Entertainment
Louisa Annan Bags Best Western Diaspora Artiste Of The Year At Western Music Awards ’25
UK-based Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, preacher, and performing artiste Louisa Ida Annan has been honored with the Best Western Diaspora Artiste of the Year award at the 9th edition of the Western Music Awards 2025 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to gospel music and her influence within the diaspora community.
A Night of Celebration and Recognition
The Western Music Awards, organized annually by Westline Entertainment, celebrates musical excellence across genres and regions, with a special emphasis on artists connected to Ghana’s Western Region and the broader diaspora. The 2025 edition—held in December under the theme “Rhythm of Success”—saw a gathering of accomplished musicians, industry leaders, and music lovers from Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Louisa Annan’s win in the Best Western Diaspora Artiste of the Year category marks a significant milestone in her artistic journey, affirming not only her musical talent but also her growing impact on global audiences. According to reports shared by fan groups and event updates, she secured the top honor in this category, beating several notable nominees.
From Nomination to Victory
Earlier in the year, Annan had been shortlisted for this prestigious award, recognizing her soulful vocal delivery, compelling songwriting, and the inspirational themes in her music that resonate with listeners across continents. Her nomination had already sparked excitement among fans and music critics alike, highlighting her role in elevating gospel music within the diaspora community.
The win is a testament to her perseverance and artistic growth, particularly as a UK-based Ghanaian artiste who continues to bridge cultural boundaries in music and ministry.
Impact and Legacy
Louisa Annan’s recognition at the Western Music Awards reflects her influence not only as a gospel musician but as an ambassador for Ghanaian music on the international stage. Her achievement is poised to inspire other diaspora artists who are navigating the global music landscape while staying true to their cultural roots.
As the music industry continues to evolve, artists like Annan play a crucial role in showcasing the diversity and dynamism of Ghanaian talent worldwide.
Entertainment
Bossu Kule Releases Debut Project “KOKO” With Bisa Kdei, Adina, Sefa and Yaa Jackson
Renowned talent manager and music producer Emmanuel Arhin professionally known as Bossu Kule, has officially released his debut music project titled KOKO.
Bossu Kule, who has successfully managed top acts and serves as publicist for celebrated actor Lil Win and multiple award winning musician Bisa Kdei, steps into the spotlight with a project that blends music, storytelling, and social commentary.
“KOKO” is a song that brings together an impressive lineup of artists, including Adina, Sefa, Yaa Jackson and highlife heavyweight Bisa Kdei.
According to Bossu Kule, the project intentionally centers female voices, reflecting his mission to amplify women in the Ghanaian music industry, an area he believes deserves more recognition compared to its male counterparts.
Released under Bossu Kule Music, KOKO is more than a song, it is a love centered Ghanaian music that speaks directly to Ghanaian homes and relationships. The song delivers a powerful reminder that love is not entitlement but a responsibility, urging men to recognize, value, and protect the sacrifices made in the name of love for their women.
Stream Koko from below.
Entertainment
Biography Of Ahenfo (Karim Alhassan)
Biography Of Ahenfo (Karim Alhassan)
Karim Alhassan, professionally known as Ahenfo, is a talented Ghanaian highlife singer celebrated for his rich melodies, soulful voice, and deep connection to traditional Ghanaian sounds. Rooted in the highlife genre, Ahenfo blends classic rhythms with contemporary influences, creating music that resonates with both old and new generations of music lovers.
Ahenfo’s musical journey began at a very young age. He developed a strong passion for music early in life and started playing musical instruments while still young, a foundation that helped shape his songwriting skills and overall artistry. This early exposure to music allowed him to understand sound, rhythm, and composition, which now reflect clearly in his works.
Over the years, Ahenfo has released a number of impressive songs that have earned him recognition within Ghana’s music space. One of his standout records, “Odo Mu Odo,” features Ghana’s multiple award-winning songwriter Kofi Kinaata, a collaboration that further highlighted Ahenfo’s musical depth and lyrical strength. Other notable songs in his catalogue include “Fantastic,” “Focusrite,” “Odopa,” and “M’aame Answer,” all of which showcase his versatility and commitment to quality highlife music.
With consistency, passion, and a clear artistic identity, Ahenfo continues to rise steadily in the Ghanaian music industry. His songs are available on all major digital streaming platforms, making his music accessible to fans both in Ghana and across the world. As a fast-rising highlife act, Ahenfo remains focused on preserving the essence of highlife while pushing it to greater heights on the global stage.
Entertainment
Belgium-Based Ghanaian Star Rebbel Ashes Calls For United Front In Global Push For Ghanaian Music
Entertainment
Kendrick Lamar, Tiwa Savage, Davido, Burna Boy – All The Nominees For The 2026 NAACP Image Awards
Nominations for the 57th NAACP Image Awards have been officially unveiled, celebrating another year of Black excellence across music, film, and television.
This year’s list sees heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar continuing his dominance, while Afrobeats giants Tiwa Savage, Davido, and Burna Boy secure major nods, highlighting the genre’s unstoppable global reach.
The “Outstanding International Song” and “Outstanding Music Video” categories are stacked with African superstars, proving that the sound of the continent is firmly at the centre of the global stage.
Fresh off a prolific year, Kendrick Lamar is once again a top contender. The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, a category that pits him against industry titans like Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, and Kevin Hart.
Winners in select categories will be revealed during a two-hour live TV special, airing Saturday, Feb. 28, from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and simulcast on CBS. Actor/comedian/writer Deon Cole is set to host the show. This year’s theme is “We See You.”
Below is the full list of nominations.
Entertainer of the Year
Cynthia Erivo
Doechii
Kendrick Lamar
Michael B. Jordan
Teyana Taylor
Outstanding Album
Am I The Drama? – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)
Beloved – GIVĒON (Epic Records)
Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse, Pusha T, Malice (Roc Nation Distribution)
Mutt Deluxe: Heel – Leon Thomas (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
SOS Deluxe: LANA – SZA (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
Outstanding Song – Soul/R&B
“Folded” – Kehlani (Atlantic Records)
“Burning Blue” – Mariah the Scientist (Epic Records)
“It Depends” – Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
“Yes It Is” – Leon Thomas (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
“Bed of Roses” – Teyana Taylor (Def Jam Recordings)
Outstanding Song – Hip-Hop/Rap
“Anxiety” – Doechii (Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records)
“Chains & Whips” – Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice (Roc Nation Distribution)
“ErrTime” – Cardi B (Atlantic Records)
“Ride (Remix)” – Chance the Rapper feat. Do or Die & Twista (CTR LLC)
“Typa” – GloRilla (CMG/Interscope Records)
Outstanding Male Artist
Bryson Tiller – “Solace” & “The Vices” (RCA Records/TrapSoul)
Chris Brown – “It Depends” feat. Byrson Tiller (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
GIVĒON – “Beloved” (Epic Records)
Kendrick Lamar – “luther” (pgLang under exclusive license to Interscope Records)
Leon Thomas – MUTT Deluxe: Heel (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
Outstanding Female Artist
Alex Isley – “Hands” (Warner Records)
Cardi B – Am I the Drama? (Atlantic Records)
Doechii – “Anxiety” (Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records)
SZA – SOS Deluxe: LANA (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)
Teyana Taylor – Escape Room (Def Jam Recordings)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
803Fresh feat. Fantasia – “Boots on the Ground Remix” (Snake Eyez Music Group/Artist Partner Group)
Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams, Pusha T, Malice – “Chains & Whips” (Roc Nation Distribution)
Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – “For Good” (Republic Records)
Mariah Carey, The Clark Sisters – “Jesus I Do” (gamma.)
Travis Greene & Andra Day – “Let Freedom Ring” (Greenelight Music/TRIBL Records)
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
Cardi B, Kehlani – “Safe” (Atlantic Records)
Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher – “It Depends (Remix)” (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
kwn feat. Kehlani – “Worst Behavior” (RCA Records)
FLO – “The Mood (Remixes)” (Uptown Records/Republic Records)
Leon Thomas & Chris Brown – “MUTT (Remix)” (EZMNY Records/Motown Records)
Outstanding New Artist
Elmiene – “Useless Without You” (Def Jam Recordings)
Lee Vasi – “Love Me to Life” (Capitol CMG/Leeda Music Group)
Madison McFerrin – “Scorpio” (MadMcFerrin Music LLC)
Monaleo – “Who Did the Body?” (Columbia Records)
Ravyn Lenae – “Bicycle Race” (Atlantic Records)
Outstanding Jazz Album
For Dinah – Ledisi (Candid Records)
We Insist! 2025 – Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell (Candid Records)
Beneath the Skin – Nnenna Freelon (Origin Records)
Live-Action – Nate Smith – Nate Smith (Naive)
Griot Songs – Omar Thomas Large Ensemble (Omar Thomas Music)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
Jekalyn X The Legends – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
Live at Maverick City – Maverick City Music (Tribl Records, LLC)
Only on the Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett (Freligious Music)
Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Motown Gospel)
The Live Reunion: Washington D.C. – JJ Hairson and Youthful Praise (James Town Music)
Outstanding International Song
In Our Sight – Skip Marley (Def Jam Recordings)
Is It – Tyla (Epic Records)
Love – Burna Boy (Spaceship/Bad Habit/Atlantic Records)
With You – Davido feat. Omah Lay (RCA Records/Sony Music UK)
You4Me – Tiwa Savage (Everything Savage/EMPIRE)
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album
“Anxiety” – Doechii (Top Dawg Entertainment/Capitol Records)
“Boots on the Ground” – 803Fresh (Snake Eyez Music Group/APG)
“Escape Room” – Teyana Taylor (Def Jam Recordings)
“Folded”– Kehlani (Atlantic Records)
“luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA (pgLang under exclusive license to Interscope Records
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
Godfather of Harlem: Season 4 (Original Series Soundtrack) (Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment)
Highest 2 Lowest (Original Soundtrack) (A24)
Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Masterworks, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder: Season 3 (Music from the Series) (Walt Disney Records)
Wicked: For Good (The Soundtrack) (Republic Records)
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard feat John Legend (Motown Gospel)
“Constant – Live” – Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore, Anthony Gargiula (Tribl Records)
“Do it Again” – Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records)
“Don’t Faint” – Jekalyn Carr (Waynorth Music)
“Jesus I Do” – Mariah Carey feat. The Clark Sisters (gamma.)
Outstanding Original Score for Television/Film
Boots (Madison Gate Records)
Eyes of Wakanda Original Soundtrack (Hollywood Records)
Marvel’s Ironheart: Vol. 1 (Original Soundtrack) (Hollywood Records)
One of Them Days (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Madison Gate Records, TriStar Productions)Sinners (Original Motion Picture Score) (Proximity Media LLC, under exclusive license to Sony Classical, a label of Sony Music Entertainment)
Outstanding Motion Picture
Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
One of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Sarah’s Oil (Amazon MGM Studios)
Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
André Holland – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
Denzel Washington – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
Michael B. Jordan – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Nnamdi Asomugha – The Knife (Relatively Media)
Tyriq Withers – HIM (Monkeypaw Productions)
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Cynthia Erivo – Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
Danielle Deadwyler – 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
Keke Palmer – One of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Kerry Washington – Shadow Force (Lionsgate)
Tessa Thompson – Hedda (Amazon MGM Studios)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
A$AP Rocky – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
Damson Idris – F1 (Apple Original Films)
Delroy Lindo – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Jeffrey Wright – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
Miles Caton – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Janelle James – One of Them Days (Sony)
Jayme Lawson – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Regina Hall – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
Magazine Dreams (Briarcliff Entertainment)
Opus (A24)
Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Entertainment)
Outstanding International Motion Picture
40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
My Father’s Shadow (MUBI)
Souleymane’s Story (Kino Lorber)
The Fisherman (Luu Vision Media)
The Secret Agent (NEON)
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
A$AP Rocky – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Miles Caton – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Tabitha Brown – Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Films)
Tyriq Withers – HIM (Monkeypaw Productions)
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Buddy Guy, Delroy Lindo, Peter Dreimanis, Lola Kirke, Li Jun Li, Saul Williams, Yao – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams – One of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Coleman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh – Wicked: For Good (Universal Pictures)
Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, A$AP Rocky – Highest 2 Lowest (A24)
Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee, Jason Clarke – A House of Dynamite (Netflix)
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
Elio (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix)
Sneaks (Briarcliff Entertainment)
The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance – Motion Picture
Anthony Mackie – Sneaks (Briarcliff Entertainment)
Craig Robinson – The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
Danielle Brooks – The Bad Guys 2 (DreamWorks Animation)
Lil Rel Howery – Dog Man (DreamWorks Animation)
Quinta Brunson – Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)
ADO (Baylor University)
Before You Let Go (Find Your People Program)
Best Eyes (American Film Institute Conservatory)
Ella (Netflix)
Food for the Soul (P.A. Works)
Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
ASALI: Power of The Pollinators (Upenndo! Productions)
Black Man, Black Man (Chainwheel Productions)
Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II (Cutting Edge Animation)
Jazzy Bells (Deep C Digital)
Wednesdays with Gramps (DreamWorks Animation)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
Cassandra Mann – Unexpected Christmas (3 Diamonds Entertainment LLC)
Contessa Gayles – Songs from the Hole (Netflix)
Nnamdi Asomugha – The Knife (Relativity Media)
R.T. Thorne – 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
Rachael Abigail Holder – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich Entertainment)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Motion Picture
Amari Price – The Knife (Relativity Media)
Estella K. Kahiha – The Woman in the Yard (Athena Studios)
Jahleel Kamara – Shadow Force (Lionsgate)
Naya Desir-Johnson – Sarah’s Oil (Amazon MGM Studios)
Peyton Jackson – The Woman in the Yard (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Kira Kelly – HIM (Universal Pictures)
Martim Vian – Love, Brooklyn (Greenwich)
Sean Bobbitt – Hedda (Amazon MGM Studios)
Shabier Kirchner – Materialists (A24)
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Harlem (Prime Video)
Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)
The Residence (Netflix)
The Upshaws (Netflix)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Cedric The Entertainer – The Neighborhood (CBS)
David Alan Grier – St. Denis Medical (NBC)
David Oyelowo – Government Cheese (Apple TV)
Mike Epps – The Upshaws (Netflix)
Vince Staples – The Vince Staples Show (Netflix)
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Ayo Edebiri – The Bear (FX/Hulu)
Maya Rudolph – Loot (Apple TV)
Michelle Buteau – Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)
Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Uzo Aduba – The Residence (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Colman Domingo – The Four Seasons (Netflix)
Giancarlo Esposito – The Residence (Netflix)
Josh Johnson – The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
Wendell Pierce – Elsbeth (CBS)
William Stanford Davis – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Edwina Finley – The Residence (Netflix)
Ego Nwodim – Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Janelle James – Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Jerrie Johnson – Harlem (Prime Video)
Wanda Sykes – The Upshaws (Netflix)
Outstanding Drama Series
Bel-Air (Peacock)
Beyond the Gates (CBS)
Forever (Netflix)
Paradise (Hulu)
Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Forest Whitaker – Godfather of Harlem (MGM+)
Jabari Banks – Bel-Air (Peacock)
Michael Cooper Jr. – Forever (Netflix)
Morris Chestnut – Watson (CBS)
Sterling K. Brown – Paradise (ABC)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Angela Bassett – 9-1-1 (ABC)
Emayatzy Corinealdi – Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
Lovie Simone – Forever (Netflix)
Patina Miller – Power Book III: Raising Kanan (STARZ)
Queen Latifah – The Equalizer (CBS)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Adrian Holmes – Bel-Air (Peacock)
Ato Essandoh – The Diplomat (Netflix)
Caleb McLaughlin – Stranger Things (Netflix)
Jacob Latimore – The Chi (Showtime)
Wood Harris – Forever (Netflix)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Aisha Hinds – 9-1-1 (ABC)
Audra McDonald – The Gilded Age (HBO Max)
Karen Pittman – Forever (Netflix)
Karen Pittman – The Morning Show (Apple TV)
Nicole Beharie – The Morning Show (Apple TV)
Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
G20 (Prime Video)
Ironheart (Disney+)
Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
Straw (Netflix)
Washington Black (Hulu)
Outstanding Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
Brian Tyree Henry – Dope Thief (Apple TV)
Giancarlo Esposito – Please Don’t Feed the Children (Tubi)
Idris Elba – Heads of State (Prime Video)
Taye Diggs – Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers & Ours (Lifetime)
Tyler Lepley – Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
Outstanding Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
Brandy Norwood – Christmas Everyday (Lifetime)
Dominique Thorne – Ironheart (Disney+)
Serayah – Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
Taraji P. Henson – Straw (Netflix)
Viola Davis – G20 (Prime Video)
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip (CNN)
Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (PBS)
Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm With Robin Roberts (ABC)
Michelle Obama: The Style, The Power, The Look: A Conversation with Robin Roberts (ABC)
The Don Lemon Show (YouTube)
Outstanding Talk Series
House Guest (YouTube TV)
Sherri (Syndicated)
Tamron Hall Show (ABC)
The Jennifer Hudson Show (Syndicated)
The View (ABC)
Outstanding Reality Program/Reality Competition Services/Game Show
Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Full Court Press (ESPN, ESPN+)
Love & Marriage: Huntsville (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
Ready to Love (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)
Outstanding Variety (Series or Special)
Tiny Desk Concerts Celebrates Black Music Month 2025 (NPR)
HBCU Honors (BET Networks)
BET Awards 2025 (BET Networks)
Wicked: One Wonderful Night (NBC)
Ali Siddiq: My Two Sons (YouTube/Moment PPV)
Outstanding Children’s Program
Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+)
Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
Iyanu (Cartoon Network)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
Reading Rainbow (KidZuko)
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited–Series)
Amanda Christine – IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO Max)
Blake Cameron James – IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO Max)
Jeremiah Felder – The Residence (Netflix)
Leah Sava Jeffries – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+)
Percy Daggs IV – Paradise (Hulu)
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Abby Phillip – CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip (CNN)
Don Lemon – The Don Lemon Show (YouTube)
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. – Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates. Jr. (PBS)
Scott Evans – House Guest (YouTube TV)
Sherri Shepherd – Sherri (Syndicated)
Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough – Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Daniel Lubetzky, Kevin O’Leary – Shark Tank (ABC)
Bozoma St. John and Jimmy Fallon – On Brand with Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
Kevin Hart – BET Awards 2025 (BET Networks)
Steve Harvey – Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
Outstanding Guest Performance
Brandee Evans – Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
Dave Chappelle – Saturday Night Live (NBC)
Janet Hubert – Bel-Air (Peacock)
Malcolm-Jamal Warner – Murder in a Small Town (FOX)
Morris Chestnut – Reasonable Doubt (Hulu)
Outstanding Animated Series
Disney Jr.’s Ariel (Disney Jr.)
Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
Iyanu (Cartoon Network)
Lil Kev (BET+)
Weather Hunters (PBS KIDS)
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
Anika Noni Rose – The Mighty Nein (Prime Video)
Ayo Edebiri – Big Mouth (Netflix)
Cedric the Entertainer – The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+)
Graceyn Hollingsworth – Gracie’s Corner (YouTube TV)
Kyla Pratt – The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+)
Outstanding Short Form Series or Special – Reality/Nonfiction/Documentary
College Gameday: Michael Vick (ESPN)
Glam Through the Ages (KeyTV Network)
Noochie’s Live From the Front Porch (YouTube TV)
The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show starring Kendrick Lamar (FOX)
The Daily Show: After The Cut (Comedy Central)
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
Chinaka Hodge – Ironheart (Disney+)
Daniel Lawrence Taylor – Boarders (Tubi)
Haolu Wang – Black Mirror (Netflix)
Jas Summers – Stay (Hulu)
Tearrance Averelle Chisolm – Demascus (Tubi)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Television (Series, Special, Movie)
Glynn Turman – Straw (Netflix)
Jay Ellis – All Her Fault (Peacock)
Rockmond Dunbar – Straw (Netflix)
Sterling K. Brown – Washington Black (Hulu)
Ving Rhames – Dope Thief (Apple TV)
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special, or Movie)
Angela Bassett – Zero Day (Netflix)
Lyric Ross – Ironheart (Disney+)
Marsai Martin – G20 (Prime Video)
Sherri Shepherd – Straw (Netflix)
Teyana Taylor – Straw (Netflix)
Outstanding Documentary (Film)
Being Eddie (Netflix)
Fatherless No More (First Gen Films)
Left Behind (Corso Films)
The Perfect Neighbor (Netflix)
Who in the Hell is Regina Jones? (Weigel Productions)
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
A Star Without a Star: The Untold Juanita Moore Story (Apple TV)
Eyes on the Prize III: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest 1977-2015 (HBO Max)
Great Migrations: A People on the Move (PBS)
High Horse: The Black Cowboy (Peacock)
Number One on the Call Sheet (Apple TV)
Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)
Black Longevity (Apt. 5f)
CIRILO, A Legacy Untold (JOCMedia & Entertainment)
Freeman Vines (Switchboard)
Masaka Kids, a Rhythm Within (Netflix)
The Ebony Canal: A Story of Black Infant Health (Ya Momz House)
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Aisha Muharrar – Hacks – “Clickable Face” (HBO Max)
Frida Perez – The Studio – “The War” (Apple TV)
Lizzy Darrell – Abbott Elementary – “100th Day of School” (ABC)
Monique D. Hall – Sesame Street – “Tamir’s Art Show” (MAX)
Naomi Ekperigin – St. Denis Medical – “Buffalo Bruce and the Matty Kid” (NBC)
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Ajani Jackson – Law & Order – “Episode 10” (NBC)
Bryce Ahart, Stephanie McFarlane – FBI – “Episode 12” (CBS)
C.A. Johnson – The Beast in Me – “Thanatos” (Netflix)
Cynthia Adarkwa – The Pitt -“12:00 P.M.” (HBO Max)
Walter Mosley – The Lowdown – “Tulsa Turnaround” (FX/Hulu)
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special
Aireka Muse – Friends & Lovers (Lifetime Movie Network)
Jas Summers – Stay (Hulu)
Jerrod Carmichael – Jerrod Carmichael: Don’t Be Gay (HBO Max)
Michael Elliot, Cory Tynan – Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
Roye Okupe and Brandon Easton – Iyanu: The Age of Wonders (Cartoon Network)
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
Chloé Zhao – Hamnet (Focus Features)
Nora Garrett – After the Hunt (Amazon MGM Studios)
Ryan Coogler – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Syreeta Singleton – One of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Walter Mosley, Nadia Latif – The Man in My Basement (Andscape)
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
Amy Aniobi – Survival of the Thickest – “It’s Not a Mo’Ment, It’s a Movement, Bitch!” (Netflix)
Colman Domingo – The Four Seasons – “Ultimate Frisbee” (Netflix)
Paul Hunter – Government Cheese – “Father Facts, Figures, and Failures” (Apple TV)
Theodore Witcher – Demascus – “The Thanksgiving Episode” (Tubi)
Tyler James Williams – Abbott Elementary – “The Science Fair” (ABC)
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
Angela Barnes – Ironheart – “The Past Is the Past” (Disney+)
Anton Cropper – Reasonable Doubt – “Feelin’ It” (Hulu)
Jet Wilkinson – The Copenhagen Test – “Copenhagen” (Peacock)
Mario Van Peebles – Power Book III: Raising Kanan – “Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself” (STARZ)
Salli Richardson-Whitfield – The Gilded Age – “My Mind Is Made Up” (HBO Max)
Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special
Alanna Brown – Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
Nicole G. Leier – Trapped in the Spotlight (Lifetime)
Olatunde Osunsanmi – Star Trek: Section 31 (Paramount+)
Tailiah Breon – Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story (A&E)
Troy A. Scott – I’ll Never Let You Go (Lifetime)
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
Elijah Bynum – Magazine Dreams (Briarcliff Entertainment)
Guillermo del Toro – Frankenstein (Netflix)
Lawrence Lamont – One of Them Days (Sony Pictures Releasing)
R.T. Thorne – 40 Acres (Magnolia Pictures)
Ryan Coogler – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Film)
Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson – Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (Hulu)
Andre Gaines – Boo-Yah – A Portrait of Stuart Scott (ESPN)
Contessa Gayles – Songs from the Hole (Netflix)
Reginald Hudlin, Shola Lynch – Number One on the Call Sheet (Apple TV)
Yemi Oyediran – King of Them All: The Story of King Records (PBS)
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
Can’t Get Enough – Kennedy Ryan (Forever/Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group)
Chronicles of Ori: An African Epic – Harmonia Rosales (W. W. Norton & Company)
Death of the Author – Nnedi Okorafor (William Morrow)
Happy Land – Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Berkley, Penguin Random House)
Harlem Rhapsody – Victoria Christopher Murray (Berkley, Penguin Random House)
Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
A More Perfect Party: The Night Shirley Chisholm & Diahann Carroll Reshaped Politics – Juanita Tolliver (Legacy Lit/Hachette Book Group)
Born in Flames – Bench Ansfield (W. W. Norton & Company)
From These Roots – Tamara Lanier (Penguin Random House, Crown)
Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era – Calvin Stovall Jr. (Brown Books Publishing Group)
I Am Nobody’s Slave – Lee Hawkins (HarperCollins Publishers)
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
Anela Malik – American Soul: The Black History of Food in the United States (National Geographic Partners, LLC)
Charles B. Fancher – Red Clay (Blackstone Publishing)
Dr. Judith Joseph – High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy (Little, Brown Spark)
Lorna Lewis – A Sky Full of Love (Lake Union)
Zoe B. Wallbrook – History Lessons (Soho Crime)
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography
107 Days – Kamala Harris (Simon & Schuster)
The Look – Michelle Obama (Crown)
Toni at Random – Dana A. Williams (Amistad, HarperCollins)
Truly – Lionel Richie (HarperOne)
Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three – Dawn Staley (Black Privilege Publishing (Atria Books, Simon & Schuster)
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
American Soul: The Black History of Food in the United States – Anela Malik (National Geographic Partners, LLC)
Braided Heritage: Recipes and Stories on the Origin of American Cuisine – Dr. Jessica Harris (Penguin Random House/Clarkson Potter)
We the Pizza: Slangin’ Pies and Savin’ Lives – Muhammad Abdul-Hadi (Penguin Random House/Clarkson Potter)
Who Better Than You? – Will Packer (Penguin Random House)
Wine Pairing for the People – Cha McCoy (Harvest, an imprint of William Morrow, HarperCollins)
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
Death of the First Idea – Rickey Laurentiis (Alfred A. Knopf)
Florida Water – Aja Monet (Haymarket Books)
The Grace of Black Mothers – Martheaus Perkins (Trio House Press)
The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems – Patricia Smith (Scribner)
We Look Better Alive – Ali Black (Burnside Review Press)
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
Black Boy, Rise – Brynne Barnes (Chronicle Books)
Black Diamond Kings: Heroes of Negro League Baseball – Charles R. Smith Jr. (Candlewick Press)
My Quiet Place – Monica Mikai (Chronicle Books )
The History of We – Nikkolas Smith (Penguin Young Readers)
Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark – Allen R. Wells; Illustrated by DeAndra Hodge (Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers/Macmillan)
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
(S)Kin – Ibi Zoboi (HarperCollins/Versify)
Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Book of Anansi – Angie Thomas (HarperCollins/Clarion Books)
The Scammer – Tiffany D. Jackson (HarperCollins – Quill Tree Books)
The Story of My Anger – Jasminne Mendez (Penguin Young Readers)
Through Our Teeth – Pamela N. Harris (HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books)
Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel
Creaky Acres: A Graphic Novel – Calista Bril (Penguin Young Readers)
Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls – Rob Edwards (Stranger Comics)
One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel – Rita William-Garcia (HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books)
Parable of the Talents a Graphic Novel Adaptation – Octavia E. Butler, adapted by Damien Duffy, Illustrated by John Jennings and David Brame (Abrams ComicArts)
They Choose Violence – Sheldon Allen (AWA Studios)
Outstanding Literary Work – Journalism
“As Black New Yorkers Move Out, N.Y.C. Politics May Be Reshaped” – Maya King (Newspaper)
“Audra McDonald Took the Stage and Rewrote the Rules” – Adam Davenport (Online)
“Black joy and boots: How line dancing is fanning cultural connection” – Lisa Respers France (News Service)
“HBCUs Reel as Trump Cuts Black-Focused Grants: ‘This Is Our Existence’” – Jasper Smith (Online)
“On Borrowed Time” – Anissa Durham (Online)
Outstanding Podcast – News and Information
Accidentally Informed (ComebackTV Presents)
Native Land Pod (iHeartMedia/Reasoned Choice Media)
The Assignment with Audie Cornish (CNN)
The Don Lemon Show (Lemon Media Network)
The Joy Reid Show (Image Lab Media Group LLC)
Outstanding Podcast – Lifestyle/Self-Help
Ageless, Fearless, & Unscripted (Williamson Media Group)
Hot & Bothered with Melyssa Ford (Forged Path Productions)
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson (Higher Ground)
Just Heal with Dr. Jay (Cue & Coda Films)
Money And Wealth With John Hope Bryant (Black Effect-iHeartPodcasts)
Outstanding Podcast – Society and Culture
Baby, This Is Keke Palmer (Wondery)
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay (The Ringer)
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson (Higher Ground)
The Don Lemon Show (Lemon Media Network)
What Now? with Trevor Noah (Day Zero Productions)
Outstanding Podcast – Arts, Sports and Entertainment
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson (Higher Ground)
Legacy Talk with Lena Waithe (Hillman Grad & Lemonada Media)
ReLiving Single with Erika Alexander & Kim Coles (Hartbeat)
Shawn Stockman’s On That Note (CTG Media)
SPOLITICS with Jemele Hill (Unbothered Inc)
Outstanding Podcast – Scripted/Limited Series/Short Form
Exonerated: The Cost of Wrongful Conviction (WURD Radio)
Interesting Things with JC (Jim Connors LLC)
Kingsland (SBH Productions and Audible)
Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown (Lemonada Media)
The Prophecy Season 2 (Audible, Simpson Street and Q Code Media)
Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Art/Comedy
Darren Watkins Jr. – @IShowSpeed
Jordan Howlett – @jordan_the_stallion8
Joshua Neal – @joshuadneal
Lou Young – @Louuuyoung
Tee Sanders – @teesanderscomedy
Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Political/Culture
Elizabeth Booker Houston – @bookersquared
Garrison Hayes – @garrisonh
George Lee Jr. – @theconsciouslee
Joshua Doss – @doss.discourse
Lynae Vanee – @lynaevance
Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Fashion/Beauty
Allyiah Gainer – @allyiahsface
De’arra Taylor – @dearra
Eni Popoola – @enigivensunday
Jackie Asamoah – @jackieaina
Wisdom Kaye – @wisdm
Outstanding Digital Content Creator – Gaming/Tech
Berlin Edmonds – @Berleezy
Cory Kenshin – @CoryxKenshin
Gerard Williams – @Hiphopgamer
Jay Ann Lopez – @blackgirlgamers
Khleo Thomas – @khleothomas
Alex Hill – @justaddhotsauce
Jeanette Jenkins – @msjeanettejenkins
Keith Lee – @Keith_Lee125
Kimberly Villalobos – @KimmysKreations.1
Massy Arias – @Massy.arias
Outstanding Costume Design (TV or Film)
Bel-Air – Queensylvia Akuchie (Peacock)
Highest 2 Lowest – Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (A24)
Love, Brooklyn – Missy Mickens (Greenwich Entertainment)
Sinners – Ruth E. Carter (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Wicked: For Good – Paul Tazewell (Universal Pictures)
Outstanding Make-up (TV or Film)
All’s Fair – Kate Biscoe (Hulu)
Bel-Air – Alyssa Hudson (Peacock)
Chief of War – Christian Tinsley (Apple TV)
Highest 2 Lowest – Ngozi Olandu Young (A24)
Sinners – Ken Diaz (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Hair Styling (TV or Film)
All’s Fair – Valerie Jackson (Hulu)
Bel-Air – Terry Hunt (Peacock)
Beyond the Gates – Wankala L. Hinkson (CBS)
Reasonable Doubt – Deaundra Metzger (Hulu)
Sinners – Shunika Terry (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Outstanding Editing in a Motion Picture or Television Series, Movie, or Special
Deanna Nowell, ACE – Ironheart (Disney+)
Maysie Hoy, ACE – Ruth & Boaz (Netflix)
Michael P. Shawver – Sinners (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Ralph Jean-Pierre – The Beast in Me (Netflix)
Shaheed Qaasim – Poker Face (Peacock)
Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film)
Butterfly – Yeonheon Jung (Prime Video)
F1 – Gary Powell (Apple TV)
G20 – Grant Powell (Prime Video)
Shadow Force – Dartenea Bryant (Starz)Sinners – Andy Gill (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Entertainment
Rema, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade Win Big At 9th AFRIMA Awards
Nigerian superstars Burna Boy, Rema, Yemi Alade, Shallipopi, Phyno, Qing Madi and Chella clinched major awards at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) on Sunday night in Lagos.
Rema picked three awards on the night. He won Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul.
Burna Boy won Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness. Yemi Alade won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song You Are from the animated series Iyanu.
Shallipopi won Song of the Year with Laho and also picked Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy.
Phyno won Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, while fast-rising singer Chella emerged African Fans’ Favourite.
Qing Madi won Most Promising Artiste of the Year, beating other nominees including Cysoul, Joshua Baraka, King Luca, L’Oiseau Rare, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Massamba Amadeus, Rym, Kunmie and Fola
Below is the full list of winners.
Best Male Artist in Central Africa
• C4 Pedro (Angola)
• Eboloko (Gabon)
• Gims (DRC)
• Gerilson Insrael (Angola)
• Kocee (Cameroon)
• L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
• Fally Ipupa (DRC)
• Magasco (Cameroon)
• Singuila (The Congo) – Winner
• Werrason (DRC)
Best Female Artiste in Central Africa
• Anna Joyce (Angola)
• Blanche Bailly (Cameroon)
• Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon)
• Cindy Le Coeur (DRC) – Winner
• Deborah Lukalu (DRC)
• Emma’a (Gabon)
• Jessy B (The Congo)
• Krys M (Cameroon)
• Liriany (Angola)
• Rebo (DRC)
Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa
• Bien (Kenya)
• Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
• Element Eleéh (Rwanda)
• Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
• Jux (Tanzania) – Winner
• Marioo (Tanzania)
• Mbosso (Tanzania)
• Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
• Sat-B (Burundi)
• Yared Negu (Ethiopia)
Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa
• Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
• Bridget Blue (Kenya)
• Denise (Madagascar) – winner
• Haleluya Tekletsadik (Ethiopia)
• Lady Jaydee (Tanzania)
• Mahlet Wendimu (Ethiopia)
• Salemia (Ethiopia)
• Weeha (Ethiopia)
• Winnie Nwagi (Uganda)
• Zuchu (Tanzania)
Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa
• A.L.A. (Tunisia)
• Adviser (Mauritania)
• Amr Diab (Egypt)
• Cheb Momo (Algeria)
• El Grande Toto (Morocco)
• Hamza Namira (Egypt)
• Lbenj (Morocco)
• Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)
• Stormy (Morocco)
• Wegz (Egypt)
Best Female Artiste in Northern Africa
• Chirine Lajmi (Tunisia)
• Inez (Morocco)
• Jannat (Egypt)
• Jaylann (Morocco)
• Manal (Morocco)
• Meryem Aboulouafa (Morocco)
• Sherine (Egypt) – Winner
• Zina Daoudia (Morocco)
Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa
• Anderson Mário (Mozambique)
• Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
• Manana (Eswatini)
• Nasty C (South Africa)
• Teddy Makadi (Malawi)
• Tyler ICU (South Africa)
• Wanitwamos (South Africa)
• Yo Maps (Zambia) – Winner
• Zeze Kingston (Malawi)
• Kazba De Small (South Africa)
Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa
• Babalwa M (South Africa)
• Hanna (Zimbabwe)
• Makhadzi (South Africa)
• Nkosazana Daughter (South Africa)
• Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa) – Winner
• Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)
• Temwah (Malawi)
• Tyla (South Africa)
• Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
• Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)
Best Male Artiste in Western Africa
• Asake (Nigeria)
• Axel Merryl (Benin)
• Black Sherif (Ghana)
• Burna Boy (Nigeria)
• Davido (Nigeria)
• Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
• Djodje (Cape Verde)
• Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
• VJ (Senegal)
• Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Female Artiste in Western Africa
• Amaarae (Ghana)
• Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
• Djelykaba Bintou (Guinea)
• Josey (Côte d’Ivoire)
• Mariam Ba Lagaré (Mali)
• Mia Guissé (Senegal)
• Moliy (Ghana)
• Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
• Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
• Wendy Shay (Ghana) – Winner
CONTINENTAL CATEGORY
Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music
• Christian Mukuna (DRC)
• Djunny Beatz (Mozambique)
• Gaise Baba (Nigeria)
• Israel Mbonyi (Rwanda)
• Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
• Joel Lwaga (Tanzania)
• Kocee (Cameroon)
• Lawrence Oyor (Nigeria)
• Milo (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
• Sjava (South Africa)
Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music
• Ada Ehi (Nigeria)
• Choisie Basolua (DRC)
• Krys M (Cameroon)
• Martha Mwaipaja (Tanzania)
• Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
• Morijah (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
• Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa)
• Roseline Layo (Côte d’Ivoire)
• Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz
• Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Ghana)
• Haddinqo (Ethiopia) – Winner
• Mádé Kuti (Nigeria)
• Rorisang Sechele (South Africa)
• Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane (South Africa)
• The Cavemen (Nigeria)
• Alune Wade (Senegal)
• Nomfundo Xaluva (South Africa)
• Kyle Shepherd Trio (South Africa)
Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary
• Fireboy DML (Nigeria)
• Axel Merryl (Benin) – Winner
• Espe Bass (Congo B)
• Bien (Kenya)
• Jaylann (Morocco)
• Kizz Daniel, Angélique Kidjo & Johnny Drille (Nigeria)
• Mbosso (Tanzania)
• Ferre Gola & Rayvanny (DRC)
• Didine Canon 16 (Algeria)
• Wendy Shay (Ghana)
Best Soundtrack in Movie, Series, or Documentary
• Igho’le Trap Mix Version (“To Kill a Monkey”: Series) – Oscar Heman-Ackah (Ghana)
• El Ma2as (“The Start”: Film) – Tamer Hosny, Reda Elbahrawy (Egypt)
• You Are (“Iyanu”: The Animated Series) – Yemi Alade (Nigeria) – Winner
• Timpi Tampa (“Timpi Tampa”: The Film) – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
• Tori Ife (“Seven Doors”: Series) – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
• Saatte Ragouj (“The Last of the Mohicans” Film) – Kafon (Tunisia)
Songwriter of the Year
• Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Senegal) – Winner
• Emel, Jehanny Beth & Camille Berthomier – “Fall in the Light” (Tunisia)
• Emma’a – “Trop d’amour” (Gabon)
• Emmanuel Ayobami Alli-Hakeem – “Za” (Anendlessocean) (Nigeria)
• Ferre Gola – “Amour Illusoire” (DRC)
• Mohammed Ismail Sharrif – “Rebel Music” (Black Sherif) (Ghana)
• Mugisha Fred Robinson – “Tombé” (Element Eleéh) (Rwanda)
• Olamide Adedeji – “Hassibunallah” (Olamide) (Nigeria)
• Prince Omoferi & Nwamu Francis Chukwudubem – “It Hurts” (Johnny Drille & Don Jazzy) (Nigeria)
• Victor Ngatuvese Kaune – “Oputuri ‘Queens’” (One Blood Namibia) (Namibia)
African Fans’ Favourite
• Ali Jita (Nigeria)
• Barnaba (Tanzania)
• BNXN & Rema (Nigeria)
• Chella (Nigeria) – Winner
• Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
• Innoss’b (DRC)
• Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
• Parazar (Algeria)
• Faceless (Nigeria)
• Tul8te (Egypt)
Best African DJ
• DJ Malvado (Angola)
• DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
• DJ Moh Green (Algeria) – Winner
• DJ Mombochi (The Congo)
• DJ Tunez (Nigeria)
• DJ YK Mule (Nigeria)
• Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
• Oscar Mbo (South Africa)
• Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
• Woodblock Djs (South Africa)
Producer of the Year
• Beneth Seraphin Akatché Koffi (Senegal)
• Butternut, Xolani Majoz (South Africa)
• Dina One (Mali)
• Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Rwanda) – Winners
• Jazzworx (South Africa)
• Progrex (Nigeria)
• DaVinci (Angola)
• Tempoe (Nigeria)
• Themba Sekowe, Gomolemo Joy Gumede, Kabelo Motha (South Africa)
Album of the Year
• Ebtadena – Amr Diab (Egypt)
• No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria) – Winner
• 5ive – Davido (Nigeria)
• Diyilem & Bazarhoff: Genius – Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
• Ngomoya – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy (South Africa)
• Salgoat – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
• Big Aka 4 Aka Kai – Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
• Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
• Idrache (Traces of the Past) – Tinariwen (Mali)
Best African Video of the Year
• “Rebel” – Black Sherif (Ghana)
• “Meta” – Nomcebo Zikode & Sofiya Nzau (South Africa)
• “Ki Lo Wa Wa” – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
• “Timpi Tampa” – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
• “Tori Ife” – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
• “Ova” – Mbosso (Tanzania) – Winner
• “Ololufe” – Juma Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
• “Shaolin” – Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
• “Stk Stk” – Dizzy Dros, Kekra & Norfafrica (Morocco)
Song of the Year
• “Isaka (6AM)” – Ciza, Jazzworx & Thukuthela (South Africa)
• “Bengicela” – Mawhoo Gl Ceejay & Thukuthela (South Africa)
• “Choix” – Mia Guissé (Senegal)
• “Diplomatico” – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
• “Kaay Waay” – VJ (Senegal)
• “Laho” – Shallipopi (Nigeria) – Winner
• “Ololufe Mi” – Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
• “Push 2 Start” – Tyla (South Africa)
• “Shake it to the Max” – Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy (Ghana)
• “With You” – Davido (Nigeria)
Best African Dance/Choreography
• Jaylann – “Ha Wlidi” (Morocco)
• Lady Ponce – “Je veux danser” (Cameroon)
• Rebo – “Mobambo” (DRC)
• Serge Beynaud – “Taper Dedans” (Côte d’Ivoire)
• Toofan – “Deodorant” (Togo)
• Tyla – “Push 2 Start” (South Africa)
• Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
• Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia) – Winner
• Werrason – “Tout se paie ici bas” (DRC)
• Wizkid – “Kese” (Nigeria)
Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall
• Magasco – “Dirty Whine” (Cameroon)
• Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy – “Shake it to the Max” (Ghana)
• Ruger & Kranium – “Dudu” (Nigeria)
• Sean Morgan – “Vuu” (Malawi)
• Black Sherif – “Rebel Music” (Ghana)
• Takana Zion – “On My Eyes” (Guinea) – Winner
• Tiwa Savage – “Forgiveness” (Nigeria)
• Wakadinli – “Kum Baba” (Kenya)
• Yemi Alade – “Baddie” (Nigeria)
• Iyani, Mwanaa & Cedo – “Kifo cha Mende” (Kenya)
Best African Collaboration
• Blanche Bailly & Lady Ponce – “Lève toi” (Cameroon)
• Goon Flavour, Master Kg & Eemoh – “Ngishutheni” (South Africa)
• Mia Guissé ft. Wally Seck – “Choix” (Senegal)
• Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – “Shake It to the Max” (Ghana)
• Paki Chenzu ft. Himra – “Assaut” (Togo/Côte d’Ivoire)
• Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho” (Nigeria) – Winner
• Uncle Waffles ft. Cowboii, Royal Musiq, Uncool MC & Xduppy – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
• Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You” (Nigeria)
• Mawhoo, GL Ceejay & Thukuthela ft. Jazzworx – “Bengicela” (South Africa)
• Benny Adam & Khadija El Warzazia – “Mok Ya Mok” (Morocco)
Most Promising Artiste of the Year
• Cysoul (Cameroon)
• Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
• King Luca (Cameroon)
• L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
• Lwah Ndlunkulu (South Africa)
• Massamba Amadeus (Senegal)
• Qing Madi, Valorant (Nigeria) – Winner
• Rym (Morocco)
• Kunmie (Nigeria)
• Fola (Nigeria)
Artiste of the Year
• Amr Diab (Egypt)
• Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
• Burna Boy (Nigeria)
• Davido (Nigeria)
• DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
• El Grande Toto (Morocco)
• Fally Ipupa (DRC)
• Jux (Tanzania)
• Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
• Shallipopi (Nigeria)
• Tyla (South Africa)
Breakout Artiste of the Year
• Blaq Major (South Africa)
• Ciza (South Africa) – Winner
• Eboloko (Gabon)
• Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
• Marioo (Tanzania)
• Mawhoo (South Africa)
• Moliy (Ghana)
• Shallipopi (Nigeria)
• Trap King (Algeria)
• VJ (Senegal)
Best African Lyricist Rapper
• ALA (Tunisia)
• Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
• Jessy B (Congo B)
• Klassafan le Melangeur (Guinea)
• Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
• Nyashinski (Kenya)
• Reminisce (Nigeria)
• Sarkodie (Ghana)
• Switch (Libya)
• Yacou B OG (Mali)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hiphop
• ALA ft. Mootjeyek (Tunisia)
• Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
• Eboloko (Gabon)
• El Grande Toto (Morocco)
• Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
• Phyno (Nigeria) – Winner
• Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
• Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
• Sarkodie (Ghana)
• Suspect 95 (Côte d’Ivoire)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul
• Bensoul & V- Be (Kenya)
• Big Zulu ft. Malungelo (South Africa)
• Braye (Nigeria)
• Calema (Sao Tome)
• Emma’a (Gabon)
• Kunmie (Nigeria)
• Manal (Morocco)
• Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele (South Africa)
• Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
• Wegz ft. Tayc (Egypt)
Best African Duo, Group or Band
• Babylone (Algeria)
• Blaq Diamond (South Africa)
• Celema (Sao Tome & Principe)
• Team Paiya (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
• The Cavemen (Nigeria)
• Tinariwen (Mali)
• Toofan (Togo)
• Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)
• Wapendwa Muziki (Kenya)
• We Are Nubia (Kenya)
Entertainment
Orijinal Jahbrain Releases Inspiring New Single “My Prayer”
Ghana’s fast-rising music sensation, Orijinal Jahbrain, is making a powerful return with the release of his brand new inspirational single titled “My Prayer.”
The song marks another important milestone in the artist’s growing career and highlights his commitment to creating music that uplifts, motivates, and connects deeply with listeners.
“My Prayer” is a soulful and heartfelt masterpiece that reflects Orijinal Jahbrain’s personal journey, struggles, hopes, and faith. Through meaningful lyrics and an emotional delivery, the song speaks to anyone going through hard times, reminding them to keep believing, stay focused, and trust God through every season of life. It is a song of reflection, gratitude, and hope, perfectly capturing the spirit of perseverance.
The track was expertly produced by Okessie Beatz, whose smooth and well-crafted production complements Orijinal Jahbrain’s message. The instrumental blends rich melodies with a calm yet powerful rhythm, allowing the lyrics to shine while creating a soothing listening experience that resonates long after the song ends.
With “My Prayer,” Orijinal Jahbrain continues to prove that he is not just an entertainer, but an artist with a purpose. His consistency, passion, and authenticity are steadily earning him recognition within Ghana’s music scene and beyond. As a fast-rising star, he is carving a unique lane for himself with music that speaks to the heart and soul.
“My Prayer” is more than just a song—it is a message of faith, resilience, and inspiration. Fans and music lovers are encouraged to stream, share, and support this powerful new release as Orijinal Jahbrain continues his journey toward greatness in the music industry.
Entertainment
“It’s Long Overdue Our Music Went International“ – Rebbel Ashes
In a candid and passionate interview on Real Talk with Sammy Flex on Sammy Flex TV, Belgium-based Ghanaian musician Rebbel Ashes has urged the nation’s artists and stakeholders to unite and accelerate the global promotion of Ghanaian music. The multi-talented artist, known for bridging Afrobeat, hiplife, and rap, described the current moment as “long overdue” for Ghanaian sounds to claim their rightful place on the world stage.
Rebbel Ashes, who has built a strong presence in Europe while staying deeply rooted in his Ghanaian heritage, highlighted the disparities in how African music is perceived and marketed internationally. “Many non-Africans still view Africa as one big country or continent in one,” he explained. “But there are major differences and Nigerians have smartly used the Afrobeats card to market their music globally, even though the genre belongs to the whole continent.”
He emphasized that Ghana’s push should not be limited to highlife alone. “Our aim should not just be pushing highlife music,” Rebbel asserted. “Every genre practiced in Ghana from hiplife and Afro-fusion to contemporary rap and beyond needs to be elevated so we get a brighter chance at the table.”
The artist pointed to the growing international appetite for African music as a prime opportunity. “Non-Africans are now really into African music,” he noted. “If we all come together in a united front to push our music to the outside world, we will global.”
Rebbel also spotlighted his latest release, “What’s My Name” (Yɛ Frɛ Me Sɛn) featuring BK Smooth, which continues to dominate airwaves, streaming platforms, and social media discussions across Ghana and beyond.
The track exemplifies his signature fusion style blending West Coast hip-hop vibes with hiplife rhythms and serves as a powerful reminder of Ghana’s rich musical diversity.
Check out the captivating artwork and visuals from the single:
Entertainment
Mophacy Teams Up With Partey Music on New Amapiano Anthem “Nia Nia”
Ghana’s fast-rising star Mophacy has once again proven his versatility and musical growth with the release of a brand new Amapiano banger for his fans dubbed “Nia Nia”.
The new song, which is already creating excitement among music lovers, features Partey, whose smooth delivery perfectly complements Mophacy’s energetic and captivating style. Together, the duo delivers a solid performance that blends infectious rhythms with catchy melodies, making the track a must-listen for Amapiano enthusiasts.
Production credit goes to the talented Okessie Beatz, who brings the song to life with rich Amapiano elements, deep log drums, and a vibrant groove that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish. The production quality reflects a well-crafted sound that aligns with the current global Amapiano wave while maintaining a distinct Ghanaian touch.
With this latest release, Mophacy continues to cement his place in the Ghanaian music scene, showing consistency and a clear understanding of what his fans love. The song is expected to enjoy massive rotation on radio, in clubs, and across digital streaming platforms.
Fans can stream the new Amapiano banger on all major digital platforms and experience yet another exciting chapter in Mophacy’s growing musical journey.
Entertainment
Skulanchii Unveils Soulful 7-Track EP, This Is Not A Glitch (T.I.N.G)
Nigerian-born rising artist Skulanchii (born Philbert Gomez Videgnon) proudly announces the release of his new EP, THIS IS NOT A GLITCH, a 7-track body of work that showcases his evolution as an artist, storyteller, and voice for the people. Dropped mid-2025, the EP captures Skulanchii’s signature blend of feel-good rhythms, socially conscious reflections, and heartfelt vulnerability. A SONIC JOURNEY
ROOTED IN TRUTH AND RESILIENCE
This Is Not A Glitch is a cohesive exploration of life’s highs and lows, purposefully woven through Afro-fusion soundscapes that inspire, motivate, and spark introspection. Each track reflects Skulanchii’s commitment to empowering his listeners to embrace joy, no matter the circumstances. From the spiritual grounding of “The Prayer” to the politically charged “United Streets of Ghana,” and the motivational anthem “Focus,” Skulanchii invites audiences into a world where music becomes both a comfort and a call to action. The EP also features the heartfelt “Valerie” and the infectious, mood-lifting “Rum Pom Pom,” rounding out a project that feels complete, intentional, and deeply personal.
A VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE
Skulanchii’s artistry is characterized by authenticity and purpose. His breakout debut single, “Abrabor,” earned attention for boldly addressing the everyday struggles of the Ghanaian people while urging collective responsibility and self-empowerment.
Beyond music, Skulanchii is a multifaceted creative who enjoys cooking, exploring history, watching movies, spending time with family, and indulging in his love for cars. His passion for Africa’s well-being is evident in how he consistently uses his platform to spotlight issues affecting the continent.
Drawing inspiration from legends and contemporary stars such as Ruggedman, Plantashun Boiz, Tic-Tac, Ofori Amponsah, and Davido, Skulanchii blends nostalgic influences with modern sound to create something wholly his own.
A RISING STAR WITH A CLEAR VISION
With unwavering determination, Skulanchii is on a mission to establish himself as one of Africa’s top 10 influential artists within the next five years. His dedication to storytelling, social impact, and musical innovation keeps him grounded and creatively aligned with his purpose.
This Is Not A Glitch marks a pivotal moment in his artistic journey, a declaration that his vision, voice, and impact are intentional, powerful, and here to stay.
Fans can stream “T.I.N.G” EP now on Audiomack, Spotify, Apple Music, and all major music platforms.
Listen To “T.I.N.G” EP Here
linktr.ee/skulanchii
Follow SKULANCHII On Socials
Instagram – @skulanchii
Twitter – @skulanchii
TikTok – @skulanchiii
Entertainment
9th Edition Of Western Music Awards Successful Held, Honors Top Artistes
The Western Region’s vibrant music industry was once again placed in the national spotlight as the 9th edition of the Medimafo Western Music Awards (WMA) came off in grand style on Saturday night, December 27, 2025 at the Goldfields Junior Club House in Tarkwa. The highly anticipated ceremony brought together music lovers, industry stakeholders, corporate partners and creative talents from across the region and beyond for a night of celebration, recognition and cultural pride.
Held amid glitz, glamour and electrifying performances, the awards reaffirmed their status as the leading platform for recognising and promoting musical excellence in the Western Region. Artistes, producers, DJs and other creatives who have contributed significantly to the growth of the local music industry were duly honoured for their dedication and impact.
This year’s event was made possible through the unwavering support of Jonamass Travel & Tour, Spy Entertainment, Gyata Promotions, Elisa Musical Shop, The Groove Essipong Hotel and Medimafo Herbal Clinic, the title sponsor. Their continued investment in arts and culture has been instrumental in elevating the Western Music Awards into one of the most respected regional award schemes in Ghana.
The highlight of the night was the crowning of Aya Ramzy B as Artiste of the Year, a recognition of his consistency, hard work and growing influence within and beyond the Western Region. He also picked up the Best Hiplife Artiste of the Year award, underlining his dominance in the year under review.
The awards night was further enlivened by captivating performances from Akatayie, Minister Winifred, Pasi, Rhespect, Kyn City and several other artistes, who delivered powerful musical moments that kept patrons on their feet throughout the ceremony.
Other major winners on the night included Mrs. Susie Arthur, who won Best Gospel Artiste of the Year and Best Female Artiste of the Year; Ayesem, who took home Best Hip-Hop Artiste of the Year and Album/EP of the Year with Legacy III; and DeThompsonDDT, who was adjudged Best Music Producer of the Year. The collaboration Weekend by Aya Ramzy B featuring Kofi Kinaata also emerged as Best Collaboration of the Year.
Beyond the awards, the 2025 edition once again highlighted that the Western Music Awards is more than just a ceremony—it is a movement committed to discovering, promoting and preserving talent from the Western Region. Organisers have pledged to raise the bar even higher, with plans to expand opportunities for artistes in future editions.
The organisers expressed profound gratitude to key dignitaries and traditional leaders, including the Tarkwa Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Ebenezer Cobbinah; the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa, Hon. Issah Taylor; Nana Kobina Gyan II; and Nana Essel, for their support and presence. Special appreciation was also extended to the Wassa Traditional Council for their immense support and contribution to the success of the event.
As the curtains fell on a memorable night, one message resonated clearly: Western Region music is alive, powerful and ready for the world.
FULL LIST OF 2025 WESTERN MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS
Artiste of the Year – Aya RamzyB
Best Afro-Pop Song of the Year – Zormizor (DopeNation)
Most Popular Ghanaian Song of the Year – Zormizor (DopeNation)
Most Popular Regional Song of the Year – Honorable Waawe (DeThompsonDDT)
Best Gospel Song of the Year – Aseda (Emily Adade Boateng ft. Joyce Blessing)
Best Gospel Artiste of the Year – Mrs. Susie Arthur
Best Urban Gospel Song of the Year – Winning Season (Kofi Ayeyi)
Best Hiplife Song of the Year – Kush (Origee)
Best Hiplife Artiste of the Year – Aya RamzyB
Best Highlife Song of the Year – Odo Yewu (Kyn City ft. Kaybless)
Best Highlife Artiste of the Year – Fiifi Lattex
Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year – Ogya (Rhespect)
Best Hip-Hop Artiste of the Year – Black Metal
Best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year – Life Hard (Miskall ft. Kahpun)
Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year – Kobby Blakk
Best Female Artiste of the Year – Mrs. Susie Arthur
Best New Artiste of the Year – Emily Adade Boateng
Best Group of the Year – Steve ‘O’ and The Broken Chains
Best Collaboration of the Year – Weekend (Aya Ramzy B ft. Kofi Kinaata)
Western Diaspora Artiste of the Year – Louisa Annan
Album/EP of the Year – Legacy III (Ayesem)
Best Rapper of the Year – Hyndu – Cocaine
Best Songwriter of the Year – Pasi – M’asem
Best Music Video of the Year – Zormizor (Dopenation)
Best Music Producer of the Year – DeThompsonDDT
Best Brass Band of the Year – Boss Play Band
Best Radio Disc Jockey of the Year – DJ Cuebeatz (YFM)
Best Instrumentalist of the Year – Kobby Yankey
Best Blogger/Promoter of the Year – Hashim Ali
Best Radio Entertainment Show of the Year – Showbiz Extra (Waibe YB, Owass FM)
Lifetime Achievement – Kakaiku and Akatakyie
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