SABC STATEMENT ON THE METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS AND GENRE REPRESENTATION

Johannesburg – Thursday, 19 March 2026 - As South Africa’s public broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), serves a diverse and dynamic audience through its 19 radio stations. Each station operates in full compliance with the music quotas and regulatory framework set out by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), while also responding to the evolving cultural and musical landscape of the country.

While some stakeholders and audiences may traditionally associate certain music genres with specific stations, the SABC recognises that music transcends boundaries. As a youth station, METRO FM reflects this reality by accommodating a variety of musical expressions that resonate with its audience. Maskandi music is currently part of METRO FM’s playlist, it aligns with the station’s sound and listener profile, and there is clear audience appreciation for the genre.

As part of its ongoing programming evolution, METRO FM has also expanded its playlist to include more Maskandi and Lekompo, reaffirming its commitment to showcasing the diversity and depth of South Africa’s music heritage and contemporary soundscape.

This commitment was further demonstrated during the recent METRO FM Heatwave events, where both Maskandi and Lekompo formed part of the station’s programming and live event offering. This reflects METRO FM’s broader strategy to champion a wider range of local genres while remaining responsive to audience tastes and shifts in the music landscape.

The METRO FM Music Awards exist to celebrate, uplift, and recognise artists across South Africa’s vibrant music industry. The introduction of Maskandi and Lekompo as award categories reflects the diversity of the METRO FM audience and the station’s ongoing commitment to evolving alongside its listeners and acknowledging the growth and influence of different music genres.

The suggestion that the inclusion of these genres in the awards constitutes exploitation of artists is misleading. If anything, radio stations pay royalties to music owners and performers for music usage, thus contributing to the development and sustainability of the music industry. METRO FM is one of the biggest platforms in the country that provide a stage to recognize artistic excellence and contribution to the industry.

The SABC remains committed to respectful engagement with all stakeholders and values constructive dialogue. As one of the country’s most prominent music award platforms, the METRO FM Music Awards will naturally generate robust public interest and conversation, which the SABC welcomes in the spirit of inclusivity and cultural appreciation.

ENDS

Issued By:                         Group Communications

Media Enquiries:            Mmoni Ngubane (Head of Communications)

NgubaneMV@sabc.co.za T. 011 714 3057| C. 073 688 1590