The event began with an elegant three course dinner before guests made their way to the Black Brick theatre, where the atmosphere shifted into an intimate live music showcase.

Dressed in all white and backed by a four piece band in matching attire, Nia Pearl delivered a soulful and emotionally charged performance that left the audience captivated.

“The night was amazing. With live performance, I get to connect with my audience and feel their emotions, see their reactions, and create a shared moment that cannot be replicated,” she said.

“It is about building a bond that goes beyond sound. It is spirit meeting spirit.”

Beyond the performance, the evening also marked a significant milestone in her career as she celebrated her nominations at the Metro FM Music Awards.

Her contribution to the hit song Shela, alongside Sam Deep, Boohle and Mano, has earned recognition in four major categories including Best Collaboration, Song of the Year, Best Music Video and Best Amapiano.

Reflecting on the moment, Nia Pearl expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout her journey.

She credited her fans, team and supporters, saying the nominations are a clear sign that her music continues to resonate deeply with audiences.

“Every nomination is a blessing, but the Song of the Year nomination excites me the most.

That category represents how deeply a track resonates with people, and knowing that my music has touched so many lives is the ultimate reward.”

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The nominees were unveiled at The Forum in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, ahead of the main awards ceremony set to take place at the Durban ICC on 25 April 2026.

The evening featured electrifying performances, with vocalists and songwriters Mawhoo and Zee Nxumalo delivering standout sets that had the crowd on its feet.

When the nominations were finally announced, it became clear that KwaZulu Natal born female artists are leading the charge this year.

Zee Nxumalo emerged as one of the biggest contenders, securing eight nominations including Best Female Artist, Song of the Year, Best Styled Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Dance Song, Best Kwaito or Gqom, Best Lekompo Song and Best Maskandi Song.

Close behind her is Mawhoo, who earned seven nominations: Best Female Artist, Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Dance Song, Best Kwaito or Gqom, Best Lekompo Song and Best Maskandi Song.

Lwah Ndlunkulu also made a strong showing with four nominations including Best Female Artist, Best African Pop Song, Best Produced Album and Best Collaboration.

Male artists, however, are not backing down.

Sam Deep secured six nominations. His hit track Shela, featuring Nia Pearl, Boohle and Mano, appears in categories such as Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Amapiano and Best Music Video. His joint project Kings of Kwapi also earned a nomination for Best Produced Album, highlighting his impact both as a performer and producer.

Amapiano heavyweight DJ Maphorisa is also firmly in the race, with multiple nominations including recognition for Abantwana Bakho and Dlala Ka Yona in the Best Amapiano and Song of the Year categories.

Rising star Shandesh continues her upward trajectory with nominations in Best Female Artist, Best New Artist and Artist of the Year. Her viral hit Sdudla or Slender features in Song of the Year, Best Viral Challenge and Best Lekompo.

Other artists appearing across multiple categories include Ciza, Kabza De Small, Jazzwrld, Naledi Aphiwe and Thukuthela, reflecting just how competitive this year’s awards are shaping up to be.

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In the Maskandi category, award winning artist Khuzani Mpungose faces stiff competition alongside Sminofu and Mafikizolo, especially after his smash hit Uyoncengwa Unyoko dominated the genre in 2025.

With the ceremony just weeks away, anticipation is building. If the nominations are anything to go by, the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards promise a fierce celebration of South African music, with women clearly leading the moment.

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