Nominations for the 2026 UMP Awards are open to everyone, with no sign-up needed.

How it works: pick a category, type the name of the act, song, film or person you want to see recognised, and send it. You can make one nomination in each category.

As you type, names other visitors have already put forward appear as suggestions. Choose one to add your voice to it rather than starting a new spelling.

The most-nominated names in each category are reviewed by the organisers and go forward to public voting.

2026 UMP Awards

Nominate by genre and category.

Artist of the Year (Male)

Artist of the Year (Female)

Song of the Year

Album/EP of the Year

Best New Artist (Male)

Best New Artist (Female)

Producer of the Year

Best Gospel Act

Best Hip Hop/Rap Act

Best Comedy Act

Best Dancehall Act

Best Afrobeats/Afro-Fusion Act

Best Traditional/Indigenous Music Act

Best Trap Act

Best Collaboration

Best Music Video

Best Music Video Director

Best Live Act

Best Duo or Group

African Artist of the Year

SADC Regional Artist of the Year

Best New African Act

Lifetime Achievement Award

Best Music Group Award

National Music Heritage Award

TV Personality of the Year

Radio Personality of the Year

Club DJ of the Year (Male)

Club DJ of the Year (Female)

Best Entertainment Journalist

Comedical Content Creator Of The Year

Best Film

Actor Of The Year

Actress Of The Year

Film Director Of The Year

Model Of The Year (Male)

Model Of The Year (Female)

Best Fashion Designer

Fashion Icon Award

Best Urban/Streetwear Designer

Best Haute Couture Designer

Beauty Queen Award