Ghanaian singer Wendy Shay has been named Artiste of the Year at the 2026 Ghana Music Awards USA, emerging as one of the biggest winners at the ceremony held in the United States.
Her victory highlights her contribution to Ghana’s music industry during the year under review and adds another major honour to her growing list of achievements.
Other notable winners included Shatta Wale, who won Concert of the Year, while Kwabena Kwabena was named Highlife Artiste of the Year. Gospel musician Piesie Esther also enjoyed a strong night, winning both Gospel Artiste of the Year and Gospel Song of the Year.
The Most Popular Song of the Year went to Medikal, Shatta Wale and Beeztrap KOTM for their collaboration, Shoulder.
In the USA-based categories, Sena Awudi won Emerging Artiste of the Year, with Ohemaa Daystar taking New Artiste of the Year. Cee Music and Nana NYC were named Female and Male Artistes of the Year respectively.
Other major winners included Joana Bidie, who won both Female Vocalist of the Year and Music Concert of the Year, and Brother Ismeal, who took Male Vocalist of the Year.
The awards also recognised Ghanaian gospel, highlife, hiplife, hip-hop and Afropop talents in the diaspora. Nii Oseye Adeleke won Highlife Artiste of the Year USA, while King Tozua’s Lies was named Highlife Song of the Year USA.
For international recognition, Samuel Sey won Best International Act of the Year, while Ahoto (Comfort) by Mz Nana featuring Obaapa Christy won International Collaboration of the Year.
Full list of selected winners
– Artiste of the Year: Wendy Shay
– Concert of the Year: Shatta Wale
– Highlife Artiste of the Year: Kwabena Kwabena
– Gospel Artiste of the Year: Piesie Esther
– Gospel Song of the Year: Piesie Esther
– Most Popular Song of the Year: Shoulder – Medikal, Shatta Wale & Beeztrap KOTM
– Emerging Artiste of the Year USA: Sena Awudi
– New Artiste of the Year USA: Ohemaa Daystar
– Female Artiste of the Year USA: Cee Music
– Male Artiste of the Year USA: Nana NYC
– Female Vocalist of the Year USA: Joana Bidie
– Male Vocalist of the Year: Brother Ismeal
– International Collaboration of the Year: Ahoto (Comfort) – Mz Nana ft. Obaapa Christy
– Best International Act of the Year: Samuel Sey
– Afropop Song of the Year USA: Fatima – Sauce Lord
– Afropop Artiste of the Year USA: Jamin Beatz
– Gospel Song of the Year USA: Wo Do (Your Love) – Gifty K ft. Piesie Esther
– Music Video of the Year USA: Overoo – Millicent Yankey
The Ghana Music Awards USA continues to provide a platform for recognising Ghanaian musicians both at home and in the diaspora, while celebrating their contribution to the international growth of Ghanaian music.
Source: graphic.com.gh