The Sacred Crown Awards 2026 has officially announced its highly anticipated list of nominees, assembling an extraordinary collection of Africa’s most celebrated personalities whose achievements continue to shape music, culture, traditional leadership, spirituality and humanitarian service across the continent and the wider global community.
The prestigious awards programme, established under the vision of His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, seeks to recognise exceptional African excellence while safeguarding the continent’s cultural heritage and honouring distinguished individuals together with institutions whose enduring contributions have strengthened communities both within Africa and internationally.
Among the most closely watched categories is the African Music Artiste of the Year award, which features an exceptional field of nominees comprising Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Asake, Black Sherif, Diamond Platnumz, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale. The category brings together some of the continent’s most influential recording artistes whose music has achieved remarkable commercial success and global recognition.
The Global African Ambassador Award highlights internationally acclaimed personalities who have elevated Africa’s image on the world stage through their professional accomplishments and advocacy. The nominees include Idris Elba, Rocky Dawuni, Lupita Nyong’o, Dentaa Amoateng MBE, Wode Maya and Fuse ODG, all of whom have consistently promoted African talent, creativity and cultural identity before international audiences.
Religious leadership also occupies a prominent place within this year’s honours through the Christian Ministry Leader of the Year category. Distinguished nominees include Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams, Dr Mensa Otabil, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, Apostle Francis Amoako Attah, Bishop Dag Heward Mills, Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako, Prophet Emmanuel Adjei and Stephen Adom Kyei Duah, recognising their spiritual leadership together with their lasting influence on faith communities.
The Humanitarian Impact Award acknowledges individuals whose charitable initiatives and philanthropic interventions have significantly improved the lives of countless people. The nominees include former First Lady Her Excellency Rebecca Akufo Addo, Dr Osei Kwame Despite, Dr Samuel Amo Tobbin, Ibrahim Mahama, Dr Kwaku Oteng, Her Excellency Samira Bawumia and Nana Professor Oheneba Boachie Adjei Woahene II, each recognised for their outstanding commitment to social transformation and community empowerment.
The awards will also honour some of Africa’s most respected cultural figures through the Legacy and Lifetime Contribution Award. This distinguished category celebrates Agya Koo Nimo, Pat Thomas, Uncle Ebo Whyte, Grace Omaboe, Amakye Dede and Gyedu Blay Ambolley for their decades of remarkable service and lasting influence on African arts, culture and entertainment.
Traditional governance remains one of the central pillars of the Sacred Crown Awards. Nominees for the Traditional Leader of the Year distinction include the Nayiri, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Togbe Afede XIV, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, His Royal Majesty Nii Odaifio Welentsi III and Yagbonwura Bii Kuntuo Jewu Soale I. The Queen Mother of the Year category will likewise celebrate distinguished female traditional leaders whose exemplary leadership, cultural preservation and dedication to community advancement continue to inspire future generations.
The Young Cultural Ambassador of the Year category showcases accomplished personalities who have elevated African culture through innovation, creativity and international influence. The nominees comprise Wode Maya, Stonebwoy, Blitz Bazawule, Dancegod Lloyd, KOD, Okyeame Kwame, Akwasi Agyeman and acclaimed sculptor Kwame Akoto Bamfo.
Beyond these headline categories, the Sacred Crown Awards will recognise excellence across numerous fields including heritage conservation, fashion, visual arts, textile innovation, cultural advocacy, traditional worship, indigenous healing practices, interfaith peacebuilding, gospel ministry, Islamic leadership, herbal medicine, wellness, preventive healthcare, pharmaceutical innovation and community development.
Several respected religious organisations have also secured nominations in recognition of their enduring contributions to faith based service and national development. They include Action Chapel International, Lighthouse Chapel International, the International Central Gospel Church, Perez Chapel International, Parliament Chapel International, the Anglican Communion and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
According to the organisers, the identity of the recipient of the prestigious Sacred Crown Supreme Laureate will remain confidential until the Grand Finale scheduled for October 31, 2026, where the coveted honour will be unveiled before guests as the ceremony’s biggest surprise.
The organisers further disclosed that three distinguished posthumous honours will also be conferred upon legendary African icons together with revered ancestors whose extraordinary legacies have left an enduring imprint on African heritage, spirituality, leadership and humanity, ensuring that their contributions continue to inspire generations across the continent.
