Durban set to host Metro FM Music Awards for the next three years
The eThekwini Municipality is anticipating hosting the Metro FM Music Awards (MMA) for the next three years with a proposed R30 million investment.
Image: File
The eThekwini Municipality is anticipating hosting the Metro FM Music Awards (MMAs) for the next three years with a proposed R30 million investment.
The highly anticipated MMAs were held at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on May 3, 2025, and included a live concert with a star-studded line-up after the awards ceremony.
The municipality discussed hosting the MMAs at length during an Executive Committee (Exco) meeting on Friday and will seek final approval at the council meeting that will be held on Monday.
Lihle Phewa, the head: Development Planning, Environment and Management, said the host city partnership with Metro FM will yield positive results, adding that the profile of the MMAs event is significant and historical because it is the biggest lifestyle radio station in South Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and online.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
The municipality intends to invest R10 million per year, part of it for media destination, promotion, and leveraging.
Phewa said the event planning, implementation, delivery of contractual obligations, and the overall management will be closely monitored by the city.
She stated that the event debriefs with documented reports will be carried out post-event to determine the municipality's return on investment.
According to Phewa, Durban strategically positions itself as a premium tourism and events city within the global space.
Phewa said the approach in event partnership is aligned with the recently launched Durban's visitor strategy to take Durban to the world.
"The key focus is to leverage events for territorial marketing and promotion, economic development, and job creation," Phewa said.
Phewa said the partnership between eThekwini and the MMAs offers numerous benefits, ensuring maximum visibility, economic impact, and community development.
All event and pre-event logistics, including security, catering, furniture, and restaurant services, will be managed by local suppliers, driving economic activity within the community.
The municipality stated that the exposure they receive has a projected value of R60 million.
Phewa added that temporary jobs will also be created, and the city was determined to bring the event back to Durban.
Mdu Nkosi, IFP Exco member, said the event will also boost township tourism and even street traders in Durban.
Nkosi commended the Economic cluster for negotiating to bring the event back to Durban.
Nkosenhle Madlala, ANC Exco chief whip, said that previously the event attracted international visitors and celebrities to Durban, which will also benefit hoteliers.
'The vibe it created and the spin-off from other events, like after-parties, is a valuable contributor to the municipality. We lost the event to Cape Town previously, and we are happy that negotiations will get under way to bring the event back,' Madlala said.
Cyril Xaba, eThekwini mayor, said Durban should be the preferred destination for entertainment and sporting events.
'In business, you must invest money to make money. The spin-off from hosting this event is huge, so we must support it. Durban should become the home of this prestigious event. We regret losing this event,' he said.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
16 hours ago
- The Citizen
Locals to spend night in SPCA kennels for good cause
PREPARATIONS are well underway for two local residents as they get set to join around 20 others for this year's Durban & Coast SPCA Kennel Sleepover. The sleepover sees residents brave the kennels at the association's Springfield Park premises and be 'bailed' out to give back to animals in need. The sleepover coincides with International Homeless Animals Day, a day to educate people about homeless and abandoned animals. Also read: Durban & Coast SPCA unveil new mascot Senta Seele and Tilanie Grote are back for a fourth time this year and hope to raise more than R10 000 each for the SPCA. 'I bring my dog Billy with me who's been with me the last few sleepovers. What motivates me to keep coming back is meeting so many like-minded people who are all here for the same cause,' explained Grote. 'I have been involved with animal charities for over 10 years and I know the plight that is out there. I feel if there's anything I can do to help or get the word out there I'll do it for the animals. It is just one night of the year to give up.' Her thoughts were echoed by Seele. 'As much as we make it fun and lighthearted evening, ultimately it is about raising awareness. Spending the night in a small kennel you really put yourself in the dog's position, being alone and sometimes scared. A big motivation for me is getting more people involved and signed up. This year I was able to involve one of my friends. While you realise the plight of homeless animals you also get to see first-hand the amazing work the SPCA staff do on a daily basis,' she said. Good to know The Durban & Coast SPCA kennel sleepover takes place on Saturday, August 16 (15:00 to 06:00). The cost to participate is R200 per human (ages 16-17 are permitted if accompanied by a parent). There is also a R50 fee for your dog to join you. The fundraising event sees friends and family sponsor your 'adoption' out of the kennels for the goal you set – minimum R3 500) which includes dinner, fun games and a goodie bag. To book visit or go to the Durban SPCA Facebook page. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21 hours ago
- The Citizen
Hibiscus Quilters Guild hosts retreat event
Hibiscus Quilters Guild is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for its inaugural Mini Quilters' Retreat on Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 to 14:00. This vibrant gathering will welcome 40 enthusiastic quilting aficionados eager to attend a variety of specialised classes led by five accredited instructors. It promises to be a morning of learning, creativity and community. Attendees are encouraged to bring along their knitting, crochet, or embroidery projects to enjoy a slow-stitching session at Munro Café at the Margate Retirement Village. Elna Stringer, the chairperson of Hibiscus Quilters Guild, said the event will also feature a special presentation by Bernina Durban, showcasing the latest sewing machines and quilting gadgets. 'Their knowledgeable team will be available to answer questions and share insights, making it a perfect opportunity for quilters to enhance their skills.' In addition, May Gene will present an impressive selection of 100% cotton fabrics and essential quilting supplies, which is sure to entice those looking to expand their collections. Visitors can also stop by the guild table to browse an array of handcrafted items perfect for gifts or a treat for oneself. Raffles will be held throughout the day, with tickets priced at R10 each, offering a chance to win beautiful quilts and themed hampers. At the May meeting, members explored the art of making 3D flowers. Stringer said the session was a great success, with enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from all who attended. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
World Sports Betting hosts charity poker evening at Daytona in Melrose Arch
The spirit of giving was alive and well at Melrose Arch on May 23, as World Sports Betting hosted its inaugural Poker for Purpose evening at the prestigious Daytona showroom. This stylish and heartfelt affair brought together celebrities, influencers, and media personalities – not only to enjoy a lively game of poker, but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Read more: Local charity raises funds by selling books to build toilets in informal settlements Familiar faces from across South Africa came together, each playing for a charity close to their hearts. With eight poker tables set amongst the gleaming luxury vehicles of the Daytona floor, the setting was every bit as captivating as the cause. The air buzzed with laughter, excitement, and an unmistakable sense of shared purpose as players shuffled their cards and took their seats. Beneath the competitive spirit, however, lay something far more profound: A collective desire to give back. Also read: St Teresas School raises funds for rare diseases charity At the helm of the evening's excitement was media personality Faith Nketsi, who emerged victorious, securing R100 000 for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation. Hot on her heels was acclaimed musician Cassper Nyovest, whose second-place finish raised R50 000 for the Legae Child Care Centre. Team Alan Ford followed in third, earning R30 000 for SALEAF, an organisation dedicated to enhancing education. In fourth place, WSB claimed R20 000 on behalf of Nazareth House. In the true spirit of the evening, no one left the table empty-handed. Media representatives and the Kevin Lerena team each walked away with R15 000 for TEARS and Glove of Boxing, respectively, while Team Bulls secured R10 000 for Care for Wild. In a poetic twist, during the final hand, KO earned R10 000 for Reach for a Dream – a fitting tribute to the belief that dreams are always worth wagering on. The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and heartfelt moments, as stories of the beneficiaries were shared between hands. Guests departed not only entertained, but deeply moved, reminded that every chip played was a chance to change a life. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Nicarela Charity distributed over R7 million in the past 15 years At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
