Durban’s Own: J Sbu Nominated for Best Local Personality & Best Local Radio Show at the 2026 Best of Durban Awards

 

 

May 2026

If you’ve ever turned down your car radio, caught yourself laughing out loud in traffic, or found yourself thinking about something a presenter said long after you’ve parked, chances are, J Sbu had something to do with it. The East Coast Radio afternoon drive presenter has once again earned his place among Durban’s finest, landing nominations at the 2026 Best of Durban Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Local Radio Personality and Best Local Radio Show (alongside co-host Stacey Norman for their beloved Stacey & J Sbu afternoon drive).

And the city is buzzing.

What Are the Best of Durban Awards?

The Best of Durban Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate everything that makes the city extraordinary, from beloved local businesses to the media personalities who keep Durban informed, entertained, and inspired. It is entirely powered by the public: nominations come from listeners and readers, and so do the votes. This year, Durbanites showed up in force, with over 28,000 nomination emails received across nine categories and 246 sub-categories.

In short, getting onto this shortlist is no small thing. It means the people of KZN went out of their way to say: this one matters to us.

ECR Goes Big and J Sbu Is Right at the Centre

East Coast Radio is proudly front and centre in the 2026 awards, with J Sbu nominated for Best Local Radio Personality alongside ECR colleagues Darren Maule, Sky Tshabalala, Carmen Reddy, Carol Ofori, Danny Gusseli, Stacey Norman, Shaina-Rae, and Deon G. In the Best Local Radio Show category, Stacey & J Sbu goes head-to-head with East Coast Breakfast with Darren, Sky and Carmen.

That’s a double nomination, one for the man himself, and one for the show he helps bring to life every weekday afternoon.

ECR says these nominations are more than just recognition, they are a reflection of the deep connection between East Coast Radio and the people of KwaZulu-Natal. From early mornings with Darren, Sky, and Carmen, to afternoons with Stacey & J Sbu, ECR is there for the moments that matter, the laughs, the conversations, and the music that brings people together.

Who Is J Sbu?

If you somehow don’t know, J Sbu, full handle @jsbuofficial on Instagram is a DJ, MC, voice-over artist, and one half of ECR’s afternoon drive duo. Stacey & J Sbu airs weekdays from 15:00 to 18:00, and the show has built its reputation on dynamic chemistry, thought-provoking discussions, bold perspectives, and a level of edginess that keeps listeners hooked.

He’s also deeply Durban. Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, J Sbu has spoken openly about what the city means to him, including his belief that “Durban is seen as a platform, a place where international artists can come and sell out and perform, and that’s a huge acknowledgement.”

Beyond radio, J Sbu is a father, a community figure, and someone who clearly puts heart into everything he does. When his son Zanda started Grade One, J Sbu shared the milestone on social media, captioning a photo: “First day at Big School – Grade 1 edition! Our little Zanda is growing up!!!”, the kind of real, relatable moment that has made him so beloved by KZN listeners.

He describes ECR not just as a job, but as a home. He has said of the station: “Everyone needs a second home and ECR is that.”

What This Nomination Means

Being nominated as Best Local Personality is the kind of recognition that comes from the people, not from a panel of industry insiders, but from the very listeners who tune in daily. J Sbu’s Instagram bio sums up his philosophy simply: 🇿🇦 Create. Build. Liberate. These nominations are proof that Durban sees him doing exactly that.

For the Stacey & J Sbu show, the Best Local Radio Show nomination is a nod to what few duos do quite like them, week after week delivering honest, thought-provoking conversations that keep listeners across the province hooked.

Your Vote Counts – Here’s How

The voting is simple and takes just moments. Head to the official voting page and cast your vote for J Sbu under Best Local Radio Personality and for Stacey & J Sbu under Best Local Radio Show:

Vote here: www.bestofsouthafrica.co.za/durban/best-of-durban-voting-page-main/

Nominations are just the beginning, now it’s time to bring it home. If East Coast Radio has ever made you smile, kept you company on the road, or been part of your daily routine, your vote is how you show it.

Vote. Share. Repeat. Let’s make it count for J Sbu and Durban.

Follow J Sbu on Instagram: @jsbuofficial | Follow the show: @staceyandjsbu