Kenyan gospel musician Maureen Tabitha, popularly known as Maureen Tabs, was named Female Artist of the Year at the 2026 ETA Awards held at Samara Hotel in Machakos last weekend.
Maureen thanked her family, fans and supporters after the win, which came through a public voting process. She is currently promoting her worship single Majira Ya Mungu, released in July. The song’s title translates from Swahili to “God’s Season” or “God’s Time.” The track focuses on themes of faith, endurance, and trust in divine timing.
The ceremony brought together musicians, media personalities, digital creators, entrepreneurs and community leaders, with winners recognised across entertainment and other sectors.
Mondy G won Male Artist of the Year, while AIC Athi River Choir took Group of the Year. Princess Kendra was named Talent to Watch, with Deejay Wardah winning Female Deejay of the Year.
In the media and digital categories, Little Mwikali won Influencer of the Year, Trudy Kitui was named Digital Creator of the Year, and SSTV Kenya won Digital Journalist of the Year. MC OG took the MC of the Year award, while Tempire Records was named Audio Producer of the Year.
Other music-related winners included Paul Lais, who was named Kenya Rising Artist of the Year, and DJ Jeorges, who won Male Deejay of the Year.
The recognition categories also featured several established names.
Nadia Mukami received the East Africa Artist of the Year award, while Stephen Kasolo was recognised as the Most Influential Kamba Gospel Artist. Stella Mengele received the Kamba Gospel Matriarch Award, while Ev. John Kay was named Most Inspiring Kamba Gospel Artist.
The awards also extended beyond entertainment. Governor Wavinya Ndeti received the Most Outstanding Public Service and Community Transformation Award, while Francis Mwangangi was recognised for Excellence in Devolution Leadership.
Honourable Syombua Kioko received the Community Empowerment Champion Award, while Dr David Ole Sankok was recognised as a Disability Inclusion Champion.
Other recipients included Caroline Muthoka, named Diaspora Artist of the Year, and Kaewa Superstars, who received recognition as a New Generation Benga Band from Eastern Kenya.
The 2026 ETA Awards therefore brought together a wide range of recipients from music, media, business, public service and community initiatives, with Maureen Tabs’ Female Artist of the Year win among the evening’s music honours.