Kenyan singer and songwriter Nikita Kering has won the Best Female East Africa award at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), adding another major regional accolade to her collection. The awards were held in Dallas, Texas, on September 12, with Kering emerging as the winner in a competitive East African category. AFRIMMA’s official winners list confirms her victory. Kering was nominated alongside fellow Kenyans Njerae and Bridgit Blue, as well as Tanzania’s Zuchu and Abigail Chams, Ethiopia’s Veronica Adane and Salemia, Rwanda’s Ariel Wayz and Uganda’s Winnie Mwagi. The latest win brings Kering’s AFRIMMA tally to five awards.
Kering’s association with AFRIMMA dates back to 2019, when she won two awards at the ceremony, including Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa and Revelation of the African Continent. She returned to the winners’ list in 2021, collecting Best Female Artiste East Africa and Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African R&B and Soul. Her 2026 victory gives her three wins in the Best Female East Africa category across the years. The latest award further establishes Kering’s long-running presence at one of the major African music awards held in the United States.
Kering was one of several Kenyan artists nominated for the 2026 awards. Bien was nominated for Best Male East Africa, while Njerae and Bridgit Blue joined Kering in the female category. Veteran musician Nameless was nominated for the Timeless Impact Award. Kering emerged as the only Kenyan winner among the country’s nominees at this year’s ceremony, according to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. Tanzania’s Marioo won Best Male East Africa, while Nigeria’s Timaya received the Timeless Impact Award.
The award comes as Kering continues to build her catalogue around R&B, soul and contemporary African pop. Her latest project, The Lick Back, was released shortly before the awards ceremony. KBC reported that Kering responded to the AFRIMMA victory on social media with a brief message of thanks. For Kering, the Dallas ceremony adds another regional recognition to a career that has already included multiple AFRIMMA wins. Her latest trophy also places her among the Kenyan artists who have repeatedly secured recognition in the Best Female East Africa category since AFRIMMA began honouring regional talent.