Celebrating 40 years of Metro FM on the airwaves.
Image: FACEBOOK
In an era of audience fragmentation, accelerated digital consumption, and shifting cultural influence, few radio brands can credibly claim resilience, longevity, relevance, and leadership. METRO FM stands proudly at the forefront of those brands.
As one of country’s leading commercial radio stations and a flagship brand within the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) radio portfolio, METRO FM will mark 40 years of broadcasting excellence in September 2026. This milestone intertwines meaningfully with the 20th edition of the METRO FM Music Awards, taking place in April 2026—a moment that reflects not only longevity but purpose.
Together, these anniversaries tell a deeper story about the role of radio and music in shaping identity, preserving cultural memory, and amplifying South African voices across generations.
Launched in 1986 as Radio Metro, the station entered the airwaves at a defining period in the country’s social and cultural evolution. Under the leadership of pioneers such as Koos Radebe, the station’s first Station Manager, followed by younger, dynamic leaders like Romeo Khumalo, Leslie Ntloko, Matona Ntshona-Sakupwanya, Martin Vilakazi, and Sibongile Mtyali, and currently under the stewardship of Business Manager Kina Nhlengethwa, METRO FM has always been more than just entertainment—it is a cultural movement.
Four decades later, METRO FM’s sustained leadership within the commercial radio landscape has been driven by one central principle: staying deeply attuned to the pulse of its audience. This has been achieved through bold programming decisions and an enduring tradition of cultivating influential broadcasting talent.
From iconic voices such as Shado Twala, Eddie Zondi, Nothemba Madumo, Bob Mabena, and Penny Lebyane, to trailblazing media personalities like T-Bo Touch, DJ Fresh, Mo Flava, and Bonang Matheba, METRO FM has played a defining role in shaping South Africa’s media culture. Today, that legacy is carried forward by voices such as DJ Sabby, Khutso Theledi, Faith Mangope, and Lerato Kganyago, alongside new presenters joining the station in the 2026/2027 radio year, reinforcing METRO FM’s commitment to innovation and relevance.
Beyond personalities, METRO FM’s true influence lies in its ability to interpret the cultural moment. Its iconic taglines, such as “What makes you black”, “Where you’re at”, and most recently “It’s where you want to be”, have not merely positioned the station but articulated its evolving relationship with a nation in motion. Each slogan marks a progressive understanding of identity, ambition, and belonging, affirming METRO FM as both a reflector and shaper of South African urban culture.
This cultural leadership finds one of its clearest expressions in the METRO FM Music Awards, now entering their 20th edition. For two decades, the awards have transcended the function of a traditional ceremony, serving instead as a platform that documents the growth, diversity, and innovation of South Africa’s music industry. They have become a barometer of the nation’s creative evolution, celebrating established icons while boldly spotlighting emerging voices.
As station gears for its annual awards event to be held on Saturday, 25 April 2026, and hosted by the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, the event will not only honour musical excellence but also reaffirm the station’s role as a cultural convener and storyteller.
The union of 40 years of METRO FM and 20 years of the awards, with this year’s theme being ‘MusicXcellence: Honouring Icons. Elevating Stars’, underscores the station’s unique ability to sustain its relevance while nurturing future talent and recognising greatness in the music industry.
Importantly, METRO FM’s impact has never been confined to the airwaves. Through its corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives, the station has consistently extended its influence into communities by supporting development, education, and social upliftment.
This commitment reinforces a critical truth: being a media giant carries responsibility, and influence must be matched with purpose. In the lead-up to the awards ceremony, a family within the eThekwini Municipality will be supported through a housing initiative enabled by partnerships cultivated by the station.
As METRO FM enters its fifth decade, its story offers a powerful lesson in longevity. This is not achieved through nostalgia alone, but through a willingness to evolve, listen, and lead with authenticity. In a rapidly changing media environment, METRO FM’s enduring relevance affirms the continued power of radio—not just as a medium, but as a unifying force that connects sound, story, and national identity.
Forty years on, METRO FM remains where South Africa listens.
*Vuyo Mthembu is the SABC' s Media Relations Manager
*The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.*
DAILY NEWS