Kenyan stars Nikita Kering, Njerae, Bridget Blue, and Bien have secured nominations for the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), setting the stage for a major showdown in Dallas, Texas, on September 12.
Nikita Kering, Njerae, and Bridget Blue are all up for Best Female East Africa, perhaps a nod to the country's growing dominance in the regional music scene.
They will compete against strong contenders including Tanzania's Abigail Chams and Zuchu, Ethiopia's Veronica Adane and Salemia, Rwanda's Ariel Wayz, and Uganda's Winnie Nwagi.
Former Sauti Sol member Bien is the sole Kenyan representative in the Best Male East Africa category.
He faces a tough line-up that includes Tanzanian heavyweights Diamond Platnumz, Marioo, Mbosso, Juma Jux, and Barnaba. South Sudan's Single Dee, Ethiopia's Lij Michael, and Uganda's Joshua Baraka and Eddy Kenzo are also in the running.
Organisers have opened public voting, giving fans across the continent and the diaspora the power to determine the winners.
Online voting has been a central pillar of the awards since they were founded in 2014 to celebrate African music on a global scale.
This year's event at the AT&T Performing Arts Center's Strauss Square will feature the AFRIMMA Music Fest.
The daytime festival will offer live performances, fashion shows, food, and cultural exhibitions, culminating in the main awards ceremony later that evening.
Fans have already taken to social media to rally behind their favorites.
"All these artists are at their best and are doing incredibly well and good, but Bien has something more," commented fan Collins Atsango, adding that the singer continues to bring consistent quality.
Another supporter, Vinny Mutai, simply shared, "All the best to Kenyan artists."
Over the years, Kenyan artists have established a strong track record at the AFRIMMA awards, frequently bringing home major regional and continental trophies.