The 15th HiPipo Music Awards took place on November 13, 2026, at the Kampala Serena Hotel in Uganda. The event brought together artists, music industry professionals, and other stakeholders from Uganda, East Africa, and the African continent. The awards ceremony recognized outstanding achievements in music, with The Ben from Rwanda emerging as the East Africa Best Artist. This award marks a significant milestone in The Ben's career, as he competes with established artists from East Africa.
The Ben was nominated in three categories: East Africa Best Artist, East Africa Best Act/Song, and Africa Number One. He won the East Africa Best Artist award, beating other top artists such as Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania, Bien from Kenya, and Jose Chameleone from Uganda. The Ben's song 'Inshallah' was also nominated for the East Africa Best Act/Song category. Although he did not win in the other categories, his win in the East Africa Best Artist category is a notable achievement.
Other Rwandan artists who were nominated but did not win include Element EleéeH and Bruce Melodie. Element EleéeH, whose real name is Mugisha Robinson, was nominated for the East Africa Best Artist award but lost to The Ben. Element EleéeH and Bien from Kenya were also nominated for the Africa Best Act/Song category for their song 'Ayayaah'. Bruce Melodie was nominated for the Africa Best Act/Song category for his song 'Pom Pom', but the award went to Joshua Baraka and JAE5 for their song 'This Time'.
Joshua Baraka from Uganda had a successful night, winning two major awards: Africa Number One and Artist of the Year. The Artist of the Year award recognizes the artist who has performed exceptionally well over the past year. King Saha, Karole Kasita, and The Ganda Boys were among other winners of major awards, taking home Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, and African Heritage Award, respectively.
The HiPipo Music Awards have been held annually for 15 years, aiming to promote and recognize outstanding achievements in music in Uganda, East Africa, and the African continent. This year's event had 15 categories, including Best Regional Song, Breakthrough Artist, and Most Viral Song. The awards ceremony provides a platform for artists to showcase their talents and compete with their peers.
The Ben's win is a significant milestone for Rwandan music, as he becomes the first Rwandan artist to win a major award at the HiPipo Music Awards. His achievement is expected to inspire other Rwandan artists to pursue international recognition. The HiPipo Music Awards have played a crucial role in promoting East African music, and The Ben's win is a testament to the growing influence of Rwandan music on the continent.
Abitex, also known as Abbey Musinguzi, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 for his contributions to the music industry. The HiPipo Music Awards will continue to provide a platform for artists to showcase their talents and compete for recognition. The event has become a premier music awards ceremony in East Africa, and its impact on the music industry is expected to continue growing.
Key points
- The Ben from Rwanda won the East Africa Best Artist award at the 15th HiPipo Music Awards held in Kampala, Uganda.
