ArtistDirect News
Lordkez Shines at 2026 Metro FM Awards, Highlights Authenticity and Growth in South African Music
Lordkez lit up the stage at the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards with a soaring rendition of “Aweh,” the single that catapulted her from Kimberley’s streets to South Africa’s airwaves. The performance, filmed for TikTok and later shared by the awards’ official channel, showcased the artist’s steady climb on both local and international stages.
The moment was more than a show‑stopper; it was a milestone for a singer‑songwriter who has built a reputation for deeply personal, emotionally honest music. The crowd’s reaction, the lighting, and the raw energy of the set all underscored why Lordkez is a rising star in the country’s music scene.
Born Keziah Zoë Meyers in Kimberley, Lordkez first captured widespread attention with the release of “Aweh.” She recorded the track during a period of creative freedom, letting her instincts guide the process. The result became an anthem in South Africa, resonating with listeners who value authenticity over manufactured pop.
A remix featuring rapper Cassper Nyovest expanded the song’s reach even further. According to reports from the South African music press, the remix climbed to the number‑one spot on the country’s R&B charts, cementing “Aweh” as a cross‑genre hit.
In a recent interview, Lordkez explained that the unexpected success of “Aweh” reinforced her belief that authenticity resonates more deeply than chasing trends. She said she was simply having fun while creating the song and was not trying to engineer a hit. The artist’s emphasis on genuine expression has become a defining element of her brand.
She also highlighted the importance of patience and timing in her career. SA Hip Hop Mag reported that she views success as a combination of preparation, opportunity, and alignment. She stated that significant career moments often arise when artists remain committed to their craft while allowing opportunities to unfold naturally.
Lordkez’s partnership with Levi’s EMERGENT program and COLORSxSTUDIOS has provided a platform for her to explore her identity through music. In an interview with Yomzansi, she noted that the journey of discovering her personal identity has happened through her passion for making music. She added that self‑discovery is an ongoing process and that each new creative experience shapes both her artistry and her understanding of herself.
Her sound has evolved from an emerging alternative R&B style to a blend that incorporates R&B, soul, jazz, hip‑hop, and nostalgic influences. She discussed this development ahead of her performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on March 27, 2026, stating that the past 18 months have been spent refining her sound. IOL reported that she has found more of what her sound is, describing it as a fusion of multiple genres.
Lordkez’s growing international footprint is evident in her recent festival appearances and collaborations with industry leaders. Her performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, a key event in South Africa’s music calendar, further cemented her status as one of the country’s most exciting musical voices.
As Lordkez continues to expand her global presence through new releases and high‑profile collaborations, she remains anchored by the principles that have guided her career: authenticity, patience, and self‑belief. The artist has stated that success means little if it comes at the expense of who she is, and staying true to herself remains the foundation of everything she creates.
The moment was more than a show‑stopper; it was a milestone for a singer‑songwriter who has built a reputation for deeply personal, emotionally honest music. The crowd’s reaction, the lighting, and the raw energy of the set all underscored why Lordkez is a rising star in the country’s music scene.
Born Keziah Zoë Meyers in Kimberley, Lordkez first captured widespread attention with the release of “Aweh.” She recorded the track during a period of creative freedom, letting her instincts guide the process. The result became an anthem in South Africa, resonating with listeners who value authenticity over manufactured pop.
A remix featuring rapper Cassper Nyovest expanded the song’s reach even further. According to reports from the South African music press, the remix climbed to the number‑one spot on the country’s R&B charts, cementing “Aweh” as a cross‑genre hit.
In a recent interview, Lordkez explained that the unexpected success of “Aweh” reinforced her belief that authenticity resonates more deeply than chasing trends. She said she was simply having fun while creating the song and was not trying to engineer a hit. The artist’s emphasis on genuine expression has become a defining element of her brand.
She also highlighted the importance of patience and timing in her career. SA Hip Hop Mag reported that she views success as a combination of preparation, opportunity, and alignment. She stated that significant career moments often arise when artists remain committed to their craft while allowing opportunities to unfold naturally.
Lordkez’s partnership with Levi’s EMERGENT program and COLORSxSTUDIOS has provided a platform for her to explore her identity through music. In an interview with Yomzansi, she noted that the journey of discovering her personal identity has happened through her passion for making music. She added that self‑discovery is an ongoing process and that each new creative experience shapes both her artistry and her understanding of herself.
Her sound has evolved from an emerging alternative R&B style to a blend that incorporates R&B, soul, jazz, hip‑hop, and nostalgic influences. She discussed this development ahead of her performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on March 27, 2026, stating that the past 18 months have been spent refining her sound. IOL reported that she has found more of what her sound is, describing it as a fusion of multiple genres.
Lordkez’s growing international footprint is evident in her recent festival appearances and collaborations with industry leaders. Her performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, a key event in South Africa’s music calendar, further cemented her status as one of the country’s most exciting musical voices.
As Lordkez continues to expand her global presence through new releases and high‑profile collaborations, she remains anchored by the principles that have guided her career: authenticity, patience, and self‑belief. The artist has stated that success means little if it comes at the expense of who she is, and staying true to herself remains the foundation of everything she creates.