Kenyan singer and songwriter Nikita Kering’ has won the Best Female East Africa award at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), held in Dallas, Texas.
Kering’ took the Best Female East Africa title ahead of fellow Kenyans Njerae and Bridget Blue, alongside Tanzania’s Abigail Chams and Zuchu, Ethiopia’s Veronica Adane and Salemia, Rwanda’s Ariel Wayz, and Uganda’s Winnie Nwinnie.
With this victory, Kering’ now has five AFRIMMA awards to her name, having previously claimed two honours in 2019 and two more in 2021.
Her latest achievement comes shortly after she released her EP, The Lick Back. According to AFRIMMA’s official artist profile, the project is among her latest releases, while her sound spans Afropop, Bongo Flava and Afro-fusion.
Kenyan singer and songwriter, Nikita Kering. Photo Nikita.Read More: Vijana Barubaru Announce Hiatus as Duo to Pursue Solo Careers
About Nikita Kering’
Nikita Kering’ is a Kenyan vocalist and songwriter known for blending contemporary African sounds with elements of Afropop, Bongo Flava and Afro-fusion.
Her recent EP, The Lick Back, features tracks including “Niwache,” “Give Me My Money,” “Outside” and “Sema Ukweli,” with collaborations with artists such as Sofiya Nzau and Bridget Blue.
Kering’ has built a growing international audience, with more than 74 million total streams, 3.6 million Spotify monthly listeners and 30 million YouTube views.
Her musical journey began at the age of three, when she performed at family gatherings, before gaining wider attention in 2011 following a performance at gospel singer Emmy Kosgei’s album launch.
Since then, she has released charting music, participated in international campaigns and orchestral performances, and worked with major brands.
AFRIMMA’s artist directory features Kering’ among its coverage of East African music and the wider Afrobeats movement.
Brand Partnerships and International Performances
Beyond her music, Kering’ has expanded her profile through high-profile brand partnerships and international performances, working with global companies and platforms while representing contemporary African music on prominent stages.
These collaborations have also placed her at the intersection of music, fashion, beauty and global entertainment, broadening her reach beyond the Kenyan music scene.
Fenty Beauty: Nikita Served as the lead campaigner for the official launch of Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin brands in Nairobi, helping introduce the global beauty brands to the East African market.
Coke Studio Africa: The songwriter collaborated with Khaligraph Jones and Coke Studio Africa on a rendition of her hit song “Ex,” bringing together two prominent Kenyan artists in a high-profile African music collaboration.
BBC 1Xtra: She performed Ex as part of 1Xtra’s Afrobeats Concerto, the first time a full orchestra in the UK staged a dedicated Afrobeats concert. A historic and unforgettable performance.
Netflix: Nikita also featured in Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story campaign alongside a 22-piece all-female orchestra, bringing her artistry to a global streaming audience.
About AFRIMMA
The African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) is an annual awards platform celebrating African music and entertainment.
The awards were launched in 2014 and are held in Dallas, bringing together artists and industry figures from across the continent and the African diaspora.
