RAP star Cassper Nyovest continued his winning streak as he snapped up seven nominations at the Metro FM Music Awards announced last night.

The nods cemented the good run local hip-hop had last year, with AKA earning six and K.O sitting with five.

Last night's eventset the tone for the ceremony scheduled for February 28 in Durban.

The late Lulu Dikana was nominated in the best female album category along with Naima Kay, Bucie, Moneoa and Unathi Msengana. The best male album will be fought between Nyovest, AKA, K.O, Donald and Afrotraction.

Kelly Khumalo's Asine earned her a nod in the song of the year category along with AKA's Congratulate; Nyovest's Doc Shebeleza and Phuma Kim; Black Motion's Rainbow; Beatenberg's Rafael; The Soil's Susan; DJ Dimplez's Yaya; DJ Fisherman's Call Out; and Busa by Euphonik.

Unathi Msengana and Amon Mokoena hosted while performers included Khumalo and The Soil.

SABC radio executive Leuba Ramakgolo said: "The calibre of finalists for this year's leg of the awards is exciting. It reaffirms our stance of being unapologetic about celebrating greatness in music and recognising musicians who have contributed to the growth of the industry in the last 14 years."

The theme for this years' awards is "Celebrating Greatness".