A Night of Prestige in Sandton
Award-winning South African artist Ciza was honoured in an exclusive, high-profile celebration dinner in Sandton following his major wins at the Metro FM Music Awards 2026. Hosted at Solo Restaurant and powered by Staxx Music Management in partnership with Johnnie Walker Black Label, the event brought together industry leaders, creatives, and tastemakers in a luxurious black-and-gold setting.
The evening marked more than just a celebration. it symbolised a defining career moment after Ciza secured two of the night’s biggest accolades: Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist.
More Than Awards — “A Writing in History”
Speaking during an interview at the event, Ciza downplayed the idea of awards as validation, instead framing them as legacy markers.
“Awards are not validation… they’re more a writing in history.”
The artist emphasised gratitude to fans who supported his journey, highlighting that the recognition comes after nearly eight years of consistent work in the industry.
Addressing Critics and the “Legacy” Conversation
Despite his success, Ciza continues to face public scrutiny tied to his family background. However, he remains unfazed, stating that opinions — positive or negative — are inevitable.
“Whether I became successful with or without, they were going to say that… I’ve been working on this for 7 years.”
His response reflects a growing confidence as he steps into his own identity within South Africa’s competitive music landscape.
From Durban Wins to Global Stages
Fresh off his awards win in Durban, Ciza is already looking ahead to the global stage. The celebration dinner also doubled as a send-off ahead of his European tour, marking a major transition from local dominance to international expansion.
He confirmed signing a management deal with global Afro-house platform Deep Root Records, led by internationally respected DJ and producer Francis Mercier.
“We only doing global domination from now.”
Proving Himself in the Dance Music Space
Ciza also addressed ongoing conversations about his DJ credibility within the dance music community. His response was direct — pointing to his bookings rather than opinions.
“I’m playing at Hï Ibiza… the biggest club in the world… they wouldn’t book me if I wasn’t a good DJ.”
The statement reinforces his growing acceptance on international stages and within elite club circuits.
A New-Gen Performer Bridging Music and Showmanship
Unlike many of his peers, Ciza positions himself as both a DJ and performer, blending live vocals with high-energy sets.
“I’m an entertainer… when I’m on stage, the whole crowd is going crazy.”
This hybrid approach places him in a unique lane within Afro-house and Amapiano — aligning performance with global festival standards.
Inspired by Icons, Focused on Independence
Ciza cited Michael Jackson as a major influence — not just musically, but from a business perspective, particularly around ownership and independence.
“MJ is the blueprint… every artist should look at independence in the business.”
African Dance Music’s Global Moment
Looking ahead, the artist expressed excitement about the global rise of African genres — from Afro-house and Afrotech to Amapiano and 3-step.
“There’s no better time than now to shine.”
A Career Defining Chapter
The Sandton celebration captured a pivotal moment in Ciza’s journey — where local recognition meets global ambition. With major awards secured and international stages calling, his trajectory reflects not just personal success, but the broader rise of South African music on the world stage.
