Mafikizolo, Zahara to fight it out

The biggest prize at tomorrow night's 13th Metro FM Music Awards will again be Song of the Year.

And Mi Casa, Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Heavy K, Big Nuz, Zahara, Naima Kay and Lulo Cafe are all in the running.

Oskido's Tsa Mandebele proved the popular choice among fans. All categories are voter-driven, the public voting by SMS.

Former Real Goboza team, Phat Joe and Pearl Thusi, will reunite to co-host the awards ceremony.

The event, at Durban's ICC again, will be broadcast on SABC1 from 8pm.

As in previous years, some categories have thrown up refreshing new nominees, including newcomers MuzArt and comeback kids Alaska.

But there are some confusing nominations, such as Danny K for both best African pop album and best R&B album.

The Times has predicted winners in the night's biggest categories:

Best African pop album

Nominees: Mafikizolo (Reunited), Zahara (Phendula), Naima Kay (Umsebenzi), Ntando (Monday to Sunday), Danny K (Good Look).

Who might steal it? Mafikizolo.

Who should win it? Naima Kay.

Best dance album

Nominees: Uhuru (Our Father), Mi Casa (Su Casa), Lulo Cafe (Soul Africa), Heavy K (Respect the Drumboss 2013), Zakes Bantwini (My Music Bible).

Who might steal it? Mi Casa.

Who should win it? Uhuru.

Best female artist

Nominees: Zamajobe (Thula Mntwana), Zahara (Phendula), DJ Cndo (Finest Lady of House Vol. 5), Indwe (Indwe), Naima Kay (Umsebenzi).

Who might steal it? Zahara.

Who should win it? Naima Kay.

Best male artisit

Nominees: Zakes Bantwini (My Music Bible), Vusi Nova (Walk into Light), iFani (I Believe in Me), Lulo Cafe (Soul Africa), Culoe de Song (Exodus).

Who might steal it? Vusi Nova.

Who should win it? Lulo Cafe.

Best newcomer

Nominees: Muzart (Muzart), Happy (Ahead of Time), iFani (I Believes in Me), Naima Kay (Umsebenzi), Indwe (Indwe).

Who might steal it? iFani.

Who should win it? MuzArt.

Best duo/group

Nominees: Mi Casa (Su Casa), Mafikizolo (Reunited), Uhuru (Our Father), Big Nuz (Made in Africa), MuzArt (MuzArt).

Who might steal it? Mi Casa.

Who should win it? Mafikizolo.

Song of the year

Nominees: Mi Casa (Jika), Mafikizolo (Happiness), Heavy K (Wena), Uhuru (Y-Tjukuja), Big Nuz (Hawaii), Zahara (Phendula), Lulo Cafe (Whistling to Bed), Mafikizolo (Khona), Naima Kay (Lelilanga remix).

Who might steal it? Mafikizolo.

Who should win it? Uhuru.

The official pre-party will be at nightclub Boulevard; t he after-party at Moses Mabhida Stadium.