Kenya is making waves at the 2026 Entertainment & Arts Excellence Awards (EAEA Global), with several top performers nominated across major categories, including Best Breakthrough Hit Single, Music Video, and Collaboration.
The nominations feature prominent names such as Bien, Guardian Angel, Iyanii, and Dufla Diligon Njerae, alongside other notable contenders including Otile Brown, Okello Max, Nezzoh Montana, Toxic Lyrikali, Khaligraph Jones, Burulkyn Boyz, Makarena, Eric One Wash, Proud Refuge, and Gradine Toto.
At the 2025 EAEA Awards, Davido won four awards, including Continental Artist of the Year and Continental Album of the Year for his album Five, while Ayra Starr was recognized as Best Continental Female Artist (Africa).
Bien continues to make a massive impact on the global music scene. His hit All My Enemies Are Suffering was named Overall Hit Song of the Year – East Africa/Kenya, while Katam, featuring Diamond Platinumz, is nominated for Music Video/Film of the Year – East Africa and Best Hit Collaboration.
Dufla Diligon also dominated, with Donjo Maber featuring Iyanii winning Overall Hit Song of the Year – Eastern Africa and Music Video/Film of the Year – Eastern Africa. He also won Best Afro Dancehall Hit and Best People’s Choice Artist in Kenya.
Guardian Angel is nominated for Male Gospel Artist of the Year, with his song Kimya featuring Rose Muhando up for Gospel Hit Song of the Year – Eastern Africa.
Njerae, the only female artist on the list, is nominated as the Fastest Rising Breakthrough Female Artist in Kenya and Eastern Africa, and for Best Vocalist. Her hit Aki Sioni is nominated for Best Alternative Fusion, while Colours, featuring Bensoul, is up for Hit Collaboration in Kenya.
The EAEA Global platform highlights excellence across diverse categories, including Continental Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artists, Music Video Awards, and region-specific accolades such as Best Artist, Group, Collaboration, or Hit Song.
EAEA 2026 has been active with nominations and events held at venues including the Hyatt Regency Nairobi, Westlands.