Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
THE second edition of the All-Female Artists in Africa Awards (AFAAA) is set to take place in Harare on November 27, with organisers opening the self-nomination process for female creatives from across the continent.
The awards ceremony will be held at Cassino Marina, beginning with a red-carpet reception at 5pm before the main event starts at 7pm.
Founded by Bulawayo-born creative Sarah Dee, a former pupil at Sigombe Primary School and Mandwandwe High School, AFAAA was established to celebrate and recognise the achievements of African women in the creative and cultural industries.
Sarah Dee said the initiative was born out of a desire to ensure female artistes receive recognition while they are still alive to appreciate it.
“I started AFAAA because I got tired of watching talented African women work in the background. I know the hustle, the late nights, the talent with no platform and the brilliance that goes unseen.
“AFAAA was born from a simple truth. African women create, build and lead every single day in music, film, fashion, art, gospel and business, but our stories are rarely centred on. Our work is rarely monetised and our names are rarely called to the front,” she said.
She described the awards as more than just a recognition platform, saying they are part of a broader Pan-African movement aimed at empowering women within the creative economy.
“It is a Pan-African movement to celebrate, elevate and monetise female talent. It is about legacy, jobs and ownership. It is about putting African women at the centre of the creative economy we are already driving. From the Fast Rising Star to the Lifetime Trailblazer, the Side Hustle Queen to the Manager Behind the Throne, from Harare to every corner of the continent, this platform is for you.
“On November 27, 2026, at Cassino Marina, Harare, we will crown 41 queens alongside our Guest of Honour, powerful women of Zimbabwe, partnering ministries, brands and stakeholders. This is our time. This is our continent. This is our legacy,” said Sarah Dee.
The awards are expected to attract female artistes and creatives from across Africa, recognising excellence in music, film, fashion, visual arts, gospel and entrepreneurship while promoting women’s contribution to the continent’s creative industries.
Below is a list of the awards categories;
ALL FEMALE ARTIST AWARDS AFRICA CATEGORIES
RISING & BREAKTHROUGH TALENT
1. The Baobab Award – Fast Rising Star
2. The Phoenix Award – Most Promising New Voice
3. The Spark Award – Best Viral Breakout
PERFORMANCE & CRAFT
4. The Drum Queen Award – Best Live Performer
5. The Griot Award – Best Storyteller/Songwriter
6. The Golden Mic Award – Best Vocalist Africa
7. The Rhythm Queen Award – Best Dancer
IMPACT & INFLUENCE
8. The Ubuntu Award – Voice of the People
9. The Crossover Crown – Best Pan-African Collaboration
10. The Legacy Builder – Lifetime Trailblazer Award
GENRE & SOUND – UNIQUELY AFRICAN
11. The Amapiano Princess Award
12. The Afrofusion Queen Award
13. The Motherland Riddim Award – Best Dancehall/Afro-Reggae
14. The Desert Rose Award – Best North African Voice
CULTURE & STYLE
15. The Ankara Award – Best Music Fashion Icon
16. The Mother Tongue Award – Best Indigenous Language Song
17. The Diaspora Daughter Award
TOP HONOURS
18. The Sarah Dee Visionary Award
19. Queen of the Continent – Best Female Artist Africa
20. The People’s Choice – Fan Favorite Africa
CREATIVE & CRAFT AWARDS | 10
21. The Glam Goddess Award – Best Makeup Artist
22. The Stitch & Style Award – Best Fashion Designer
23. The Heritage Hands Award – Best Hand Crafter
24. The Thuthuka Award – Best Side Hustle Stall
25. The Runway Royalty Award – Best Dressed
26. The Culture Crown – Miss Culture Award
27. The Canvas Queen Award – Best Visual Artist
28. The Voice of Verse Award – Best Female Poet / Spoken Word Artist
29. The Stone & Soul Award – Best Female Sculptor
30. The Ancestral Tale Award – Best Storytelling
AMBASSADORS & SCREEN
31. The Ubuntu Ambassador Award
32. The Silver Screen Legacy Award – Best Legendary Film
33. The Rising Reel Award – Best Rising Actress
34. The Meteor Award – Fast Rising Actress
35. The Screen Voice Award – Best TV Presenter/Personality
SOUND & SPIN
36. The Turntable Queen Award – Best Female DJ
37. The New Wave DJ Award – Fast Rising DJ
GOSPEL & CHOIR
38. The Heaven’s Seed Award – Fast Rising Gospel Artist
39. The Heaven’s Voice Award – Best African Gospel Artist
40. The Hosanna Choir Award – Best African Female Choral Group
MANAGEMENT & EXECUTIVE
41. The Power Behind The Throne Award – Best Female Artist Manager
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