The Sacred Crown Awards 2026, an initiative of His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, has officially unveiled an impressive list of nominees featuring some of Africa's most influential personalities in music, culture, traditional leadership and spirituality.

Initiated by His Royal Majesty, the awards reflect his vision of celebrating African excellence, preserving the continent's rich heritage and honouring individuals and institutions whose contributions continue to positively shape communities across Africa and beyond.

The African Music Artiste of the Year category features a fiercely competitive lineup, including Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Asake, Black Sherif, Diamond Platnumz, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale.

The Global African Ambassador Award features internationally acclaimed personalities, including Idris Elba, Rocky Dawuni, Lupita Nyong'o, Dentaa Amoateng MBE, Wode Maya and Fuse ODG, in recognition of their roles in promoting Africa and African excellence on the global stage.

In the Christian Ministry Leader of the Year category, renowned religious leaders 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 have earned nominations.

The Humanitarian Impact Award recognises individuals whose philanthropic and humanitarian work has positively 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 awards will also celebrate some of Africa's most respected cultural icons through the Legacy and Lifetime Contribution Award, with nominees including Agya Koo Nimo, Pat Thomas, Uncle Ebo Whyte, Grace Omaboe, Amakye Dede and Gyedu-Blay Ambolley.

Traditional leadership remains a major focus, with nominees for Traditional Leader of the Year including 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 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, cultural stewardship and commitment to community development.

The Young Cultural Ambassador of the Year category features Wode Maya, Stonebwoy, Blitz Bazawule, Dancegod Lloyd, KOD, Okyeame Kwame, Akwasi Agyeman and renowned sculptor Kwame Akoto-Bamfo.

The Sacred Crown Awards will also recognise excellence in heritage preservation, fashion, visual arts, textile innovation, cultural promotion, traditional worship, traditional healing, interfaith peacebuilding, gospel ministry, Islamic leadership, herbal medicine, wellness, preventive healthcare, pharmaceutical excellence and community development.

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.

According to the 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 October 31, 2026. In addition, three posthumous honours will be presented to legendary African icons and ancestors in recognition of their enduring legacies and exceptional contributions to African heritage, spirituality, leadership and humanity.