THE announcement of the 12th Metro FM Music Awards nominees final list came with a few surprises.

Talented singer Lulu Dikana, was nominated for the Best Produced Album, Best Female Album and Best Contemporary Jazz Album for her second album titled This is the Life.

"I am so excited at this nod I am getting from the Metro's. When I submitted my music for consideration on the final list I actually thought to myself I would appreciate it if I made the final list of nominees. This happened and I am overwhelmed," Dikana says.

She could not hide that she hoped to walk away with all three awards.

"I sing from the bottom of my heart and if there is an opportunity for my music to be listened to I feel so blessed," she says.

"I have worked hard in my music career and it is good to know that my sound is being appreciated by my fans."

Dikana says she is currently working on her third studio album and will be rebranding her look.

• Other big nominees include Donald with six nominations for Best Male, Best Styled, Best Music Video, Hit Single, Best Produced and Best Dance for his album Train of Love.
• Toya Delazy with four nominations for Best Produced, Best Female, Best Newcomer and Best Styled awards.
• While Kabomo also got four nods for Best Produced, Best Male, Best R&B and Collaboration of the Year.
• Zonke Dikana, Lulu's sister, Moneoa, Zakwe and Fistaz Mixwell all got three nominations for the Metro FM awards.

The voting lines have opened so that the public can vote for their favourite artist.

To vote SMS category and and favourite artist to 34764.

The voting lines close at 11.59pm on February 17.

- motaud@sowetan.co.za