Ghana’s music industry has taken centre stage following the release of the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards nominations, with Shatta Wale, Black Sherif, Moliy, Sarkodie and several other Ghanaian creatives earning major recognition.

One of the biggest showdowns will come in the Best Male Reggae/Dancehall category, where Shatta Wale faces Jamaican heavyweight Vybz Kartel. The Ghanaian dancehall king must also overcome Popcaan, Skillibeng, Kranium, Valiant, Patoranking and Mr. Killa to claim the prestigious award.

Black Sherif has also secured an impressive presence on the nominations list. The “So It Goes” hitmaker will compete for Best Male West Africa against stars including Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Asake and BNXN.

The Ghanaian musician is additionally nominated for Best Male Rap Act, while “So It Goes” is competing for Song of the Year. His celebrated “IRONBOY” project has also been shortlisted for AFRIMMA Album of the Year.

Moliy’s remarkable international rise continues after she landed nominations for Best Female West Africa and Best Female Reggae/Dancehall. Her global anthem, “Shake It to the Max,” featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng, is also in the race for Song of the Year.

The female reggae and dancehall category places Moliy against some of Jamaica’s most recognisable stars, including Shenseea, Spice, Koffee, Jada Kingdom and Lila Iké.

Ghanaian rap legend Sarkodie has been nominated for the AFRIMMA Timeless Impact Award. He faces respected African music figures such as Timaya, Flavour, Oskido, Kcee, Amr Diab, Bebe Cool and Mafikizolo.

Eno Barony and Freda Rhymz will represent Ghana in the Best Female Rap Act category, while DopeNation earned nominations for Best African Group and Song of the Year with “Kakalika.”

Ghana’s representation extends beyond performing artistes. MOG Beatz was nominated for Music Producer of the Year, Babs Direction secured a Best Video Director nomination, and DJ Sly King will compete for Best DJ Africa.

Incredible Zigi, Dancegod Lloyd and Hooliboy also earned nominations for Best African Dancer, completing a strong showing for Ghana’s entertainment industry.

The nominations place Ghanaian talent in direct competition with some of Africa and the Caribbean’s most influential performers, setting the stage for an explosive AFRIMMA 2026 contest.