Tyla, Kabza De Small and Zee Nxumalo lead 2026 Urban Music Awards nominations

The expanded list covers 31 categories, from Amapiano, Hip-Hop and Afro-house to Maskandi, Gospel, Jazz, Gqom and Lekompo. There are also new categories recognising Song of the Year, Bacardi, choral music and emerging urban talent.

Public voting opened on 11 November, with winners set to be announced at the awards ceremony in Johannesburg on 9 December.

Urban Music Awards South Africa 2026: the full nominations list

01. Artist of the Year

• Kabza De Small
• Kelvin Momo
• DJ Maphorisa
• DJ Zinhle
• Sam Deep
• MaWhoo
• Ciza
• Jazzwrld and Thukuthela
• Nasty C
• Zee Nxumalo
• Dlala Thukzin
• Shandesh
• Umafikizolo

02. Best Male Act

• Toss
• Cassper Nyovest
• Nasty C
• Priddy Ugly
• Manana
• Kabza De Small
• Kelvin Momo
• Sam Deep
• Ciza
• Sjava
• Dlala Thukzin
• Loatinover Pounds
• Young Stunna
• Maglera Doe Boy
• Mzukulu
• DJ Maphorisa
• Umafikizolo

03. Best Female Act

• DJ Zinhle
• Uncle Waffles
• MaWhoo
• Zee Nxumalo
• Thatohatsi
• Lwah Ndlunkulu
• Makhadzi
• Shekhinah
• Hle
• Nontokozo Mkhize
• Nanette
• Shandesh
• Kharishma
• Nkosazana Daughter
• Nomcebo Zikode

04. Best Newcomer

• BigBaller_Ceo
• Shandesh
• Kharishma
• Khadeair
• Goon Flavour
• Nkeshemba
• Thatohatsi
• Feza
• Nayvee Womculo
• Gemma Fassie
• Lumanyano Mzi
• vuyo viwe
• Ntsako XVI
• Siphiwe Black
• G-Jealous
• De Rose
• Busigold
• Mafuthi Madondo
• Sakhile

05. Best Group

• Mi Casa
• Freshlyground
• Black Motion
• Afrikan Roots
• Jazzwrld and Thukuthela
• Mellow and Sleazy
• Major League DJz
• TxC
• Inkabi Nation
• Locnville
• Mmuso Worship
• Scorpion Kings
• Zulu Queens
• Shakes and Les
• Artwork Sounds
• Joyous Celebration
• Blacks Jnr, Dankie Boi and GoldMax

06. Best Collaboration

• Sam Deep, Nia Pearl and Boohle feat. Mano – Shela
• MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay and Thukuthela feat. Jazzwrld – Bengicela
• Tman Xpress and Mellow and Sleazy – Remember
• DJ Zinhle, Nayvee Womculo and Young Stunna – Nayvee’s Prayer
• Black Motion and Spice Drums feat. DJ Buckz – Monateng
• Manana feat. Nasty C – Alright
• Nadia Nakai and Toss – Blind
• Jazzwrld, Thukuthela, Babalwa M and Dlala Thukzin – uValo
• Thatohatsi and Sjava feat. ShaunMusiq – Ama hem hem
• Zulu Queens, Lwah Ndlunkulu, MaWhoo and Feza – Distance
• Ciza, Tems, Omah Lay, Thukuthela, Jazzwrld and Lekaa Beats – Isaka II (6am)
• TxC, Davido, Scotts Maphuma and Shoday feat. Al Xapo and Zlatan – Nakupenda
• Ntsako XVI, Shaun 101, Uncool MC and Ch'cco feat. Scotts Maphuma – Ngeke
• DJ Smallz, ZinedinexSguche, 031choppa and Uncool MC – Zep
• Zee Nxumalo, Skillz and Sykes – Mamma
• Focalistic, Optimist Music ZA, Benzoo, Mellow and Sleazy feat. Mr JazziQ – Gumba Fire
• Sam Deep and Thatohatsi – Thandaza

07. Best Album – Sponsored by Douwe Egberts South Africa

• Kabza De Small – Bab’Motha
• Kelvin Momo – Thato Ya Modimo
• Nasty C – Free
• Jazzwrld and Thukuthela – The Most Wanted
• Shekhinah – Less Trouble
• MaWhoo – Amazwi Okubonga
• Lwah Ndlunkulu – Amaciko
• Hle – The Ground We’re On
• Tyla – A*Pop
• Loatinover Pounds – Ground 2 Glory
• ThaboSmol – Di Thupa Tsa Smol
• Mr. Mercedes – S’pharela
• Danya Devs – Bayede
• Dlala Thukzin – Mayvis
• Young Stunna – Busisiwe
• MÖRDA – Asante III
• Blxckie – Yena
• Babalwa M – Acquiesce
• Busi Sibiya – Heart of Worship Vol. 1
• Musa Yende – Sustained by Grace

08. Best Amapiano Act

• Kabza De Small
• Kelvin Momo
• DJ Maphorisa
• Sam Deep
• Uncle Waffles
• Mellow and Sleazy
• Tman Xpress
• Focalistic
• De Mthuda
• Babalwa M
• Scotts Maphuma
• Vigro Deep
• Young Stunna
• DJ Jaivane
• Nia Pearl

09. Best Hip-Hop Act

• Nasty C
• Loatinover Pounds
• Priddy Ugly
• Cassper Nyovest
• K.O
• Kwesta
• Yanga Chief
• Big Zulu
• Emtee
• A-Reece
• FLVME
• MashBeatz
• Stogie T
• Maglera Doe Boy
• Usimamane
• Blxckie
• Danya Devs

10. Best Gqom Act

• DJ Lag
• DJ Tira
• Dladla Mshunqisi
• Beast RSA
• Funky Qla
• Blacks Jnr
• Dankie Boi
• GoldMax
• Mr Thela
• Cairo CPT
• Que
• CampMasters
• General C'Mamane
• Babes Wodumo

11. Best Afro Pop Act

• Lwah Ndlunkulu
• Sjava
• CiCi
• Nomfundo Moh
• Samthing Soweto
• Makhadzi
• Zee Nxumalo
• Tyla
• Mi Casa
• Freshlyground
• Simphiwe Dana
• Zawadi Yamungu
• Kelly Khumalo
• Mawelele
• Naledi Aphiwe
• Vusi Nova
• Simmy
• Jabulile Majola
• Nonny Muji

12. Best House Music Act

• Jazzwrld and Thukuthela
• Dlala Thukzin
• Ciza
• MaWhoo
• MÖRDA
• Da Capo
• DJ Zinhle
• Black Motion
• Afrikan Roots
• Darque
• Atmos Blaq
• Calvin Fallo
• Black Coffee
• Shimza
• Sun-El Musician
• Zakes Bantwini
• Mpho.Wav
• Culoe De Song

13. Best R&B Act

• Rowlene
• Manana
• Shekhinah
• Nanette
• lordkez
• Langa Mavuso
• Una Rams
• Lloyiso
• Naledi Aphiwe
• Mawelele
• Gemma Fassie
• Lucille Slade
• Elaine
• Maxine Ceasar
• Anica Kiana

14. Best Jazz Act

• Mandisi Dyantyis
• Judith Sephuma
• Andile Yenana
• Benjamin Jephta
• Paras "Sibalukhulu" Dlamini
• Temba Ncetani
• Lumanyano Mzi
• Billy Monama
• Nduduzo Makhathini
• Linda Sikhakhane
• vuyo viwe
• ThaboSmol
• Tutu Puoane
• Simphiwe Dana

15. Best Gospel Act

• Hle
• Nontokozo Mkhize
• Xolly Mncwango
• Musa Yende
• Mmatema
• Nothando Hlophe
• Nqubeko Mbatha
• Ncebakazi Msomi
• Brenden Praise
• Bucy Radebe
• Sindi Ntombela
• Dumi Mkokstad
• Busi Sibiya

16. Best Maskandi Act

• Mzukulu
• Ntencane
• Inkos’yamagcokama
• G-Jealous
• Nkeshemba
• Umafikizolo
• Mthandeni SK
• Limit Nala
• Menzi
• Saliwa
• Mbuzeni
• Smiramira
• Khuzani
• Feza
• Mshinwemali
• Sminofu
• uGatsheni

17. Best Reggae and Dancehall Act

• Dimahr
• Don Dada
• Ras Canly
• Layahn King
• Red I Scorch
• Skeleton Blazer
• Gaba
• Botanist Mr Lamington
• Empress Gqama
• King Rush
• Musical Dynasty
• Undefynd
• Empress Deevyne
• Nkulee Dube
• Black Dillinger
• Tidal Waves
• The Rudimentals

18. Best Producer

• DJ Maphorisa
• Vigro Deep
• Mr. Mercedes
• Spice Drums
• Kabza De Small
• Kelvin Momo
• Sam Deep
• Jazzwrld
• Thukuthela
• Dlala Thukzin
• ShaunMusiq
• MashBeatz
• Master KG
• DJ Lag
• Mr Thela
• Mvzzle
• Hitboss SA

19. Best DJ

• DJ Maphorisa
• Kabza De Small
• Uncle Waffles
• Vigro Deep
• DJ Zinhle
• Kelvin Momo
• Sam Deep
• Dlala Thukzin
• Major League DJz
• TxC
• DJ Lag
• Oskido
• DBN Gogo
• Shimza
• Oscar Mbo
• Lamiez Holworthy
• Black Coffee
• DJ Jaivane
• DJ Tira

20. Best Music Video

• Black Motion and Spice Drums feat. DJ Buckz – Monateng
• Manana feat. Nasty C – Alright
• Sam Deep, Nia Pearl and Boohle feat. Mano – Shela
• Nasty C and Blxckie – Leftie (Dlala Ngcobo)
• Kamo Mphela, Aymos, Que DJ and Jay Music feat. SpacePose – Partii
• Msaki, Jesse Clegg and Sjava – Wayside Lover
• DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy and Kabza De Small feat. Thatohatsi, Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter – Abantwana Bakho
• Ciza, Jazzwrld and Thukuthela – Isaka (6am)
• lordkez – You, Me and the 90’s
• TxC, Davido, Scotts Maphuma and Shoday feat. Al Xapo and Zlatan – Nakupenda
• Uncle Waffles and Royal Musiq feat. CowBoii, Xduppy and Uncool MC – Zenzele
• Zee Nxumalo, Skillz and Sykes – Mamma
• Tyla – Chanel
• Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax and DJ Janisto – Wa Inama
• CiCi and Naledi Aphiwe – Amen
• Nkosazana Daughter – Emsakazweni
• MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay and Thukuthela feat. Jazzwrld – Bengicela
• Future and Tyla – Game Time

21. Best Live Performance

• Kelvin Momo
• Scorpion Kings
• Uncle Waffles
• Sjava
• Freshlyground
• vuyo viwe
• Makhadzi
• Nasty C
• Tyla
• Black Motion
• Manana
• Nanette
• Dlala Thukzin
• Sun-El Musician
• Zee Nxumalo
• Kamo Mphela
• Focalistic
• Young Stunna

22. Best Radio Station

• Metro FM
• Ukhozi FM
• Kaya 959
• Radio 2000
• 5FM
• Gagasi FM
• YFM
• Good Hope FM
• Capricorn FM
• Jozi FM
• Umhlobo Wenene FM
• Lesedi FM
• 947

23. Best Radio Show

• The Urban Beat – Metro FM
• Top 40 on 5 – 5FM
• 5 Nights Charts – 5FM
• The Kaya Countdown – Kaya 959
• The Jazz Standard – Kaya 959
• The World Show – Kaya 959
• The Lounge Experience – Kaya 959
• On the Beat – Kaya 959
• Saturday Select – Kaya 959
• Spade of Hearts – Kaya 959
• Urban Top 40 – Gagasi FM
• SA Top 30 – Tshwane FM 93.6
• The Midday Linkup – Metro FM
• The Touchdown – Metro FM
• The Way Up – YFM
• On the Streets with Majorsteez – YFM
• Metro FM Top 30 – Metro FM
• The Penthouse Sessions – Metro FM
• The Agenda – YFM
• Hype Factory – YFM
• 5 Drive – 5FM
• The Glow Up – YFM

24. Best Online Music Platform

• SlikourOnLife
• Hype Magazine South Africa
• Music In Africa
• The Yanos Magazine
• The Journalist DJ
• Zkhiphani
• SA Hip-Hop Mag
• SA Music Magazine
• OkayAfrica
• QueenSoulVibesSA
• Texx and the City
• Yomanzi
• Spotify South Africa
• Apple Music South Africa
• ZAtunes
• Audiomack
• YouTube Music South Africa

25. Best Viral Breakthrough Song

• MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay and Thukuthela feat. Jazzwrld – Bengicela
• Sam Deep, Nia Pearl and Boohle feat. Mano – Shela
• DJ Zinhle, Nayvee Womculo and Young Stunna – Nayvee’s Prayer
• Tman Xpress and Mellow and Sleazy – Remember
• Thatohatsi and Sjava feat. ShaunMusiq – Ama hem hem
• Feza – Umaqondana
• Feza – Sengithole Omunye
• G-Jealous feat. KaMaphanga – Luqale sakudlala
• Zulu Queens, Lwah Ndlunkulu, MaWhoo and Feza – Distance
• Focalistic, Optimist Music ZA, Benzoo, Mellow and Sleazy feat. Mr JazziQ – Gumba Fire
• Shandesh and Hitboss SA feat. Wendy M – Sefela sa Lekompo
• Ciza, Tems, Omah Lay, Thukuthela, Jazzwrld and Lekaa Beats – Isaka II (6am)
• Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax and DJ Janisto – Wa Inama
• DJ Smallz, ZinedinexSguche, 031choppa and Uncool MC – Zep
• Ntsako XVI, Shaun 101, Uncool MC and Ch'cco feat. Scotts Maphuma – Ngeke
• Bello B and Dladla Mshunqisi feat. Anathii Deejay and Frostinayo – Bethii Bethii
• Umafikizolo – Uyoncengwa Unyoko
• Zee Nxumalo, Skillz and Sykes – Mamma
• Master KG feat. Nomcebo – Jerusalema

26. Best International Collaboration: South Africa and Global

• Ciza, Tems, Omah Lay, Thukuthela, Jazzwrld and Lekaa Beats – Isaka II (6am)
• TxC, Davido, Scotts Maphuma and Shoday feat. Al Xapo and Zlatan – Nakupenda
• DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, Wizkid and Mavo – Money Constant
• DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez and Wizkid feat. Daliwonga and Madumane – Abangani
• DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez and Wizkid feat. Zaba and Zeh McGeba – Fiesta
• Tyla and Wizkid – Dynamite
• Travis Scott, Tyla and Vybz Kartel – PBT
• Damiano David, Tyla and Nile Rodgers – Talk to Me
• Cardi B feat. Tyla – Nice Guy
• Moliy and Tyla – Body Go
• Tyla feat. Zara Larsson – She Did It Again
• Ciza, Francis Mercier and DJ Ngamla No Tarenzo – Maria
• Fireboy DML, Jazzwrld and Thukuthela – Imali
• Davido, Jazzwrld and GL_Ceejay – I Know Who I Be
• Sting and Zakes Bantwini – Desert Rose (Zakes Bantwini Remix)
• Costa Titch and Ma Gang Official featuring Pheelz and BoiBizza – International
• Future and Tyla – Game Time
• Major League DJz, Thabza De Soul and Idd Aziz – Nipe Kitu

27. Best Bacardi Act

• Jelly Babie
• BigBaller_Ceo
• Sia_TheBee
• Dimphowadiwave
• Beekay Da Deejay
• Zela Force
• Terra Fontain
• Almighty Zoro
• Black Boy
• Koki The Mic
• Mellow and Sleazy
• Benzoo

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

• Nomcebo Zikode feat. Mthunzi – Thelumoya
• Umafikizolo – Uyoncengwa Unyoko
• Sam Deep, Nia Pearl and Boohle feat. Mano – Shela
• MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay and Thukuthela feat. Jazzwrld – Bengicela
• Tyla – Chanel
• Zee Nxumalo, Skillz and Sykes – Mamma
• Kharishma, DJ Angelo, Buddy Sax and DJ Janisto – Wa Inama
• Tman Xpress and Mellow and Sleazy – Remember
• DJ Zinhle, Nayvee Womculo and Young Stunna – Nayvee's Prayer
• Mshinwemali featuring Sne Ntuli – Myeke
• Thatohatsi and Sjava feat. ShaunMusiq – Ama hem hem
• G-Jealous feat. KaMaphanga – Luqale sakudlala

29. Best Lekompo Act

• Kharishma
• Shandesh
• Janesh
• Shebeshxt
• Mvzzle
• Hitboss SA
• Tribby Wadi Bhozza
• Naqua SA
• KayCherlow NLL
• Natiey Lepaka
• Abi wa Mampela

30. Best Choir or Choral Group

• Kopano Chorus
• Young Singers
• Mompati Arts Chorus
• Baemedi Ba Tumelo
• Image of God Choristers
• Sons of Peace
• Lefelleng Apostolic Church Choir
• Ithemba Youth Choir
• Dominion Church in Christ
• Umlazi Gospel Choir The Original
• Iminqweno Yethu
• Soweto Gospel Choir

31. Best Emerging Urban Act

• Ntsako XVI
• G-Jealous
• Siphiwe Black
• Nayvee Womculo
• Nkeshemba
• Khadeair
• Mshinwemali
• De Rose
• BabyDaiz
• Calvin Fallo
• K.Keed

How to vote and when the awards take place

Public voting opened on 11 November 2026 at 15:00 and closes at 12:00 on 7 December 2026. Fans can vote through the Urban Music Awards South Africa voting website.

The winners will be announced on 9 December 2026 at the Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg.

The South African edition launched in May 2025, extending the international awards platform, established in the UK in 2003, to one of Africa's influential music markets.