The Metro FM Music Awards will be held in Durban again in 2026, signaling a fresh start for one of South Africa’s premier music celebrations.
This development was unveiled during a media event at The Oyster Box, located in Umhlanga, on Thursday, December 11.
<spanThe event was led by hosts Hope Mbhele and DJ Sabby, setting an optimistic atmosphere for what industry insiders anticipate to be a significant occasion for the city.
<spanDurban will be the venue for the awards for three consecutive years, a strategy that the organizers believe will enhance local talent and strengthen the creative economy in the region.
Metro FM business manager Kina Nhlengethwa addressed the decision to bring the awards back to Durban.
She remarked, “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.”
Nhlengethwa emphasized that the city has a rich history with the awards.
“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 musicians have shown strong enthusiasm for the event’s return, recognizing its significance for the province and the creative sector.
Artist and industry representative Tzozo expressed that the announcement has sparked excitement throughout 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 prompted the audience to engage actively in the awards process.
“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.”
Tzozo remarked that the awards are a source of inspiration for those emerging artists seeking to win a Metro FM Music Award in the future.
DJ Sox welcomed the event’s return, viewing it as an opportunity for both artistic and tourism development.
“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 noted.
He further mentioned that the awards generate a creative drive within the industry.
“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 noted that the awards infuse 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 stated that the creative community is prepared to support 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.”
