Open call: 2026 METRO FM Music Awards

5 jan 2026 - 11:48

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

The METRO FM Music Awards (MMAs) in South Africa have opened entries for their 2026 edition, inviting eligible South African artists and record companies to submit music released during the current eligibility period.

Entries are underway and close on 3 February 2026. In the photo: South African artist Makhadzi bagged the coveted Artist of the Year title in 2025.

The awards recognise achievements in the South African recording industry over the past year and form part of METRO FM’s annual music honours.

Entries are underway and close on 3 February 2026.

Entry period and eligibility

Recordings submitted for consideration must have been commercially released in South Africa between 3 February 2025 and 3 February 2026. Eligible releases include singles, EPs and albums, subject to the rules of the relevant categories.

An album is defined as:

A commercially available release
Containing a minimum of seven previously unreleased tracks
With a total running time of at least 30 minutes
Excluding re-releases and compilation or ‘best of’ albums

Entries are open to qualifying South African artists and record companies, subject to the following conditions:

The artist must be a South African citizen or a legal resident of South Africa for at least 12 months prior to entry
The submitting record company must own at least 50 per cent of the master recording
For groups or duos, at least 50 per cent of members must meet the eligibility criteria

METRO FM may request documentary proof to confirm eligibility.

Submission process

Entries must be submitted digitally via the MMAs official website
Artists may be entered into multiple categories
Rules, regulations and the submission checklist are available for download from the METRO FM website
All requirements must be met before submission
Queries should be directed via email atadmin@metrofm.co.za

Vetting and adjudication

All submissions will undergo a vetting process to confirm compliance with the rules and correct category placement. This process does not involve artistic or technical judgement.

Key points:

Entries that do not comply with the rules will be disqualified
METRO FM may recommend alternative category placement in consultation with the entrant
Categories receiving fewer than three submissions may be cancelled, with applicants given five working days to resubmit to another category
Final category placement does not guarantee a nomination

A panel of judges, appointed annually for their expertise and independence, will assess eligible submissions according to prescribed criteria, including station music policy and industry standards. Voting is conducted under audit conditions, with results certified by SABC Internal Audit.

Nominations and public voting

A minimum of three and a maximum of five nominees per category will be announced on 26 February 2026
Public voting opens on 27 February 2026 until 19 April 2026
Voting for Song of the Year closes on 5 April 2026
Lifetime Achiever Award and Global Icon Award are excluded from public voting
Final voting results will be verified and announced on 25 April 2026

Below is the full list of categories: