By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Ghana recorded a single but significant victory at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) as Wendy Shay emerged Best Female Artiste in Western Africa, beating competition from Nigeria, Senegal and fellow Ghanaian nominees Amaarae and Moliy.
The RuffTown Records artiste delivered Ghana’s standout moment at the awards ceremony held in Lagos on Sunday, clinching one of the most competitive regional categories and keeping Ghana represented on the winners’ list.
Despite entering the ceremony with multiple nominations, several leading Ghanaian acts missed out on awards. Black Sherif, who was nominated in four categories—Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Best African Lyricist Rapper, Best African Hip-Hop Artiste, and Best African Video of the Year for Rebel—failed to secure a win.
Similarly, Moliy, whose international hit Shake It to the Max earned nominations for Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration, was edged out despite the song’s global success. Veteran rapper Sarkodie also missed out in the Best African Lyricist Rapper category, losing to Didi B of Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria dominated the night’s top honours, with Rema emerging as the biggest winner. He claimed Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul.
Burna Boy won Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness, while Shallipopi took Song of the Year with Laho and also secured Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy.
Other winners on the night included Yemi Alade for Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary, Phyno for Best African Hip-Hop Artiste, Chella as African Fans’ Favourite, and Qing Madi, who won Most Promising Artiste of the Year.
Although Ghana picked up just one award, Wendy Shay’s victory ensured the country was not shut out, marking a major milestone in her career and underscoring Ghana’s continued presence on Africa’s biggest music stage.
