s diverse musical heritage.
The announcement was made on Thursday evening during a glitzy media launch at the luxurious Oyster Box Hotel in uMhlanga, where industry heavyweights, artists and media gathered to mark the awards’ homecoming after nearly a decade.
SABC Radio Group Executive Nada Wotshela confirmed the additions, saying the new categories reflect the evolving landscape of South African music.
“Maskandi and Lekompo are not just genres, they are cultural movements that have shaped the soundscape of our nation,” said Wotshela.
“We are proud to honour them on a national stage.”
Maskandi, a genre deeply rooted in Zulu tradition, has long been a staple in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
It has consistently dominated the Song of the Year charts on Ukhozi FM and Umhlobo Wenene FM, the country’s most listened-to radio stations, over the past decade.
Lekompo, a pulsating modern dance genre born in Limpopo, has also surged in popularity, particularly in Gauteng, where it is now a fixture at major music festivals.
Wotshela also expressed gratitude to the Mpumalanga provincial government, which hosted the awards for the past three years, and confirmed that Durban will now host the event from 2026 to 2028.
eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele welcomed the return of the prestigious ceremony, noting that Durban last hosted the awards in 2017.
“The council has approved a three-year partnership,” said Mbhele.
“The city has committed R60 million as the host city, with R20 million allocated for each year.”
He added that the awards would serve as a catalyst for economic development, boost Durban’s marketing profile, and create platforms for local talent.
The 2026 edition of the Metro FM Music Awards is scheduled for April 25, aligning with the Freedom Day long weekend, as April 27 falls on a Monday.
The media launch was hosted by Metro FM DJ Sabby and actress and former radio personality Hope Mbhele. Guests were treated to a performance by Durban-born vocalist Skye Wanda, who features on Grammy Award-winning artist Zakes Bantwini’s hit single, *Girl in the Mirror*.