Three Rwandan music stars — The Ben, Bruce Melodie and Element Eleeh — will compete against some of Africa’s biggest names at the 2026 HiPipo Music Awards in Kampala next month.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 13 at Kampala Serena Hotel, bringing together nominees from Uganda, Rwanda and other African countries across categories recognising artists and songs.
The Ben has three nominations, including East Africa Best Artist, where he will compete against Diamond Platnumz, Jose Chameleone, Bien-Aimé Baraza and Ali Kiba.
His song “Inshallah” is also nominated for East Africa Best Act/Song, while he is among the contenders for Africa Number One alongside Burna Boy, Joshua Baraka, Diamond Platnumz, Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr, Tyla and Wizkid.
Bruce Melodie has one nomination for “Pom Pom,” his collaboration with Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and Joel Brown, in the Africa Best Act/Song category.
The song will compete against “Only God Can Save Me” by Adekunle Gold and Davido, “Heaven Baby” by Ayra Starr and Zayn Malik, “Finale” by Bien-Aimé Baraza and Ali Kiba, and “Dai Dai” by Burna Boy and Shakira.
Other nominees in the category include “Colorado” by Ayra Starr, Johnny Drille and Young Jonn, “Blessed and Alive” by Rude Boy and Sarkodie, and “Ayayaah” by Element Eleeh, Bien-Aimé Baraza and Joshua Baraka.
Element has two nominations. He is in contention for East Africa Best Artist and is also nominated for Africa Best Act/Song for “Ayayaah.”
The producer and artist will face The Ben, Diamond Platnumz, Jose Chameleone, Bien-Aimé Baraza and Ali Kiba in the East African artist category.
The Artiste of the Year category has a predominantly Ugandan lineup, including Ava Peace, Joshua Baraka, Stream Of Life Choir, Dax Vibez, Nandor Love UG, King Saha, Sheebah, Elijah Kitaka, Cindy Sanyu and Eddy Kenzo. Stream Of Life Choir won the category last year.
The 2026 HiPipo Music Awards will be held on Nov. 13 at Kampala Serena Hotel, with the winners to be announced across the various regional and continental categories.
