South African artist Musa Keys, born Musa Appreciate Makamu, has been crowned Best Styled Artist at the Metro FM Music Awards 2026 in Durban.Known for his bold and intentional aesthetic, Keys describes his style as “theatrical, deliberate and layered.”
Often dubbed the “Tsonga Michael Jackson”, he sees fashion as a core extension of his artistry, explaining that his “fit has to be as layered” as his music production. His red-carpet appearances consistently generate buzz, cementing his reputation as one of the most fashion-forward artists in the country.
A member of the Under Armour family, Keys is frequently seen wearing the brand’s high-performance footwear, including the Velociti Distance, blending athletic innovation with high-fashion sensibility.
Speaking after receiving the award, Keys welcomed the recognition of style within the music industry:“I’m proud of every artist that has been nominated because throughout the years I’ve seen them elevate. I’ve seen them become better artists.
“I’m so glad now that every artist in this space now is taking this part of our careers very serious because I think not a lot of artists pay attention to the detail of what to put on. I think it goes beyond us singing and producing and making the music. You got to make what you look like represent how good your music sounds.”
The Best Styled Artist category highlights the growing intersection between music and fashion. Increasingly, artists are recognising that their visual identity is just as powerful as their sound, influencing trends, designers, stylists and creative directors alike.
Although the Metro FM Music Awards primarily celebrate musical excellence, categories like this underline how image and presentation have become integral to an artist’s brand and storytelling.
Keys was nominated alongside fellow style standouts including Daliwonga, K.O, Vusi Nova and Zee Nxumalo.The award is sponsored by Africa Fashion International through House of NALA, a fashion partner of the Metro FM Music Awards since 2024.
It reinforces the idea that a musician’s image is serious business – one that shapes the broader creative industry while pushing the boundaries of style and self-expression.
