The Sacred Crown Awards 2026, an initiative of His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, has officially unveiled its list of nominees.

The awards were instituted to celebrate African excellence, preserve the continent’s rich heritage, and honour individuals and institutions whose contributions are positively shaping communities across Africa and beyond.

This year’s nominees span music, culture, traditional leadership, spirituality, humanitarian service, healthcare and public life.

Music and Global Impact: In the highly anticipated African Music Artiste of the Year category, nominees include Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Asake, Black Sherif, Diamond Platnumz, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale.

The Global African Ambassador Award features internationally acclaimed figures such as Idris Elba, Rocky Dawuni, Lupita Nyong’o, Dentaa Amoateng MBE, Wode Maya and Fuse ODG, in recognition of their role in promoting Africa and African excellence on the global stage. Faith and Leadership: For Christian Ministry Leader of the Year, renowned religious leaders have been nominated. They include Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Dr. Mensa Otabil, Archbishop Charles Agyin Asare, Apostle Francis Amoako Attah, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako, Prophet Emmanuel Adjei and Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah. Outstanding religious institutions have also secured nominations, including 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.

Humanitarian and Legacy Honours: The Humanitarian Impact Award recognises individuals whose philanthropic work has transformed lives. Nominees include former First Lady H.E. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin, Ibrahim Mahama, Dr. Kwaku Oteng, H.E. Samira Bawumia and Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II. The Legacy and Lifetime Contribution Award will celebrate some of Africa’s most respected cultural icons. Nominees include Agya Koo Nimo, Pat Thomas, Uncle Ebo Whyte, Grace Omaboe, Amakye Dede and Gyedu-Blay Ambolley. Traditional Leadership and Culture: Traditional leadership remains a major focus.

Nominees for Traditional Leader of the Year include the Nayiri, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, Togbe Afede XIV, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, HRM Nii Odaifio Welentsi III and Yagbonwura Bii-Kuntuo Jewu Soale I.

The Queen Mother of the Year category honours distinguished female traditional leaders for exceptional leadership, cultural stewardship and commitment to community development.

For Young Cultural Ambassador of the Year, nominees include Wode Maya, Stonebwoy, Blitz Bazawule, Dancegod Lloyd, KOD, Okyeame Kwame, Akwasi Agyeman and renowned sculptor Kwame Akoto-Bamfo. The awards will also recognise excellence in heritage preservation, fashion, visual arts, textile innovation, traditional worship, traditional healing, interfaith peacebuilding, gospel ministry, Islamic leadership, herbal medicine, wellness and community development. Supreme Honour: According to organisers, the recipient of the Sacred Crown Supreme Laureate will not be announced ahead of the ceremony.

The prestigious honour will be revealed as a surprise during the Grand Finale on 31 October 2026.

In addition, three posthumous honours will be presented to legendary African icons and ancestors in recognition of their enduring legacies and contributions to African heritage, spirituality, leadership and humanity.

With nominees spanning entertainment, traditional authority, faith, healthcare, philanthropy and culture, the Sacred Crown Awards 2026 is poised to become one of the continent’s most significant celebrations of African excellence, unity, identity and heritage.