Diaspora Creatives Awards · MMXXVI
2026 Nominees
The official catalogue of creatives and businesses in contention for recognition on a global stage.
01
GRAND AWARDS
01
Diaspora Creative of the Year
- Khaby Lame
- Tunde Ednut
- Angelica Nwandu
- Mr Boris Becker
- Korra Obidi
- Tobe Nwigwe
- Wisdom Kaye
- Wale
- Rotimi
- Libianca
- Akinola Davies Jr.
- Mowalola Ogunlesi
- Yinka Ilori
- Jenn Nkiru
- Ugo Mozie
- Daps
- Odeal
- Juls
- Charlotte Mensah
- Ibrahim Kamara
- Sherrie Silver
- Alewya
- Elmiene
- Karimah Ashadu
- Kahindo Mateene
- Diarra Bousso
- Spencer Badu
- Tolu Coker
- P2J
- GuiltyBeatz
- Kwate
- Speed Darlington
- JELEEL
- Rundatrax
- Uncle Azeez
- Darryl Vega
- Daddy Clivert
- Sayrah Chips
- Charmaine Hayden
- Kai Cenat
02
Diaspora Artist of the Year
- Odeal
- Libianca
- Moliy
- Darkoo
- Elmiene
- Nonso Amadi
- Princess Wonda
- Akuvi
- T-BLOW
- Falana
- Annahstasia
- Mannywellz
- SGaWD
- Shaé Universe
- Bellah
- Nippa
- Alewya
- Jordan Adetunji
- AYLØ
- Emma Nyra
- Danagog
- Juls
- Nektunez
- GuiltyBeatz
- kwn
- Sasha Keable
- Venna
- Jaz Karis
- Chxrry
- Frenna
- Morachi
02
ARTIST AWARDS
03
Best Male Artist
- Odeal
- Pa Salieu
- Kofi Stone
- Yamê
- June Freedom
- TyStringz
- BILS
- Vudumane
- Richie Smile
- Smil3zz
- King Mo
- Dajon AF
- Khenyzee
- Danayo AD
- Takenonote
- Uncle Azeez
- Eeflat
- Don Cliff
- Criz Shane
- Lekan
- Blackway
- Abel Meri
- Agatchu
- BRITZ
- Kwaku Asante
- Aar Maanta
- Bongeziwe Mabandla
- Langa Mavuso
- JELEEL!
- Dr Soul
- Mr Soul
- T-BLOW
- Valoe
- Kwate
- Tejan kamara
- Muffius
- King Joe (ZAGA)
- Invictus Music
04
Best Female Artist
- RIMON
- Princess Wonda
- DEELA
- Yadima
- Lamaya
- Naomi Achu
- Tolu Makay
- Akuvi
- Essence Martins
- Adaeze Orji
- ANDI K
- Ayshani
- Karun
- Nola Ade
- Elsy Wameyo
- Tome
- Chechi Sarai
- T'neeya
- Marilyn B
- Njerae
- Donna Adja
- Zakisha
- Soraia Ramos
- Ama Ka'rin
- Mpho Sebina
- Kiara
- Nkiruka Official
- Lina Simons
- Ache Sule
- Bellah
- Anola
- LadyAudri
- Kajaryia
- Munit Mesfin
- Rehaset
- Ari Voxx
- Adorah
- Tyra Chantey
- Sandrine
- Elizha
- Korra Obidi
- Emma Nyra
- Sopheeaa
05
Best New Artist
- DEELA
- Lamaya
- ANDI K
- Essence Martins
- Kiara
- Dajon AF
- Khenyzee
- Danayo AD
- Takenonote
- Smil3zz
- ICXN
- BRITZ
- Tami Tsunami
- Kajaryia
- Eahluri
- Wavveee
- Earf2liv
- Marvy
- Mofe
- Lolade
- Flow-Izzy
- Ugonna
- AQT
- KassaXL
- Rehaset
- RenRiot
- Kweks
- The Ardyst
- Qwamenewking
- Kop-Z
- Nali
- Tashinga
- Talia Goddess
- Samxcas
- AY Bangz
- AY Prinz
- Someje
- Zaiam
- Yung Sammy
- Vikky Sota
- Solite Sema
- Mabsz
- Martins XPR
- Afroline
- July Singsong
- Toluwa
- Joey Jaey
- Prvna
- Jola Green
- SoundsByMaui
- Jetfy Multz
- Modih
- Macdarrow
- Yvonne Baloyi
- Gabar Ya Ahla
- Sopheea
- Wavveeontheway
- Damian wan
03
GENRE AWARDS
06
Best Afrobeats Artist
- Princess Wonda
- BILS
- TyStringz
- Akuvi
- Agatchu
- Bensoul
- Njerae
- June Freedom
- Pongo
- Gidi Boii Fly
- Adaorah
- Donna Adja
- King Mo
- T Baze
- Smil3zz
- Danagog
- T-BLOW
- Richie Smile
- Dajon AF
- Khenyzee
- Takenonote
- Danayo AD
- Naomi Achu
- T'neeya
- AratheJay
- B4Bonah
- Kojo Blak
- Kweku Flick
- Moliy
- Nabila
- Tzy Panchak
- Joey Jaey
- Yung Sammy
- Oshamo
- Martins XPR
- Bigman OJ
- Monrovia Boy
- Jetplay Music
- Criz Shane
- Speedy1up
- Invictus Music
- Eziemela
- Nikos Babii
07
Best Amapiano Artist
- Teno Afrika
- Thabo Tonick
- Una Rams
- Simmy
- Rethabile Khumalo
- Filah Lah Lah
- Sio
- Nthabi
- Talia Goddess
- Tshego
- K.O.G
- Pongo
- Vudumane
- T-BLOW
- Richie Smile
- Smil3zz
- King Mo
- Dajon AF
- Khenyzee
- BRITZ
- Tami Tsunami
- Elizha
- Akuvi
- TyStringz
- Princess Wonda
- Sadrine
- Korra Obidi
08
Best Afro-Fusion Artist
- Odeal
- RIMON
- Princess Wonda
- BILS
- TyStringz
- Akuvi
- Agatchu
- Yamê
- Kofi Stone
- Kwaku Asante
- K.O.G
- Rationale
- Mereba
- Mpho Sebina
- Sio
- Bongeziwe Mabandla
- Petite Noir
- Langa Mavuso
- Elsy Wameyo
- Xenia Manasseh
- Karun
- Bensoul
- Njerae
- Worlasi
- Cina Soul
- Awa Ly
- June Freedom
- Dino D'Santiago
- Soraia Ramos
- Pongo
- Aline Frazão
- Alewya
- Annahstasia
- Falana
- Wavveee
- Earf2liv
- Munit Mesfin
- Rehaset
- Tolu Makay
- Essence Martins
- Gidi Boii Fly
- Adaorah
- Oduwaiam
- Ashley (Ashtheartiist)
- Donna Adja
- Pierre Chaude
- Invictus
- Than kamara
- king Mo
- T Baze
- Lamaya
- Smil3zz
- Arewa
- Richie Smile
- Ovi kelz
- Sammie Faze
- Ebuu Kanary
- MODIH
09
Best Afro-Gospel Artist
- Marizu
- Itohan Agbator
- Nola Ade
- CalledOut Music
- Limoblaze
- Asha Elia
- Naffymar
- Noël Mio
- Greatman Takit
- Ko'rale
- Rehmahz
- Gil Joe
- Sal Ly
- Tbabz
- Angeloh
- S.O.
- Happi
- Still Shadey
- Becca Folkes
- Sarah Téibo
- A Mose
- Dena Mwana
- Tobi (No.worry.music)
- Paul Egbemuyiwa
- The Viclucas
- Abenga Victor
10
Best Afro-R&B / Afro-Soul Artist
- Jussoul (Dr Soul)
- TBAZE
- Yadima
- Kiara
- RIMON
- Lamaya
- DEELA
- Essence Martins
- ANDI K
- Anola
- Chi
- Princess Wonda
- Arewa
- Kate Odulukwe
- PRVNA
- Debbie
- ELIZHA
- Solite Sema
- Adaeze Orji
- Ache Sule
- Ay bangz
- Tolu Makay
- Zarion Uti
- Mackenzie lovince
- Richie Smile
- Lu kala
- Sooheeaa
- Luna simao
- Blaq Michael
- Abenga Viktor
- Jaffa
- Rooky
- Zaiam
- Sewa
- Muffius
- King Joe (ZAGA)
- Someje music
- TOLANI
11
Best Hip-Hop / Rap Artist
- Bolanle
- Elsy Wameyo
- Lina Simons
- Blackway
- Pa Salieu
- Kofi Stone
- JELEEL!
- BackRoad Gee
- Confz
- SGaWD
- BILS
- Kwaku DMC
- Kofi Jamar
- Kofi Mole
- Blxckie
- Sampa the Great
- Kalash Criminel
- Badi
- Nix
- Boutross
- Tashinga
- Sideshow
- KassaXL
- Abel Meri
- RenRiot
- Flow-Izzy
- Qwamenewking
- The Ardyst
- AQT
- Earf2liv
- Wavveee
- One Touch
- Samxcas
- Gidi boii fly
- McKenzie Lovince
- Prinz
- Ibezim Yusuf
- Youka
- General Gee
- Broken Pen
- Moyah
- SOTA
- Jasi Caesar
- Gabar Ya Ahla
- Lifeofmrnelson
- Msjorjiabg
- Khadija Mbowe
- Jackie Adedeji
- Jamelia
- Zezemillz
- Ray Blizzy
- Nadia Rose
12
Best Dancehall / Reggae Artist
- Pongo
- Pa Salieu
- K.O.G
- Blackway
- T'neeya
- Kwaku DMC
- Kofi Jamar
- B4Bonah
- BRITZ
- Tzy Panchak
- Askia
- Tilla
- Nabila
- Blesz
- Badi
- Nix
- Faada Freddy
- June Freedom
- Dino D'Santiago
- Soraia Ramos
- Elida Almeida
- Lura
- Awa Ly
- Aar Maanta
- Vudumane
- T-BLOW
- Richie Smile
- Dajon AF
- Khenyzee
- Agatchu
- 3ggaone
- General Pype
- Victor Ayarara
- Takenonote
- Kartela
- Invictus
- Don Blaq Wifi
13
Best Highlife / Traditional Fusion Artist
- Obi Original
- K.O.G
- Worlasi
- B4Bonah
- Kwaku Asante
- AratheJay
- Cina Soul
- Kofi Jamar
- T'neeya
- Kato Change
- Muthoni Drummer Queen
- Blinky Bill
- Elsy Wameyo
- Bongeziwe Mabandla
- Mpho Sebina
- Thandiswa Mazwai
- The Brother Moves On
- Meklit
- Munit Mesfin
- Fendika
- Aar Maanta
- Faada Freddy
- Awa Ly
- Dino D'Santiago
- Elida Almeida
- Lura
- Mayra Andrade
- Soraia Ramos
- Aline Frazão
- Pongo
- Baloji
- Victor Ayaara
- Don Clif
- 01the Great
14
Best Afro House Artist
- Teno Afrika
- Thabo Tonick
- Sio
- Una Rams
- Pongo
- Blinky Bill
- Muthoni Drummer Queen
- K.O.G
- Charisse C
- Elsy Wameyo
- Talia Goddess
- Mpho Sebina
- Simmy
- Filah Lah Lah
- Umlilo
- T'neeya
- Agatchu
- Dino D'Santiago
- Aline Frazão
- Kato Change
15
Best Afro Jazz Artist
- Naledi
- Mpho Sebina
- Meklit
- Kato Change
- Munit Mesfin
- Fendika
- Bongeziwe Mabandla
- The Brother Moves On
- Thandiswa Mazwai
- Sio
- Worlasi
- K.O.G
- Blinky Bill
- Muthoni Drummer Queen
- Lisa Oduor-Noah
- Maya von Lekow
- Elsy Wameyo
- Awa Ly
- Faada Freddy
- Aline Frazão
- Mayra Andrade
- Lura
- Dino D'Santiago
- Baloji
- T'neeya
- N'famady kouyate
16
Best Afro Pop Artist
- Princess Wonda
- TyStringz
- Vudumane
- BILS
- T-BLOW
- Danagog
- Richie Smile
- Dajon AF
- Khenyzee
- Smil3zz
- King Mo
- Danayo AD
- Takenonote
- Akuvi
- Yadima
- Adaeze Orji
- ADAORAH
- ELIZHA
- Lamaya
- Kiara
- Anola
- Tome
- Naomi Achu
- Emma Nyra
- T'neeya
- BRITZ
- Agatchu
- June Freedom
- Soraia Ramos
- Xenia Manasseh
- Njerae
- Karun
- Bensoul
- Pongo
- Dino D'Santiago
- Elida Almeida
- Nabila
- Tzy Panchak
- B4Bonah
- AratheJay
- Invictus Music
- Donna Adja
- Nikos Babii
- John Patrick Egbo
04
MUSIC CREATION AWARDS
17
VOTE NOW Song of the Year
18
VOTE NOW Music Video of the Year
19
Producer of the Year
- Rundatrax
- Kelvin Boj
- Maestro Bobby
- Pacify
- Vincent Bugozi
- Teno Afrika
- Nektunez
- Juls
- GuiltyBeatz
- P2J
- Jae5
- TSB
- Juls Baby
- Kuvie
- KaySo
- Yung D3mz
- London
- GMK
- Higo
- Spax
- TMXO
- Le Mav
- Genio Bambino
- Ronehi
- Sir Bastien
- MikemillzOnEm
- Afrolektra
- KZ Didit
- Mr Eff
20
Songwriter of the Year
- TyStringz
- Nola Ade
- TBAZE
- RIMON
- Yadima
- Tolu Makay
- Essence Martins
- Solite Sema
- Kate Odulukwe
- PRVNA
- Debbie
- ELIZHA
- Adaeze Orji
- Princess Wonda
- Jussoul (Dr Soul)
- Toye
- Vudumane
- BILS
- Kofi Stone
- Kwaku Asante
- Worlasi
- Xenia Manasseh
- Njerae
- Bensoul
- Cina Soul
- Mpho Sebina
- Awa Ly
- June Freedom
- Dino D'Santiago
- Soraia Ramos
- Langa Mavuso
- Bongeziwe Mabandla
- Mereba
- Falana
- Annahstasia
- Msugonna
- TOLANI
- Ache Sule
21
DJ of the Year
- DJ Karlifornia
- DJ Andymoore
- DJ Kweku
- DJ Yemstar
- DJ Manny Beatz
- DJ Drumbz
- DJ Holy UK
- DJ Prosper
- DJ Whales
- DJ Nems
- DJ SSKE
- DJ Ayo
- DJ Fresh Oman
- DJ Don X
- DJ Manny
- DJ Vogue Eli
- DJ Millz
- DJ Olooo
- DJ Vuga
- DJ Nani
- DJ Hyfa
- Tenisounds
- Kelvin Boj
- Allen Gbemisola
- Charisse C
- Vogue Eli
- Dj Ej
- Dj Faajiiii
- Dj Oreo
- Dj Ag online
- The Golden Child
- Dj Shine da beast
- Drumbz
- Dj Cuppy
22
Photographer/Videographer of the Year
- Okuwafosin Emmanuel
- Tabitha Odutayo
- Caroline Akintunde
- Michael Gils Jr
- Roland Barbiah
- Malik Ofori
- Kop-Z
- Nali
- Kobena
- Manhugnon
- Bhoyeviduals
- HD Genesis
- Vivid visions
- Amiracleatwork
- Loveiskus
- Filmandease
- Victor Bunjululu
23
Dancer / Choreographer of the Year
- Sayrah Chips
- Bryan Supersun
- Felicia D
- Nksogorgeous
- Chichi Aladume
- Ada Mazi
- Luana Asiba
- Stormie Bandele
- Amarachi Oyemaobi
- Ynot
- Liyadances
- Izzysam (Playboy)
- Sammy Vimz
- Joseph Toonga
- 1 man like TJ
- Timi
- Akay
- Stargyal
- Itsjustnife
- Rose Mwambayi
- Nana Kwame Enumde
- Rosey Luchi
- Papermakerastar
- Judith Mccarty
- Tima karaga
- Calvin Perbi
- Lisa Darko
- Vanessa (yv_vans)
- Yva_landria
- Topaz Fit
05
DIASPORA BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
24
African Restaurant of the Year
- Desta Ethiopian Kitchen
- BoumBoumAtl
- Cafe Songhai
- Little Lagos
- Ike's Cafe & Grill
- Toyin
- Mama J
- ChòpnBlok
- Cafe Abuja
- Suya Hut
- Akoko
- Chishuru
- 805 Restaurants
- Akara Restaurant
- Alhaji Suya
- Waakye Joint
- Afrobeat Kitchen / Bar
- Greelz in Kensington
- Accra Restaurant
- Nyamekye
- Lalibela Cuisine
- Rendez-Vous Ethiopian & Eritrean Restaurant
- Dept. of Culture
- Lagos TSQ
- Buka
- Cafe Rue Dix
- Dōgon
- Project Suya
- Hedzole
- Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant
- Ethiopic
- Restaurant Kenneh
- Gold Coast
- Fresh Leaves
- SAAM
- ASANKA
- Blue Nile
- Bejte Ethiopia
- Enish Dubai
- KIZA Restaurant & Lounge
- Chop House Restaurant
- Biggy African Restaurant
- Akua's Restaurant
- Pili Pili BBQ House Restaurant
- Al Habasha Restaurant
- Love Grass Restaurant
- Fufu and Chill
25
African Nightclub of the Year
- Rhythm Lounge ATL
- Red Room Lounge
- Faaji Restaurant & Lounge
- Living Room Restaurant & Lounge
- Lux Cafe
- District Atlanta
- Avenue Kitchen & Cocktail
- Reveal Lounge
- The Afro Eatery Lounge
- Vertex
- Safari Lounge
- Bembe
- S.O.B's
- Abigail Nightclub
- Public Bar live
- Lydia On H
- Society Restaurant & Lounge
- Focus Social Club
- Ludo Restaurant & Lounge
- DnD Toronto
- La Shish
- Celio Lounge
- Juliet
- Cococure cite
- TWNTY7
- La Hacienda
- Luna Club
- TABU London
- Club Noir Amsterdam
- Avenue Berlin
- Bricks Berlin
- Weekend Club
- KIZA Restaurant & Lounge
- Enish Dubai
- KQ Dubai
- Afro Lounge Dubai
26
African Business of the Year
- Taliah Waajid Brand
- The Honey Pot Company
- Royal Sprinters ATL
- ZuCot Gallery
- Afrobeat Bistro
- Wazobia African Market
- Makola Marketplace
- Òkèèrè
- Telfar
- Mented Cosmetics
- Omi Woods
- Spencer Badu
- A Different Booklist
- Adwoa's Beauty
- Foope Fragrances
- Vitae London
- Charlotte Mensah
- Afrocenchix
- Eva Sonaike
- Kamso Kids
- Sunmo Snacks
- King Melissa Gold
- Ulimma Fashion
- RIGBEAUTY Hair & Cosmetics
- ORÍKÌ
- The African Marketplace
- HDM CREATIVZ Expert Relocation
- Cayce Foods
06
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
27
Diaspora Legacy Artist of the Year
- Mr Raw
- eLDee
- Morachi
- Kaha
- One Touch
- Jahborne
- Emma Nyra
- Danagog
- 2Shotz
- Modenine
- Olu Maintain
- Omawumi
- Slizzy E
- Fuse ODG
- Rocky Dawuni
- Blick Bassy
- Baloji
- Blitz the Ambassador
- Awa Ly
- Dino D'Santiago
- Mayra Andrade
- Lura
- Badi
- Ezimela
28
Diaspora Live Band of the Year
- Ache Sule / Ache's Exclusives
- AfroPulse
- Idan Vibes Band
- Ubunye
- African Ngwasuma
- London Afrobeat Collective
- Tamilore Awosile
- Jembaa Groove
- Gimme The Juice
- RAH & The Ruffcats
- BANTUNAGOJÊJE
- Tulgey Beat
- Victor Ayara
- Jonathan Nvita / The Alkebulan Sound
- Suzette Vidal
- The Big Live Band
- FUSA Live Band
- Nfamady Kouyaté
- Afroline
- Solaris (Maestro)
29
Afrobeats Diaspora Impact Award
30
Diaspora Cultural Influence Award
07
DIGITAL & ENTERTAINMENT CREATIVE AWARDS
31
Diaspora Content Creator of the Year
- Susan @suzieigwe
- Rose Mwambayi
- Afro Princesses
- Anima agyeman
- Queen olu
- Sonariwoondeck
- Oluwafreshout
- Jenny Martin
- Myah Elliott
- Pia Nabila
- Tariq Abu Kazi
- Chaka zulu
- Ravin Wong
- Charmaine
- Kiara Blanchette
- Ada O @adaonwka
- Nnenna B
- Simply Sayo
- Ini cash
- Drea Okeke
- Deby Oscar
- Laye Asiboje
- Your6feetboyfriend
- Big.jogue
- Izzy Ogbeide
- Bernice Monger
- Ling & Lamb
- Maxine chikumbo
- Zeebeezeezoo
- Jocelyn_alw
- Lucid Luvs
32
MC/Hypeman of the Year
- Mr JSB
- Omalicha
- Big smart
- Sugar Beasts
- Joseph Benjamin
- Queenofd mic
33
Influencer of the Year
- Sandra Benede
- Nikos Babii
- Chiomagoodhair
- Evss Official
- Kikaosunde
- MERCELLE
- Jennifer Amartei
- Dr Lexi Senu
- Sandra Odoi
- Sunjokia
- Nardosedaily
- Lavishlyjackie
- Ojubabe
- Theslumflower
- Kaylakimkay
- Grace Ajilore
34
African Culture Ally of the Year
- Brooke Michaela (@_who_is_brooke)
- Chris (@authentic_traveling)
- Claire Edun @OyinboPrincess
- Inês Martins
- Dj Oyinbo (@dj_oyinbo)
- Oyinbo Rebel
- Kacy Rondeau
- Natasha
- Ellen Nielsen (@ellensnielsen)
- Sisi.Oyinbo
- Oyinbo Olonje