The DUK Cool Upper East Music Awards (DCUEMA) 2026 has officially opened nominations for its upcoming edition, inviting musicians, music industry professionals, entertainers and creative talents across the Upper East Region and beyond to submit their nominations for recognition.
According to an official announcement from the organisers, nominations opened on 20th October 2026 and will close on 20th November 2026.
The awards scheme, powered by DUK Cool and AfroVotes, seeks to recognise excellence, celebrate outstanding achievements and honour individuals and organisations contributing to the growth of music and entertainment in the Upper East Region.
With the slogan “Excellence has a sound, and it’s from the North!”, DCUEMA 2026 is expected to provide a platform for recognising deserving talents across various sectors of the creative industry.
FULL LIST OF DUK COOL UPPER EAST MUSIC AWARDS 2026 CATEGORIES
The 2026 edition features several categories grouped into different award segments.
1. Major Awards
– Artiste of the Year
– New Act of the Year
– Songwriter of the Year
– Album/EP of the Year
– Most Popular Song of the Year
– Collaboration of the Year
2. Genre Awards
– Afropop Song of the Year
– Afrobeat Song of the Year
– Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year
– Highlife Song of the Year
– Hiplife Song of the Year
– Hip-hop Song of the Year
– Gospel Song of the Year
– Kologo Artiste of the Year
3. Industry and Entertainment Awards
– DJ of the Year
– Music Promoter of the Year
– Music Influencer of the Year
– Entertainment Personality of the Year
– Group of the Year
– Best MC/Hype Person of the Year
4. Fashion and Creative Arts
– Fashion Designer of the Year
– Art Stylist of the Year
– Art Fashion Model of the Year
– Art Creative Photographer of the Year
5. Special Recognition Awards
– Outstanding Contribution to Music
– Entertainment Icon of the Year
– Lifetime Achievement Award
HOW TO FILE YOUR NOMINATION
Interested individuals and music industry stakeholders can submit their nominations through the official AfroVotes website.
Nomination portal: www.afrovotes.com
For enquiries, further information and assistance, interested persons can contact the organisers through the following telephone numbers:
– 0209 868 770
– 0537 850 906
With nominations scheduled to close on 20th November 2026, artistes, managers, promoters, DJs, entertainment personalities and other eligible industry players are encouraged to take advantage of the nomination period.
As the Upper East Region continues to showcase its rich musical heritage and creative talents, the DUK Cool Upper East Music Awards 2026 presents another opportunity to celebrate excellence and give deserving industry players the recognition they deserve.
Stay connected for more updates on the DUK Cool Upper East Music Awards 2026.
