The organisers of the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) have released the nominees’ list for the 2026 edition of the prestigious award ceremony, with some of Africa’s biggest music stars set to compete for top honours across various categories.
Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido emerged as one of the most recognised artistes on the nomination list, securing major recognition alongside fellow global stars Burna Boy and Tyla.
The nominations highlight the continued growth and global impact of African music, with artistes from different regions of the continent competing for awards that celebrate musical excellence and creativity.
In the Best Female West Africa category, Nigerian artistes Tems, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage and Teni will battle Ghana’s Hadzi Vodushi and Moliy, Ivory Coast’s Josey, Senegal’s Viviane Chidid, Mali’s Mariam Ba Lagare and Cape Verde’s Soraia Ramos.
The Best Male East Africa category features Ethiopia’s Lij Michael, Tanzania’s Marioo, Diamond Platnumz, Juma Jux, Mbosso and Barnaba, alongside Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Joshua Baraka, Kenya’s Bien and South Sudan’s Single Dee.
For the Best Female East Africa category, nominees include Tanzania’s Abigail Chams and Zuchu, Ethiopia’s Veronica Adane and Salemia, Kenya’s Bridget Blue, Nikita Kering and Njerae, Rwanda’s Ariel Wayz and Uganda’s Winnie Nwagi.
The Best Male Central Africa category includes Angola’s Matias Damásio and Gerilson Israel, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Dadju, Fally Ipupa and Gims, Cameroon’s TayC and Ko-C, as well as São Tomé and Príncipe’s Calema.
Nominees for the Best Female Central Africa category include Angola’s Anna Joyce, DR Congo’s Rebo and Cindy Le Coeur, Cameroon’s Krys M and Blanche Bailly, Gabon’s Espoir La Tigresse and Emma’a, alongside Republic of Congo’s Jessy B.
The Best Male Southern Africa category features South Africa’s Scott Maphuma, DJ Maphorisa, Cassper Nyovest and Kabza De Small, alongside Zimbabwe’s Nutty O, Zambia’s Yo Maps, Malawi’s Zeze Kingston and Botswana’s William Last KRM.
The AFRIMMA 2026 nominations further demonstrate the diversity, creativity and growing international influence of African music, bringing together established stars and emerging talents from across the continent for one of Africa’s most celebrated music award platforms.
