TopCheri Meets Namibia’s Prime Minister Ahead of Kigali Performa

On March 7, 2026, the prestigious Shining Stars Africa Awards will take place at Olympic Hotel in Kigali. The international event brings together celebrities and leaders from various sectors including governance, arts, sports, business, and technology.

Among the performers expected to entertain guests is TopCheri, one of Namibia’s most celebrated artists. With over six years in the music industry, she is known for hit songs such as “Calling Heaven,” “Omapendafule,” “Koko,” and “Ethanje,” a collaboration with Manxebe.

Before traveling to Kigali, TopCheri was received by Prime Minister Ngurare, where they discussed the significance of the awards and the opportunities artists have to promote their countries on the global stage.

Their conversation highlighted how events like the Shining Stars Africa Awards help unite Africa, promote artistic talent, and boost tourism between nations. They also discussed how Namibia can continue building its reputation through culture and the creative arts by supporting local artists and providing them with international exposure.

TopCheri is regarded as one of the artists who have elevated Namibian music to international platforms, making her participation in the awards particularly meaningful for her country.

Monica Pineas was born on August 1, 1991, in Walvis Bay, Namibia, where she also grew up. She attended the University of Windhoek but did not complete her studies following the death of her brother, who had been supporting her.

After that difficult period, she chose to fully pursue her musical talent. Her first major performance was in Germany, marking the beginning of a career that has now spanned more than 12 years.

Throughout her journey, TopCheri has won several awards, including SANLAM and MTC accolades, establishing herself as one of Namibia’s most influential female artists.

She has released multiple albums that showcase her artistic growth, including: The Matrimony (2019), Tithe (2020), Ghetto Love (2021), Dual (2021), Fertile (2022), Mother (2023), and I Am Monika (2025). These projects have strengthened her brand and solidified her unique musical style.

In addition to TopCheri, other artists set to perform at the Shining Stars Africa Awards include Prince Luv (Zambia), Bossgia (Tanzania), Shana Sierra (Uganda), Zyrah (Tanzania), Noela (Uganda), Pheno Boy (DRC), and TChamps (Nigeria).

The event will also feature panel discussions on topics such as arts, leadership, business, technology, and sports. Notable speakers include Massamba Intore, former Member of Parliament Mukazibera Marie Agnès, and entrepreneur Mugabo Julius.

A fashion showcase will also take place, featuring models from RIFI. Designers expected to present their collections include Kulwa Mkwandule (Tanzania), Nunu (Rwanda), Hilda Baleni (Zambia), and Mariro Umubyeyi Angèlique (Rwanda).

Voting for the awards is ongoing through official platforms, with nominees coming from over 40 countries across Africa and beyond, including Haiti, the United States, and Trinidad & Tobago.

Rwandan nominees include Mutesi Jolly (Miss Rwanda 2016), Massamba Intore, Element, Alicia and Germaine, Bruce Melodie, Kigali Protocol, Jojo, Nadia Nany, Rocky Kimomo, Passy Sweet, Bianca Baby, and MC Tino.

East African nominees feature Juma Jux, Priscy, Mbosso, Paula Kajala, Tanasha Donna, Jasinta Makwabe, Meena Ally, Zamaradi Mketema, Shali Ahmed, Bukuru Adnette, and Niyubahwe Kelly.

Other international nominees include Fally Ipupa, Uche Montana, Lady Lava, Tianna, C4 Pedro, and Veronica Adane.

The Shining Stars Africa Awards is expected to serve as a major platform for strengthening collaboration, promoting African talent, and advancing the creative industry as a pillar of sustainable development across the continent.

As one of the headline performers, TopCheri will proudly represent Namibia at the high-profile event in Kigali.