The maiden Sacred Crown Awards 2026, an initiative by King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, has announced its nominees, bringing together some of Africa’s biggest names across entertainment, culture, religion, traditional leadership and humanitarian service.

The awards scheme, which seeks to celebrate African identity, heritage and individuals making remarkable contributions to society, has attracted nominations from personalities across the continent and the diaspora.

In the African Music Artiste of the Year category, Ghana’s top artistes Black Sherif (Mohammed Ismail Sherif), Stonebwoy (Livingstone Etse Satekla), and Shatta Wale (Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr.) will compete with African superstars including Burna Boy (Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu), Davido (David Adeleke), Rema (Divine Ikubor), Asake (Ahmed Ololade), and Diamond Platnumz (Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack).

The Global African Ambassador Award category also features personalities recognised for projecting Africa internationally, including actor Idris Elba, musician Rocky Dawuni, actress Lupita Nyong’o, Dentaa Amoateng MBE, content creator Wode Maya (Berthold Kobby Winkler) and musician Fuse ODG (Nana Richard Abiona).

The Christian Ministry Leader of the Year category includes prominent Ghanaian religious figures such as 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.

Other notable nominees include business leaders, philanthropists and public figures such as Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Dr Osei Kwame Despite, Ibrahim Mahama, Dr Kwaku Oteng, Samira Bawumia and Dr Samuel Amo Tobbin, who are competing for recognition in the Humanitarian Impact category.

The awards will also honour cultural legends, with icons such as Agya Koo Nimo, Pat Thomas, Uncle Ebo Whyte, Grace Omaboe (Maame Dokono), Amakye Dede and Gyedu-Blay Ambolley receiving nominations for their lifelong contributions to African culture.

Traditional leaders have also been recognised, with nominees including 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.

According to organisers, the winner of the Sacred Crown Supreme Laureate award will remain undisclosed until the grand finale scheduled for October 31, 2026.

The ceremony will additionally feature special posthumous honours for legendary African figures whose works and legacies have contributed to the continent’s cultural, spiritual and social development.

With a nominee list covering music, faith, traditional authority, healthcare, arts and philanthropy, the Sacred Crown Awards 2026 is set to become a major platform for celebrating African excellence and preserving the continent’s heritage.

Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang