By Celani Sikhakhane
- Bhinca Nation President Ngizwe Mchunu says Metro FM exploits Maskandi artists by nominating them for awards without playing their music.
- The Metro FM Music Awards are set for Durban on 25 April, with eThekwini securing a three-year deal worth R60-million.
Ngizwe Mchunu, President of the Bhinca Nation, is calling on Maskandi artists and their fans to boycott the Metro FM Music Awards, saying the station exploits the genre.
Mchunu says Metro FM does not play Maskandi music but still nominates artists from the genre for its awards.
“Metro FM does not play Maskandi music. In fact they hate us as the Bhinca people … They view this genre as the music of uncivilised people,” he said.
He says when Maskandi artists are invited to Metro FM’s radio slots, presenters do not play their songs. Instead, they conduct an interview and ask the artist to sing for themselves.
“How could you nominate someone that you never recognised even in your radio station?” he said.
Mchunu said the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) policy does not allow Metro FM to play Maskandi music. He said nominating artists from the genre to make money from the awards is exploitation. He directed the message at Metro FM DJ Tbo Touch.
The Metro FM Music Awards 2026 will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium’s People’s Park in Durban on Saturday, 25 April 2026. The eThekwini Municipality has secured a three-year deal from 2026 to 2028 worth R60-million to host the event.
SABC Group Executive for Radio Nada Wotshela said it is a milestone for the awards to return to Durban.
Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba said the event shows the city is a hub of creativity and culture.
Maskandi artists nominated for the awards include Khuzani, Siya Ntuli, Mzukulu, Umafikizolo, and Simonofu featuring Zee Nxumalo. The awards introduced a dedicated Best Maskandi category.
Pictured above: The Metro FM Awards.
Image source: Metro FM Awards
