South African Amapiano heavyweight Sam Deep has emerged as the most nominated artist at the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards, solidifying his place at the forefront of the genre. The nominees were officially announced on 26 February at The Forum, setting the stage for what promises to be a spectacular awards ceremony scheduled to take place on 25 April at the iconic Durban ICC.
Sam Deep secured an impressive seven nominations across major categories, highlighting both his commercial success and artistic excellence over the past year. Among the most notable nods are Best Male Artist and the highly coveted Artist of the Year award — two categories that recognize consistent impact and influence within the South African music landscape.
His hit collaboration “Shela,” featuring talented vocalists Nia Pearl and Boohle alongside Mano, has been shortlisted in four categories: Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Amapiano, and Best Music Video. The track has become a fan favorite, praised for its infectious rhythm, soulful vocals, and polished production. Its widespread popularity has made it one of the defining Amapiano releases of the year.
In addition to his performance-based nominations, Sam Deep has also been recognized for his technical and production prowess. His joint project “Kings of Kwapi” with Stixx and Nvcho is nominated for Best Produced Album. This nod underscores his versatility — not only as a performer but also as a meticulous producer capable of crafting cohesive and sonically rich bodies of work.
The strong showing at this year’s awards reflects Sam Deep’s growing dominance within the Amapiano movement. Over the past year, he has consistently delivered chart-topping singles, high-energy performances, and collaborative projects that resonate with a wide audience.
With public voting now officially open, fans have the opportunity to play a crucial role in determining the winners at the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards. As anticipation builds toward the April ceremony in Durban, all eyes will be on Sam Deep to see whether he converts his seven nominations into major wins.
Regardless of the final outcome, his commanding presence on this year’s nomination list marks a defining moment in his career and further cements his status as one of Amapiano’s leading forces.
Voting for the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards is open to the public HERE.
