The Metro FM Music Awards 2025 have seen an unprecedented rise in submissions, reflecting a growing engagement from South African musicians. According to their official announcement, “this year, the station received an impressive 2,769 entries across 19 categories, a significant increase from last year’s 1,700 entries.” This 63% jump suggests a renewed enthusiasm among artists in participating in industry recognition.

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Awards as a Measure of Industry Credibility

While awards have at times been met with skepticism, this surge in submissions suggests that many artists still see them as an important part of their journey. Nominations can validate an artist’s work, offering not just recognition but also a strategic advantage in an industry where credibility and exposure are essential for growth.

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What This Means for the Industry

The sharp increase in entries highlights a renewed enthusiasm for awards as markers of achievement. Whether driven by the need for recognition, career validation, or financial opportunities, artists are showing that these platforms still matter. As the industry continues to evolve, this trend could signal a shift where awards regain their status as key milestones in an artist’s career.

The full list of nominees for the Metro FM Music Awards 2025:

Best Female Artist

• Xolly Mncwango
• Dbn Gogo
• Babalwa M
• Nontokozo Mkhize
• Makhadzi

Best R&B 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 feat. Zeh McGeba, MK Productions – Sohlala Sisonke
• Chronical Deep, Leehleza, Kabza De Small ft. Latique, Ezra – Hayi Baba
• Oscar Mbo and Jazzworx Feat. 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 Feat. AmaTycooler, Big Nuz & Focus Magazi – Singenzenjani
• Goldmax & Blacks Jnr feat. Leemckrazy – Ama Weekend

Best Jazz Album

• Nduduzo Makhathini – uNomkhubulwane
• Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa
• Linda Sikhakhane – iLadi
• Nomfundo Xaluva – Ndilapha
• Sydney Mavundla – Dirge for Our Fathers

Best Music Video

• WOODBLOCK DJS ft Buzzi Lee, Kane Keid, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Tony Dayimane, Mvelost, Set Off, Somololo – Skuta Baba (Remix)
• CAIIRO ft Ami Faku – Ndisize
• Usimamane & Sjava – Uvalo
• 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

Best Viral Challenge

• Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow, Tebogo G Mashego ft. Sje Konka, Focalistic, Dj Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma, CowBoii – BIRI MARUNG
• Kabza De Small & Vigro Deep feat. Scotts Maphuma & Young Stunna – Wishi Wishi
• WOODBLOCK DJS – Mvelost, Set Off, Somololo – Skuta Baba
• Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma & ThabzaTee feat. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza – Yebo Lapho (Gogo)
• KMAT Feat. CowBoii, djygubzin.live & Ranger – MKK

Best Produced Album

• Nontokozo Mkhize – Lindiwe
• Dlala Thukzin – Finally Famous Too
• Emtee – DIY 3
• Kelvin Momo – Ntsako
• Thandiswa Mazwai – Sankofa

Best New Artist

• Mawelele
• Phila Koshin
• NEO DUBE

Best Collaboration Song

• Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma, Thabza Tee ft. DJ Maphorisa, Djy Biza – Yebo Lapho (Gogo)
• Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow, Tebogo G Mashego ft. Sje Konka, Focalistic, Dj Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma, CowBoii – Biri Marung
• Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0
• Woodblock DJs ft. Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta & Kane Keid – Skuta Baba (Remix)
• Kabza De Small, Vigro Deep & Dj Maphorisa feat. Scotts Maphuma, Young Stunna – Wishi Wishi

Artist of the Year

• Tyler ICU
• Kabza De Small
• Morda
• Makhadzi
• Kelvin Momo

Song of the Year

• Blaq Major Ft. Bless The Gentleman & Dj Kap – Sdakiwe Sbali
• Makhadzi, Prince Benza, Iyanya – Number 1
• WOODBLOCK DJS ft Buzzi Lee, Kane Keid, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Tony Dayimane – Skuta Baba Remix
• Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma & ThabzaTee feat. DJ Maphorisa & Djy Biza – Yebo Lapho (Gogo)
• Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger, Amaza ft. TmanXpress, LeemcKrazy – Kwelanga 2.0
• Caiiro ft Ami Faku – Ndisize
• Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow, Tebogo G Mashego ft. Sje Konka, Focalistic, Dj Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma, CowBoii – BIRI MARUNG
• Shakes & Les feat. LeeMcKrazy – Funk 99
• Kabza De Small & Vigro Deep feat. Scotts Maphuma & Young Stunna – Wishi Wishi
• KMAT feat. CowBoii, djygubzin.live & Ranger – MKK

Best Amapiano Song

• Dj Stokie – Zee_nhle, Sobzeen, Faith Strings – Selimathunzi
• Felo Le Tee, Scotts Maphuma & ThabzaTee feat. 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 – Bless the General, Dj Kap – Sdakiwe Sbali

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 Duo/Group

• Wanitwa Mos & Nkosazana Daughter
• Shakes & Les
• Black Motion
• Blaq Diamond
• Artwork Sounds

Best African Pop Song

• Nomfundo Moh ft. Msaki, Cassper Nyovest – Umusa
• Blaq Diamond – Piki Piki
• Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele – Romeo & Juliet
• Sjava & The Qwellers ft. Sastii, LaCabra, Lowfeye & Blue Papi – Typhoon
• Mlindo The Vocalist & Dj Maphorisa ft. Tman Xpress, Phila Dlozi – Umdali

Best Gospel Album

• Nontokozo Mkhize – Lindiwe
• SbuNoah – Heavenly Psalms Level 2
• Xolly Mncwango – Unusual
• Ayanda Ntanzi – According to Grace, A One Man Show
• Mmuso Worship – Jesus to the City V2

Best Male Artist

• Usimamane
• Dlala Thukzin
• Kabza De Small
• Kelvin Momo
• Tyler ICU