AFRIMMA Awards 2026: Fally Ipupa and Congolese Stars Nominated in Dallas
- Congolese music star Fally Ipupa leads the list of nominees for the 11th edition of the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), securing four nominations ahead of the ceremony...
- Fally Ipupa stands out as the most-nominated artist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to Culture Congo.
- In the Best Female Artist Central Africa category, Congolese artists Cindy Le Cœur and Rebo Tchulo will compete for the title, according to Culture Congo.
Congolese music star Fally Ipupa leads the list of nominees for the 11th edition of the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), securing four nominations ahead of the ceremony scheduled for September 12, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, according to reports from Culture Congo and People243. The awards honor top artists, producers, and DJs across the African continent and its diaspora through a public voting system.
Fally Ipupa Leads Congolese Contenders With Four Nominations
Fally Ipupa stands out as the most-nominated artist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to Culture Congo. The singer, who previously won Best Francophone Artist at the 10th edition of the awards, is competing in four major categories for 2026: Best Artist of the Year, Best Male Artist Central Africa, Best Collaboration of the Year, and International Music Redirection (Rayonnement musical international), as reported by Culture Congo. People243 notes that the superstar has previously earned 15 AFRIMMA honors, positioning him as a dominant force in contemporary African music.
Central African Female Categories Feature Tight Competition
In the Best Female Artist Central Africa category, Congolese artists Cindy Le Cœur and Rebo Tchulo will compete for the title, according to Culture Congo. Both performers enter the race following a previous edition that saw no female Congolese artist claim the category’s trophy, prompting local fans to mobilize through public voting channels. People243 adds that the two singers face a competitive field that includes regional artists such as Jessy B, Emma’a, and Blanche Bailly.
Gospel Artists Vie for Continental Recognition
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is also represented in the gospel sector, with Moïse Mbiye and Déborah Lukalu both nominated for Best Gospel Artist of the Year, according to Culture Congo. The two Christian music figures aim to succeed pastor and singer Mike Kalambayi, who won the distinction at the previous AFRIMMA ceremony. People243 reports that they will compete against other prominent African gospel acts, including Miguel Buila and Prosper Germoh. Organizers released the official list of nominees on July 13, 2026, setting the stage for the main event on September 12, 2026, in Dallas, where winners across all categories will be officially announced.