The music industry has once again secured a commanding presence on the continental stage after several musicians, producers, dancers, DJs and creative
The music industry has once again secured a commanding presence on the continental stage after several musicians, producers, dancers, DJs and creative professionals earned nominations for the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), reaffirming the country’s growing influence in African entertainment.
Leading the impressive representation is award-winning rapper and singer Black Sherif, who emerged as the country’s most nominated artiste after receiving nominations in some of the awards scheme’s biggest categories. His remarkable performance in this year’s nominations places him among Africa’s elite musicians competing for continental honours.
Black Sherif received nominations for Best Male West Africa, Best Male Rap Act, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for his hit single So It Goes, and AFRIMMA Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed album IRONBOY.
The multiple nominations further cement his rapid rise from one of Ghana’s fastest-growing music talents to one of Africa’s most celebrated artistes.
Established in 2014, the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) has become one of the continent’s premier music awards, recognising excellence among African musicians, producers, DJs, dancers, music executives and other industry professionals while promoting African music on the global stage.
Beyond Black Sherif’s dominance, several other Ghanaian artistes also secured nominations across major competitive categories.
Afrobeats sensation Moliy continued her remarkable international rise after earning nominations in Best Female West Africa, Best Female Reggae/Dancehall, and Song of the Year for her globally acclaimed collaboration Shake It to the Max, featuring Jamaican stars Shenseea and Skillibeng. Her nominations reflect the increasing global acceptance of Ghanaian female artistes and Afro-fusion music.
Another Ghanaian female artiste, Enam, also received recognition in the Best Female West Africa category, where she will compete alongside African heavyweights including Tems, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Josey and others.
Dancehall icon Shatta Wale once again earned continental recognition after receiving a nomination in the Best Male Reggae/Dancehall category, extending his long-standing influence as one of Africa’s most decorated reggae and dancehall performers.
Ghana also recorded a strong presence in rap categories, with Eno Barony and Freda Rhymz nominated for Best Female Rap Act, while Black Sherif competes among Africa’s leading male rappers in the Best Male Rap Act category.
The nominations were not limited to recording artistes alone. Ghana’s behind-the-scenes creatives also attracted recognition for their contributions to African entertainment.
Award-winning producer MOG Beatz secured a nomination for Music Producer of the Year, acknowledging his significant influence on contemporary Ghanaian music production.
The globally recognised dance community also enjoyed a successful nomination haul. Incredible Zigi, Dancegod Lloyd, and Hooliboy were all nominated in the Best African Dancer category, highlighting Ghana’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading dance hubs.
In the DJ categories, DJ Sly King earned a nomination for Best DJ Africa, while DJ Akua received recognition in the Best African DJ USA Based category.
Acclaimed music video director Babs Direction also secured a nomination for Best Video Director, reflecting the growing international appeal of Ghanaian music video production.
Veteran rapper Sarkodie, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential hip-hop artistes, was nominated for the prestigious AFRIMMA Timeless Impact Award, a category reserved for musicians whose careers have significantly shaped African music over the years.
Meanwhile, award-winning music duo DopeNation will represent Ghana in the Best African Group category.
This year’s nominations also place Ghanaian artistes alongside some of Africa’s biggest names, including Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Asake, Tems, Diamond Platnumz, Fally Ipupa, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, and many others, setting the stage for another fiercely contested edition of the continental awards.
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