The international awards featured nominees from different African countries competing in 52 categories, including several well-known Rwandan entertainment figures. This was the first time the awards were hosted in Rwanda after previously being held twice in South Africa.
Many of the awards were won by artists from Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Among the Rwandan winners was The Ben, who took home the award for Best Star Artist East Africa, while Bruce Melodie won Best Male Artist East Africa.
Other winners included Alicia and Germaine, popular in gospel music, who won Best Star New Gospel Artist in Africa, as well as Clapton Kibonge, who received the award for Best Star Content Creator in Africa.
Entertainment journalist MC Tino also won Best Radio Personality of the Year. Other Rwandan winners included Bwiza, Noopja, Uhujimfura Claude, Rocky Kimomo, Mugabo Julius, Nelly Wilson Misago, DJ Zebra Queen, and Massamba Intore, among others.
Winners from other countries included TopCheri from Namibia, who was named Best Artist in Southern Africa; Juma Jux from Tanzania, who won Artist of the Year; Noella from Uganda, who won Best New Artist in Africa; and Nomina from Botswana, who was named Female Artist of the Year in Africa.
The event also featured a fashion showcase with models from Uganda and the RIFI modeling agency, presenting designs from fashion houses such as Mkwandule’son (Tanzania), Nunu Fashion Luxury (Rwanda), Skhusone’s Design (Zambia), Bia The African Touch (Rwanda), and Masenge Agnes (Rwanda).
Several artists entertained the audience during the ceremony, including TopCheri from Namibia, who has been active in the music industry for over six years and is known for songs like “Calling Heaven,” “Omapendafule,” “Koko,” and “Ethanje” featuring Manxebe. Before traveling to Rwanda, she was received by Namibia’s Prime Minister, Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare.
Other performers included Prince Luv (Zambia), Bossgia (Tanzania), Shana Sierra (Uganda), Zyrah (Tanzania), Noela (Uganda), Pheno Boy (DRC), and TChamps (Nigeria). Celebrities also walked the red carpet, adding glamour to the event.
Seraphin Abitije, a member of the organizing team, told InyaRwanda that Rwanda was chosen to host the awards because of its good governance and security. "The organizers appreciated Rwanda’s policies and the security in the country, which is why they chose it to host the awards for the third edition," he said.
Daniel Blessington Ouddar, the CEO and founder of the Shining Star Africa Awards, although unable to attend the ceremony, expressed his gratitude to all nominees and attendees who traveled from different countries to participate.
He also apologized for the challenges that occurred during the event, particularly the delays that caused some planned activities to be postponed, and promised to continue improving the organization of future Shining events. "Thank you for your understanding," he said.
Here is the list of winners at the Shining Star Africa Awards 2026:
1. Best Star Upcoming Actress East Africa: Mama Lavie
2. Best Star Protocol: Kigali Protocal (Rwanda)
3. Best Star New Gospel Artist: Alicia And Germaine (Rwanda)
4. Best Star Female Dj: Dj Zebra Queen (Rwanda)
5. Best Star Female Artist East Africa: Bwiza (Rwanda)
6. Best Star Dancer East Africa: Iamkizii
7. Best Star Artist East Africa: The Ben
8. Best Star Actress East Africa: Jojo
9. Best Star Content Creator: Clapton Kibonge
10. Best Rising Star Southern/East Africa: Boni Shy
11. Best Male Artist East Africa: Bruce Melodie
12. Best Makeup Artist: Uwitonze Josiane
13. Best Lifetime Achievement (Music/Management): Noopja
14. Best Lifetime Achievement (Music): Massamba Intore
15. Best Lifetime Achievement (Movie/Media): Nelly Wilson Misago
16. Best Inspirational Man: Rocky Kimomo
17. Best Female Model: Miss Ivy
18. Best Fashion Designer East Africa: Dany Uno Model
19. Best Dancer: Divine Uwa
20. Best Artist Manager East Africa: Uhujimfura Jean Claude
21. Best Song Of The Year Prince Luv (Zambia)
22. Best Author: Nyericko Nyerere (Tanzania)
23. Best Young Achiever Of The Year: Anania Junior (Tanzania)
24. Best Videographer Of The Year: Alpha Anne (Gambia)
25. Best Song Writer Of The Year: Zyrah (Tanzania)
26. Best Artist Southern Africa: Topcheri (Namibia)
27. Best Band - Twangs Pepeta (Tanzania)
28. Best Actress: Helen Tesfay (Eritrea/Uganda)
29. Best Logistic Company Of The Year 2025/26: Xerin Logistics (Tanzania)
30. Best Star Agriprenuer Of The Year: Golden Agrochemicals (Tanzania)
31. Best Male Artist: Juma Jux (Tanzania)
1. Best Music Producer Of The Year: King Nachi (Zambia)
32. Best Fashion Designer: Ria Fernades (Tanzania)
33. Best Gospel Artist: Mungu Feni (Uganda)
34. Best Member Of Parliameny Of The Year: Menber Hon Mohammed Mcchengerwa (Tanzania)
35. Best Tv Personality East Africa: Blandy Star
36. Best Star Photographer: Ck Media (Zambia)
37. Best Star Entrepteneur: Mugabo Julius (Rwanda)
38. Best Upcoming Actor: Shali Ahmed (Uganda)
39. Best Star Female Entrepreneur: Priscilla Ajoke Ojo (Nigeria)
40. Best Star Model Of The Year: Harara Tesfaya (Ethiopia)
41. Best Business Man: Hussein Jamal (Tanzania)
42. Best Upcomimg Artist: Noela (Uganda)
43. Best Rising Star East Africa: Davide (Tanzania)
44. Best Star Artist Southern Africa of The Year: Topcheri (Namibia)
45. Best Rising Star Southern Africa Of The Year: Deco (Zambia)
46. Best Dj - Dj Zebra (Rwanda)
47. Best Model Of The Year: Harare Tesfya (Ethiopia)
48. Best Make Up Artist Of The Year: Mikal Stanely (Tazania)
49. Best Actress In A Tv Series: Zodwa Khumalo
50. Best Female Artist Of The Year: Nomina (Botswana)
51. Best Star Techprenuer Of The Year: Ntaringwa Jackson (Rwanda)
52. Best Radio Personality of the Year: Mc Tino (Rwanda)
The Shining Stars Africa Awards were held in Rwanda for the first time
Bwiza was named Best Star Female Artist in East Africa at the Shining Star Africa Awards 2026
Alicia and Germaine won the award for Best Star New Gospel Artist in Africa
The Ben was named Best Artist in East Africa at the Shining Stars Africa Awards
Bruce Melodie was among the winners at the Shining Stars Africa Awards 2026
“Here’s another trophy! Stop talking, but put in the work,” – Clapton Kibonge after winning at the Shining Stars Africa Awards 2026