Following its inaugural South African edition at Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria, in May 2025, the internationally recognised Urban Music Awards (UMA) South Africa announces its expanded 2026 nominations shortlist, celebrating the artists, musicians, producers, DJs, performers and creative pioneers who have helped shape the country’s extraordinary musical landscape.

Presented by title sponsor Worldcharts.co, and supported by Douwe Egberts South Africa, Invincible Nation, Theatre of Marcellus, and Madepossible.ai, the awards continue to champion the full spectrum of South African urban music. The Urban Music Awards South Africa 2026 will take place on 9 December 2026 at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg.

From Amapiano and Afro-house to Hip-Hop, Maskandi, Gospel, R&B, Jazz, Gqom and the rapidly expanding Lekompo movement, the nominations reflect a defining period in South African music. The 2026 selection introduces Song of the Year alongside new categories recognising Lekompo, Bacardi, choral music and emerging urban artists.

Among this year’s nominees are Tyla, CIZA, Zee Nxumalo, Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Shandesh, MaWhoo, Sam Deep, Nasty C, Kelvin Momo, Kharishma, Makhadzi, Dlala Thukzin, Young Stunna, Lwah Ndlunkulu, JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela.

The selection also recognises rising artists, including Nayvee Womculo, G-Jealous, N T S A K O XVI, Siphiwe Black, De Rose and BabyDaiz, highlighting the importance of emerging talent and independent music discovery.

01  Artist of the Year – Sponsored by Invincible Nation

1. Kabza De Small
2. Kelvin Momo
3. DJ Maphorisa
4. DJ Zinhle
5. Sam Deep
6. MaWhoo
7. CIZA
8. JAZZWRLD & Thukuthela
9. Nasty C
10. Zee Nxumalo
11. Dlala Thukzin
12. Shandesh
13. Umafikizolo

02  Best Male Act

1. TOSS
2. Cassper Nyovest
3. Nasty C
4. Priddy Ugly
5. Manana
6. Kabza De Small
7. Kelvin Momo
8. Sam Deep
9. CIZA
10. Sjava
11. Dlala Thukzin
12. Loatinover Pounds
13. Young Stunna
14. Maglera Doe Boy
15. Mzukulu
16. DJ Maphorisa
17. Umafikizolo

03  Best Female Act

1. DJ Zinhle
2. Uncle Waffles
3. MaWhoo
4. Zee Nxumalo
5. Thatohatsi
6. Lwah Ndlunkulu
7. Makhadzi
8. Shekhinah
9. HLE
10. Nontokozo Mkhize
11. Nanette
12. Shandesh
13. Kharishma
14. Nkosazana Daughter
15. Nomcebo Zikode

04  Best Newcomer- Sponsored by Madepossible.ai

1. BigBaller_Ceo
2. Shandesh
3. Kharishma
4. Khadeair
5. Goon Flavour
6. Nkeshemba
7. Thatohatsi
8. Feza
9. Nayvee Womculo
10. Gemma Fassie
11. Lumanyano Mzi
12. vuyo viwe
13. N T S A K O XVI
14. Siphiwe Black
15. G-Jealous
16. De Rose
17. Busigold
18. Mafuthi Madondo
19. Sakhile

05  Best Group – Sponsored by Theatre of Marcellus

1. Mi Casa
2. Freshlyground
3. Black Motion
4. Afrikan Roots
5. JAZZWRLD & Thukuthela
6. Mellow & Sleazy
7. Major League DJz
8. TxC
9. Inkabi Nation
10. Locnville
11. Mmuso Worship
12. Scorpion Kings
13. Zulu Queens
14. Shakes & Les
15. Artwork Sounds
16. Joyous Celebration
17. Blacks Jnr, Dankie Boi & GoldMax

06  Best Collaboration

1. Sam Deep, Nia Pearl & Boohle feat. Mano — Shela
2. MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay & Thukuthela feat. JAZZWRLD — Bengicela
3. Tman Xpress & Mellow & Sleazy — Remember
4. DJ Zinhle, Nayvee Womculo & Young Stunna — Nayvee’s Prayer
5. Black Motion & Spice Drums feat. DJ Buckz — Monateng
6. Manana feat. Nasty C — Alright
7. Nadia Nakai & TOSS — Blind
8. JAZZWRLD, Thukuthela, Babalwa M & Dlala Thukzin — uValo
9. Thatohatsi & Sjava feat. ShaunMusiq — Ama hem hem
10. Zulu Queens, Lwah Ndlunkulu, MaWhoo & Feza — Distance
11. CIZA, Tems, Omah Lay, Thukuthela, JAZZWRLD & Lekaa Beats — Isaka II (6am)
12. TxC, Davido, Scotts Maphuma & Shoday feat. Al Xapo & Zlatan — Nakupenda
13. N T S A K O XVI, Shaun 101, Uncool MC & Ch’cco feat. Scotts Maphuma — NGEKE
14. DJ Smallz, ZinedinexSguche, 031choppa & Uncool MC — ZEP
15. Zee Nxumalo, Skillz & Sykes — Mamma
16. Focalistic, Optimist Music ZA, Benzoo, Mellow & Sleazy feat. Mr JazziQ — Gumba Fire
17. Sam Deep & Thatohatsi — Thandaza

07  Best Album – Sponsored by Douwe Egberts South Africa

1. Kabza De Small — Bab’Motha
2. Kelvin Momo — Thato Ya Modimo
3. Nasty C — Free
4. JAZZWRLD & Thukuthela — The Most Wanted
5. Shekhinah — Less Trouble
6. MaWhoo — Amazwi Okubonga
7. Lwah Ndlunkulu — Amaciko
8. HLE — THE GROUND WE’RE ON
9. Tyla — A*POP
10. Loatinover Pounds — Ground 2 Glory
11. ThaboSmol — Di THUPA TSA SMOL
12. Mr. Mercedes — S’PHARELA
13. Danya Devs — Bayede
14. Dlala Thukzin — MAYVIS
15. Young Stunna — Busisiwe
16. MÖRDA — Asante III
17. Blxckie — YENA
18. Babalwa M — Acquiesce
19. Busi Sibiya — Heart of Worship Vol. 1
20. Musa Yende — Sustained by Grace

08  Best Amapiano Act

1. Kabza De Small
2. Kelvin Momo
3. DJ Maphorisa
4. Sam Deep
5. Uncle Waffles
6. Mellow & Sleazy
7. Tman Xpress
8. Focalistic
9. De Mthuda
10. Babalwa M
11. Scotts Maphuma
12. Vigro Deep
13. Young Stunna
14. DJ Jaivane
15. Nia Pearl

09  Best Hip Hop Act

1. Nasty C
2. Loatinover Pounds
3. Priddy Ugly
4. Cassper Nyovest
5. K.O
6. Kwesta
7. Yanga Chief
8. Big Zulu
9. Emtee
10. A-Reece
11. FLVME
12. MashBeatz
13. Stogie T
14. Maglera Doe Boy
15. Usimamane
16. Blxckie
17. Danya Devs

10  Best Gqom Act

1. DJ Lag
2. DJ Tira
3. Dladla Mshunqisi
4. Beast RSA
5. Funky Qla
6. Blacks Jnr
7. Dankie Boi
8. GoldMax
9. Mr Thela
10. Cairo CPT
11. QUE
12. CampMasters
13. General C’Mamane
14. Babes Wodumo

11  Best Afro Pop Act

1. Lwah Ndlunkulu
2. Sjava
3. CiCi
4. Nomfundo Moh
5. Samthing Soweto
6. Makhadzi
7. Zee Nxumalo
8. Tyla
9. Mi Casa
10. Freshlyground
11. Simphiwe Dana
12. Zawadi Yamungu
13. Kelly Khumalo
14. Mawelele
15. Naledi Aphiwe
16. Vusi Nova
17. Simmy
18. Jabulile Majola
19. Nonny Muji

12  Best House Music Act

1. JAZZWRLD & Thukuthela
2. Dlala Thukzin
3. CIZA
4. MaWhoo
5. MÖRDA
6. Da Capo
7. DJ Zinhle
8. Black Motion
9. Afrikan Roots
10. Darque
11. Atmos Blaq
12. Calvin Fallo
13. Black Coffee
14. Shimza
15. Sun-El Musician
16. Zakes Bantwini
17. Mpho.Wav
18. Culoe De Song

13  Best R & B Act

1. Rowlene
2. Manana
3. Shekhinah
4. Nanette
5. lordkez
6. Langa Mavuso
7. Una Rams
8. Lloyiso
9. Naledi Aphiwe
10. Mawelele
11. Gemma Fassie
12. Lucille Slade
13. Elaine
14. Maxine Ceasar
15. Anica Kiana

14  Best Jazz Act

1. Mandisi Dyantyis
2. Judith Sephuma
3. Andile Yenana
4. Benjamin Jephta
5. Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini
6. Temba Ncetani
7. Lumanyano Mzi
8. Billy Monama
9. Nduduzo Makhathini
10. Linda Sikhakhane
11. vuyo viwe
12. ThaboSmol
13. Tutu Puoane
14. Simphiwe Dana

15  Best Gospel Act

1. HLE
2. Nontokozo Mkhize
3. Xolly Mncwango
4. Musa Yende
5. Mmatema
6. Nothando Hlophe
7. Nqubeko Mbatha
8. Ncebakazi Msomi
9. Brenden Praise
10. Bucy Radebe
11. Sindi Ntombela
12. Dumi Mkokstad
13. Busi Sibiya

16  Best Maskandi Act

1. Mzukulu
2. Ntencane
3. Inkos’yamagcokama
4. G-Jealous
5. Nkeshemba
6. Umafikizolo
7. Mthandeni SK
8. LIMIT NALA
9. MENZI
10. Saliwa
11. Mbuzeni
12. Smiramira
13. Khuzani
14. Feza
15. Mshinwemali
16. Sminofu
17. uGatsheni

17  Best Reggae and Dancehall Act

1. DIMAHR
2. Don Dada
3. Ras Canly
4. Layahn King
5. Red I Scorch
6. Skeleton Blazer
7. Gaba
8. Botanist Mr Lamington
9. Empress Gqama
10. King Rush
11. Musical Dynasty
12. Undefynd
13. Empress Deevyne
14. Nkulee Dube
15. Black Dillinger
16. Tidal Waves
17. The Rudimentals

18  Best Producer

1. DJ Maphorisa
2. Vigro Deep
3. Mr. Mercedes
4. Spice Drums
5. Kabza De Small
6. Kelvin Momo
7. Sam Deep
8. JAZZWRLD
9. Thukuthela
10. Dlala Thukzin
11. ShaunMusiq
12. MashBeatz
13. Master KG
14. DJ Lag
15. Mr Thela
16. Mvzzle
17. Hitboss SA

19  Best DJ

1. DJ Maphorisa
2. Kabza De Small
3. Uncle Waffles
4. Vigro Deep
5. DJ Zinhle
6. Kelvin Momo
7. Sam Deep
8. Dlala Thukzin
9. Major League DJz
10. TxC
11. DJ Lag
12. Oskido
13. DBN Gogo
14. Shimza
15. Oscar Mbo
16. Lamiez Holworthy
17. Black Coffee
18. DJ Jaivane
19. DJ Tira

20  Best Music Video

1. Black Motion & Spice Drums feat. DJ Buckz — Monateng
2. Manana feat. Nasty C — Alright
3. Sam Deep, Nia Pearl & Boohle feat. Mano — Shela
4. Nasty C & Blxckie — Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo)
5. Kamo Mphela, Aymos, QUE DJ & Jay Music feat. SpacePose — Partii
6. Msaki, Jesse Clegg & Sjava — Wayside Lover
7. DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy & Kabza De Small feat. Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter — Abantwana Bakho
8. CIZA, JAZZWRLD & Thukuthela — Isaka (6am)
9. lordkez — You, Me & the 90’s
10. TxC, Davido, Scotts Maphuma & Shoday feat. Al Xapo & Zlatan — Nakupenda
11. Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq feat. CowBoii, Xduppy & Uncool MC — Zenzele
12. Zee Nxumalo, Skillz & Sykes — Mamma
13. Tyla — CHANEL
14. Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ Janisto — Wa Inama
15. CiCi & Naledi Aphiwe — Amen
16. Nkosazana Daughter — Emsakazweni
17. MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay & Thukuthela feat. JAZZWRLD — Bengicela
18. Future & Tyla — Game Time

21  Best Live Performance

1. Kelvin Momo
2. Scorpion Kings
3. Uncle Waffles
4. Sjava
5. Freshlyground
6. vuyo viwe
7. Makhadzi
8. Nasty C
9. Tyla
10. Black Motion
11. Manana
12. Nanette
13. Dlala Thukzin
14. Sun-El Musician
15. Zee Nxumalo
16. Kamo Mphela
17. Focalistic
18. Young Stunna

22  Best Radio Station

1. METRO FM
2. Ukhozi FM
3. Kaya 959
4. Radio 2000
5. 5FM
6. Gagasi FM
7. YFM
8. Good Hope FM
9. Capricorn FM
10. Jozi FM
11. Umhlobo Wenene FM
12. Lesedi FM
13. 947

23  Best Radio Show

1. The Urban Beat — METRO FM
2. Top 40 on 5 — 5FM
3. 5 Nights Charts — 5FM
4. The Kaya Countdown — Kaya 959
5. The Jazz Standard — Kaya 959
6. The World Show — Kaya 959
7. The Lounge Experience — Kaya 959
8. On the Beat — Kaya 959
9. Saturday Select — Kaya 959
10. Spade of Hearts — Kaya 959
11. Urban Top 40 — Gagasi FM
12. SA Top 30 — Tshwane FM 93.6
13. The Midday Linkup — METRO FM
14. The Touchdown — METRO FM
15. The Way Up — YFM
16. On the Streets with Majorsteez — YFM
17. METRO FM Top 30 — METRO FM
18. The Penthouse Sessions — METRO FM
19. The Agenda — YFM
20. Hype Factory — YFM
21. 5 Drive — 5FM
22. The Glow Up — YFM

24  Best Online Music Platform

1. SlikourOnLife
2. HYPE Magazine South Africa
3. Music In Africa
4. The Yanos Magazine
5. The Journalist DJ
6. Zkhiphani
7. SA Hip-Hop Mag
8. SA Music Magazine
9. OkayAfrica
10. QueenSoulVibesSA
11. Texx and the City
12. YOMZANSI
13. Spotify South Africa
14. Apple Music South Africa
15. ZAtunes
16. Audiomack
17. YouTube Music South Africa

25  Best Viral Breakthrough Song – Sponsored by Worldcharts.co

1. MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay & Thukuthela feat. JAZZWRLD — Bengicela
2. Sam Deep, Nia Pearl & Boohle feat. Mano — Shela
3. DJ Zinhle, Nayvee Womculo & Young Stunna — Nayvee’s Prayer
4. Tman Xpress & Mellow & Sleazy — Remember
5. Thatohatsi & Sjava feat. ShaunMusiq — Ama hem hem
6. Feza — Umaqondana
7. Feza — Sengithole Omunye
8. G-Jealous feat. KaMaphanga — Luqale sakudlala
9. Zulu Queens, Lwah Ndlunkulu, MaWhoo & Feza — Distance
10. Focalistic, Optimist Music ZA, Benzoo, Mellow & Sleazy feat. Mr JazziQ — Gumba Fire
11. Shandesh & Hitboss SA feat. Wendy M — Sefela sa Lekompo
12. CIZA, Tems, Omah Lay, Thukuthela, JAZZWRLD & Lekaa Beats — Isaka II (6am)
13. Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ Janisto — Wa Inama
14. DJ Smallz, ZinedinexSguche, 031choppa & Uncool MC — ZEP
15. N T S A K O XVI, Shaun 101, Uncool MC & Ch’cco feat. Scotts Maphuma — NGEKE
16. Bello B & Dladla Mshunqisi feat. Anathii Deejay & FROSTIYANO — BETHII BETHII
17. Umafikizolo — Uyoncengwa Unyoko
18. Zee Nxumalo, Skillz & Sykes — Mamma
19. Master KG feat. Nomcebo — Jerusalema

26  Best International Collaboration South Africa and Global – Sponsored by Worldcharts.co

1. CIZA, Tems, Omah Lay, Thukuthela, JAZZWRLD & Lekaa Beats — Isaka II (6am)
2. TxC, Davido, Scotts Maphuma & Shoday feat. Al Xapo & Zlatan — Nakupenda
3. DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, Wizkid & Mavo — Money Constant
4. DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez & Wizkid feat. Daliwonga & Madumane — Abangani
5. DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez & Wizkid feat. Zaba & Zeh McGeba — Fiesta
6. Tyla & Wizkid — Dynamite
7. Travis Scott, Tyla & Vybz Kartel — PBT
8. Damiano David, Tyla & Nile Rodgers — Talk to Me
9. Cardi B feat. Tyla — Nice Guy
10. MOLIY & Tyla — Body Go
11. Tyla feat. Zara Larsson — She Did It Again
12. CIZA, Francis Mercier & DJ Ngamla No Tarenzo — Maria
13. Fireboy DML, JAZZWRLD & Thukuthela — IMALI
14. Davido, JAZZWRLD & GL_Ceejay — I Know Who I Be
15. Sting & Zakes Bantwini — Desert Rose (Zakes Bantwini Remix)
16. Costa Titch & Ma Gang Official featuring Pheelz & BoiBizza — International
17. Future & Tyla — Game Time
18. Major League DJz, Thabza De Soul & Idd Aziz — Nipe Kitu

27  Best Bacardi Act

1. Jelly Babie
2. BigBaller_Ceo
3. Sia_TheBee
4. Dimphowadiwave
5. Beekay Da Deejay
6. Zela Force
7. Terra Fontain
8. Almighty Zoro
9. Black Boy
10. Koki The Mic
11. Mellow & Sleazy
12. Benzoo

28  Song of the Year – Sponsored by Douwe Egberts South Africa

1. Nomcebo Zikode feat. Mthunzi — Thelumoya
2. Umafikizolo — Uyoncengwa Unyoko
3. Sam Deep, Nia Pearl & Boohle feat. Mano — Shela
4. MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay & Thukuthela feat. JAZZWRLD — Bengicela
5. Tyla — CHANEL
6. Zee Nxumalo, Skillz & Sykes — Mamma
7. Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax & DJ Janisto — Wa Inama
8. Tman Xpress & Mellow & Sleazy — Remember
9. DJ Zinhle, Nayvee Womculo & Young Stunna — Nayvee’s Prayer
10. Mshinwemali featuring Sne Ntuli — Myeke
11. Thatohatsi & Sjava feat. ShaunMusiq — Ama hem hem
12. G-Jealous feat. KaMaphanga — Luqale sakudlala

29  Best Lekompo Act

1. Kharishma
2. Shandesh
3. Janesh
4. Shebeshxt
5. Mvzzle
6. Hitboss SA
7. Tribby Wadi Bhozza
8. Naqua SA
9. KayCherlow NLL
10. Natiey Lepaka
11. Abi wa Mampela

30  Best Choir or Choral Group

1. Kopano Chorus
2. Young Singers
3. Mompati Arts Chorus
4. Baemedi Ba Tumelo
5. Image of God Choristers
6. Sons of Peace
7. Lefelleng Apostolic Church Choir
8. Ithemba Youth Choir
9. Dominion Church in Christ
10. Umlazi Gospel Choir The Original
11. Iminqweno Yethu
12. Soweto Gospel Choir

31  Best Emerging Urban Act

1. N T S A K O XVI
2. G-Jealous
3. Siphiwe Black
4. Nayvee Womculo
5. Nkeshemba
6. Khadeair
7. Mshinwemali
8. De Rose
9. BabyDaiz
10. Calvin Fallo
11. K.Keed

VOTING DETAILS

Public voting opens on 11 November 2026 at 15:00 and closes 7 December 2026 at 12:00 exclusively via www.urbanmusicawards.org/voting-southafrica. Winners will be announced live at the Urban Music Awards ceremony at the Theatre of Marcellus, at Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg.

RECOGNISING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC

The Urban Music Awards South Africa 2026 nominations reflect the continued evolution of one of the world’s most dynamic music industries.

Amapiano remains an internationally influential sound, with artists and producers continuing to drive the genre’s creative development. Meanwhile, Lekompo has emerged as an increasingly significant force, drawing national attention to artists and musical communities from Limpopo.

Maskandi continues to demonstrate remarkable commercial strength, while Hip-Hop, Afro-pop, R&B, Gospel and Jazz contribute to the country’s musical diversity.

Beyond the established stars, the expanded nominations place particular emphasis on rising performers who are developing audiences through independent releases, radio exposure, social-media discovery and grassroots music movements.

The introduction of Best Lekompo Act, Best Emerging Urban Act and Best Choir or Choral Group reflects the Urban Music Awards’ commitment to recognising musical achievement across genres, communities and generations.

SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC’S INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE

South African music continues to reach audiences far beyond the country’s borders.

Through international collaborations, worldwide streaming success and performances on major global stages, South African artists are helping shape the sound of contemporary popular music.

The Best International Collaboration category recognises that achievement, celebrating projects in which South African talent collaborates with artists from across the world.

SPECIAL HONOURS

In addition to the competitive awards, the Urban Music Awards South Africa 2026 will recognise influential figures whose contributions have helped shape South Africa’s music industry.

The special honours programme will celebrate musical excellence, cultural influence, international achievement, artist development and lifetime contributions to music.

Recipients of these prestigious honours will be announced separately.

ABOUT THE URBAN MUSIC AWARDS

Established in the United Kingdom in 2003, the Urban Music Awards is an international platform celebrating outstanding achievement in Hip-Hop, R&B, Gospel, Jazz, Reggae, Dance, Soul and related genres.

For more than two decades, the awards have championed musical excellence, independent talent, cultural innovation and the artists driving contemporary urban music.

The South African edition launched in May 2025, extending the international awards platform to one of Africa’s most influential music markets.

Further announcements concerning the 2026 ceremony, public voting, special honours and media accreditation will follow through official Urban Music Awards channels.