Ghanaian singer Wendy Shay has been crowned Artiste of the Year at the 2026 Ghana Music Awards USA, emerging as one of the biggest winners at this year's ceremony.
The award adds to her growing list of honours and recognises her contribution to Ghana's music industry over the past year. She emerged ahead of other contenders in the coveted category, taking home the top prize at the ceremony held in the United States.
Her win was among several notable victories for Ghanaian artistes at the awards. Shatta Wale received the Concert of the Year award, while highlife musician Kwabena Kwabena was named Highlife Artiste of the Year. Gospel musician Piesie Esther secured two major awards, Gospel Artiste of the Year and Gospel Song of the Year. The Most Popular Song of the Year award went to Medikal, Shatta Wale and Beeztrap KOTM for their collaboration, "Shoulder."
In the USA-based categories, Sena Awudi was named Emerging Artiste of the Year, while Ohemaa Daystar won New Artiste of the Year. Cee Music took home Female Artiste of the Year, with Nana NYC winning Male Artiste of the Year. Rev Graceman was named Most Popular Artiste of the Year, while Joana Bidie won both Female Vocalist of the Year and Music Concert of the Year. Brother Ismeal was named Male Vocalist of the Year, and Royal Mama won Gospel Artiste of the Year USA.
Nii Oseye Adeleke won Highlife Artiste of the Year USA, while King Tozua's "Lies" was named Highlife Song of the Year USA. "Ahoto (Comfort)" by Mz Nana featuring Obaapa Christy won International Collaboration of the Year, and Samuel Sey was named Best International Act of the Year. Gifty K featuring Piesie Esther won Gospel Song of the Year USA with "Wo Do (Your Love)."
Other USA-based winners included Sauce Lord, who won Afropop Song of the Year USA for "Fatima," and Jamin Beatz, who was named Afropop Artiste of the Year USA.
The Ghana Music Awards USA celebrates Ghanaian music and artistes in Ghana and the diaspora, providing a platform to recognise their contributions to the growth and promotion of Ghanaian music internationally.
