The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has officially announced the nominees for the highly anticipated METRO FM Music Awards 2025. Covering music singles and albums released between 28 February 2024 and 28 February 2025, this year’s nominations highlight South Africa’s most celebrated musical talents.
With an impressive 2,769 entries across 19 categories—up from 1,700 last year—the competition is fiercer than ever. Amapiano remains at the forefront of the industry, with genre heavyweights Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Scotts Maphuma leading the nominations with four each. Meanwhile, iNkabi Nation’s Sjava follows closely with three nominations, alongside hip-hop giants Kwesta and Cassper Nyovest.
Theme: Crowning Greatness
This year’s theme, “Crowning Greatness,” is a celebration of Black Royalty and South Africa’s rich cultural legacy. More than just an award show, the METRO FM Music Awards serve as a coronation of artists who shape the country’s musical landscape, immortalizing their contributions for generations to come.
Event Details & Sponsorship
The METRO FM Music Awards 2025 will take place on Saturday, 3 May 2025, at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, with a live broadcast on SABC1. Hosted by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, the event is proudly sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation, which will award R50,000 to each category winner and a grand prize of R150,000 for the Song of the Year.
Additional sponsors include SAMPRA (Artist of the Year), Santam (Best Artist), and African Fashion International (AFI) (Best Styled category).
Full List of Nominees
Best Female Artist
- Xolly Mncwango
- Dbn Gogo
- Babalwa M
- Nontokozo Mkhize
- Makhadzi
Best Male Artist
- Usimamane
- Dlala Thukzin
- Kabza De Small
- Kelvin Momo
- Tyler ICU
Best RnB Song
- Shekhinah ft. Moliy – Risk
- Mawelele & Kwesta – All My Life
- Elaine – Love Me Slowly
- Langa Mavuso – Best Friend (Control)
- Nanette, Tellaman & Nasty C – Tonight
Best Dance Song
- Casswell P & Nobuhle – Can’t Get
- Dlala Thukzin ft. Zeh McGeba, MK Productions – Sohlala Sisonke
- Chronical Deep, Leehleza, Kabza De Small ft. Latique, Ezra – Hayi Baba
- Oscar Mbo and Jazzworx ft. Thukuthela – Vuka
- CAIIRO ft. Ami Faku – Ndisize
Best Styled Artist
- MaWhoo
- Focalistic
- Morda
- Dbn Gogo
- Oscar Mbo
Best Kwaito/Gqom Song
- Funky Qla, Argento Dust & Maline Aura – Utshwala
- Mr Thela, Beast RSA, Mthandazo Gatya & Zanda Zakuza – Ekhaya
- Goldmax, Dlala Thukzin & Funky Qla ft. Zee Nxumalo & Beast RSA – FOMO
- DJ Tira ft. AmaTycooler, Big Nuz & Focus Magazi – Singenzenjani
- Goldmax & Blacks Jnr ft. Leemckrazy – Ama Weekend
Best Hip Hop Song
- K.O ft. Maglera Doe Boy – Let Me Cook
- Usimamane & Sjava – Uvalo
- Emtee – WAR
- SKHANDAWORLD, K.O & Nasty C – Too Much
- Tony Dayimane, Usimamane, Kwesta & Yanga Chief – Wishlist
Best Amapiano Song
- Dj Stokie ft. Zee_nhle, Sobzeen, Faith Strings – Selimathunzi
- Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma & ThabzaTee ft. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza – Yebo Lapho (Gogo)
- Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0
- Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow, Tebogo G Mashego ft. Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma, CowBoii – Biri Marung
- Blaq Major ft. Bless The Gentleman & Dj Kap – Sdakiwe Sbali
Song of the Year
- Blaq Major ft. Bless The Gentleman & Dj Kap – Sdakiwe Sbali
- Makhadzi, Prince Benza, Iyanya – Number 1
- WOODBLOCK DJS ft. Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta & Kane Keid – SKUTA BABA (Remix)
- Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma & ThabzaTee ft. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza – Yebo Lapho (Gogo)
- Caiiro ft. Ami Faku – Ndisize
- Shakes & Les ft. LeeMcKrazy – Funk 99
- Kabza De Small & Vigro Deep ft. Scotts Maphuma & Young Stunna – Wishi Wishi
- KMAT ft. CowBoii, djygubzin.live & Ranger – MKK
Best Duo/Group
- Wanitwa Mos & Nkosazana Daughter
- Shakes & Les
- Black Motion
- Blaq Diamond
- Artwork Sounds
Best New Artist
- Mawelele
- Phila Koshin
- Neo Dube
Artist of the Year
- Tyler ICU
- Kabza De Small
- Morda
- Makhadzi
- Kelvin Momo
With such an incredible lineup of nominees, the METRO FM Music Awards 2025 promise to be an unforgettable night celebrating South Africa’s most talented artists. Fans can tune in live on SABC1 on 3 May 2025 to witness the crowning of SA’s music royalty.