The Durban ICC was electric last night, April 25,2026, as the 20th Metro FM Music Awards celebrated 40 years of the iconic radio station. Among the constellation of stars, one name shone brighter than most: Ciza.
The “Isaka” hitmaker cemented his status as the new face of the South African music, walking away with two of the night's most prestigious honours: Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist.
A night of triumph in Durban
Hosted by the dynamic duo of Lerato Kganyago and Lawrence Maleka, the ceremony – broadcast live on SABC 1 – was a masterclass in Mzansi excellence. Ciza's dominance was the talk of the evening, especially as he beat out heavyweights like Kabza De Small and Kelvin Momo for the coveted Artist of the Year title.
His performance of the chart-topping anthem “Isaka (6am)” was a clear highlight, proving why the track has become a global staple in the Afro-house and Amapiano scenes.
The journey: From golden boy to global icon
While last night marked a career-defining peak, Ciza's ascent has been anything but accidental. Born Nkululeko Nciza, the 24-year-old artist carries a powerful musical pedigree as the son of Mafikizolo's Nhlanhla Mafu and music mogul TK Nciza.
However, his “Golden Boy” moniker isn't just about his lineage; it's about a relentless work ethic that began at age 15.
Ciza burst onto the scene in 2020 with “Come Alive” and the Yoruba-influenced “Adje,” signaling his intent to blend South African sounds with a broader West African Afrobeats flair.
This was followed by a massive breakthrough in 2021 when the Golden Boy which has since amassed millions of views and established him as a cross-border collaborator working with the likes of DJ Maphorisa and Tanzania's Marioo.
The momentum reached a fever pitch with the 2025 release of “Isaka (6am).” The track didn't just top local charts; it spawned international remixes featuring global superstars like Tems and Omah Lay, taking the Ciza sound to dance floors in Lagos, London, and beyond.
What's next?
Ciza's wins last night signal a shift in the South African music landscape. By winning both Best Male and Artist of the Year, he has successfully transitioned from a promising newcomer to a definitive leader of the industry.
As he celebrated on stage at the ICC, the message was clear: the Golden-Boy has officially turned into 24-karat gold. With a growing discography that refuses to be boxed into a single genre, the world is waiting to see what Ciza does next. Congratulations to the Artist of the Year.