Wendy Shay Wins Best Female Artiste in Western Africa at AFRIMA 2026

Wendy Shay Wins Best Female Artiste in Western Africa at AFRIMA 2026

 

The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), held Sunday night in Lagos, proved to be a defining moment for Wendy Shay. The Ghanaian singer emerged victorious in one of the night’s most competitive categories, taking home the trophy for Best Female Artiste in Western Africa. Facing off against regional powerhouses including Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, and Amaarae, Shay’s win marks a rare and significant triumph for a Ghanaian female act in the heart of the Nigerian music industry.

The victory is the culmination of a massive year driven by the cross-border success of her hit single, "Too Late." During her acceptance speech at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, Wendy Shay was composed and professional, taking time to acknowledge her team at RuffTown Records and her "Shay Gang" fanbase. In a standout moment, she also offered a specific tribute to her young protégé, Tracy Shay, whose viral choreography was instrumental in propelling the track to global visibility throughout 2025.

For the Ghanaian music industry, the win serves as a major benchmark. While the night was dominated by multiple wins for stars like Rema and Burna Boy, Wendy Shay’s success ensured that Ghana remained a primary protagonist on the continental stage. The timing of the award is also tactical; it comes just weeks after Shay publicly declared her 2026 ambitions to secure the TGMA Artiste of the Year and headline a solo concert at the Accra Sports Stadium.

By securing a major regional honor in Lagos, Wendy Shay has moved past the need for local validation. She is no longer just a contender in the Ghanaian scene; she is a verified continental force. As the 2026 awards season begins to take shape, this AFRIMA trophy sets a high bar for her peers and firmly establishes "The Queen" as the artist to beat this year.