Lekompo goes mainstream as Metro FM Music Awards debut new category  

The new category was announced during the nominees’ party held at The Forum on 26 February. Speaking at the event, Nada Wotshela, group executive at Metro FM, revealed that the awards would also introduce a Best Maskandi category.

“Maskandi and Lekompo are not just genres, they are cultural movements that have shaped the soundscape of our nation,” Wotshela said.

For lekompo, the recognition marks a significant step into the mainstream. The high-energy style emerged from farmworker communities in Limpopo and has steadily gained popularity across South Africa. The genre’s name reclaims the term “makompo”, once used as a slur to stereotype people living in overcrowded farming settlements.

Musically, lekompo is characterised by rapid tempos ranging from around 125 to 135 beats per minute, typically faster than amapiano. Its sound draws on everyday experiences from village life, taverns and taxi ranks, combining energetic rhythms with playful storytelling.

The main awards ceremony will take place at the Durban International Convention Centre on 25 April 2026. Public voting for the awards is currently open on Metro FM’s website. The addition of the Best Lekompo category reflects the genre’s rapid rise from regional dance floors to national playlists, signalling a broader shift in how South African music awards recognise emerging grassroots sounds.

Below are the five tracks that have been shortlisted for the inaugural award, reflecting the genre’s growing diversity and reach:

‘Ngwanaka’ – Janesh & Hitboss

A reflective track centred on a mother’s enduring faith in her child, supported by mellow log drums and warm chords. Since its release in April 2025, the song has accumulated more than eight million streams. Janesh also appears on another nominee, ‘Leskandi 2.0’.

‘Wa Inama’ – Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ Janisto

Built around humour and social observation, the track teases the friend who never buys drinks but is always ready to enjoy them. Kharishma has accumulated more than 76 million streams across platforms and is also nominated for Best New Artist.

‘Sdudla or Slender’ – Shandesh and Mvzzle

 This body-positive anthem celebrates self-acceptance with witty lyrics about fluctuating body sizes. The track has surpassed 80 million streams. At 22, Shandesh leads the nominations list with six nods, including Best Female Artist, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.

‘Rato Laka’ – Shebeshxt, Naqua SA, Zee Nxumalo & Slidoo Man

Released in August 2025, the song won Song of the Year on Thobela FM after receiving more than 4 500 listener votes. Shebeshxt became the first artist to win a major Song of the Year title while incarcerated. Featured singer Zee Nxumalo received eight nominations, including Best Female Artist.

‘Leskandi 2.0’ – Mvzzle, MaWhoo, Natiey Lepaka & Janesh

The track blends lekompo energy with amapiano grooves and Afro-house rhythms. Producer Mvzzle is known for his work on Umlilo by DJ Zinhle and the hit ‘Sdudla or Slender’. The collaboration also features MaWhoo, who has secured seven nominations.