MMA26: Durban Set to Host Metro FM Music Awards Featuring Lekompo and Maskandi

It's been nine years since the Metro FM Music Awards was last in Durban, they are expected to return with a bang, and the occasion will be marked with the addition of two prominent genres that have made a significant impact in the industry. 

At next year's MMA26, the Lekompo music genre, which originated in Limpopo and has since made an impressive mark on the industry, as well as Maskandi, will be in the mix.

The Metro FM Music Awards (MMA) ceremony is set to premiere in Durban on April 25 next year, the announcement was made during the media launch held on Friday at the Oyster Box Hotel in uMhlanga.

In an interview with the Daily News, Clarence “Hitboss SA” Mangena, a prominent South African music producer known for popularising the Lekompo music genre, shared his excitement about Lekompo's inclusion in MMA26.

“We are really proud of Metro FM's recognition. It says a lot, and it means a great deal to Lekompo. We really appreciate the introduction,” said Mangena.

Metro FM business manager Kina Nhlengethwa spoke about the return and the decision to select Durban as the host city.

She said, “After three years of successful awards in Mpumalanga, we had to look for another host city. We came to Durban and were welcomed with open arms. The beauty of it is that it's not the first time we are hosting the awards in the city.”

She said that Durban had a long history with the event.

“The last awards in Durban were in 2017, and the first awards were launched here in Durban. Durban is going to be the home of the awards for the next three years, from 2026."

"We are looking forward to a great event, and people can expect a lot from the entertainment and job opportunities. We make sure that we support SMMEs and young upcoming talent, and we look forward to it.”

Hosting the awards in Durban for the next three years will earn the city about R60 million and create numerous job opportunities.

eThekwini Municipality's City Manager, Musa Mbhele, told the Daily News that the awards have their home in Durban, and warmly welcomed its return.

“We have missed the awards, and through our engagements with the organisers, the SABC, and our leadership, we were finally able to secure (its return),” said Mbhele.

He said the event gelled neatly with their strategy of enhancing tourism in Durban through art.

“Durban is the home of Gqom, the home of Maskandi. So when the biggest music event in South Africa’s calendar comes to the city for the next three years, it’s a major boost for our strategy to grow the tourism economy through arts and cultural exchange.”

Mbhele said the MMA26 will not only impact the youth of Durban, but it will have a significant impact across the entire value chain.

“Our young people are going to benefit through artists who will be submitting their nominations, but more importantly, they will also benefit by supplying various products and participating in the value chain, whether in transport, hairdressing, fashion, or other creative talents, when the awards come to Durban,” he said.

He said the Metro FM Awards, Durban July, and Tourism Indaba  programmes all fitted in nicely with Durban’s programme of ensuring that the city was South Africa’s playground.

Daily News