Rwandan singer The Ben has received three nominations for the 2026 HiPipo Music Awards, placing him among artists competing for some of the event’s top honours.
The HiPipo Music Awards celebrate music and artists from across Africa, recognising songs and performers that have made an impact in different parts of the continent.
The Ben’s nominations span both continental and East African categories.
He is competing for the Africa Number One award alongside Asake, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tyla, Diamond Platnumz, DJ Maphorisa, Jose Chameleone, Joshua Baraka, Mohamed Ramadan and Uncle Waffles.
His song “Inshallah” is nominated for East African Song of the Year, alongside Bruce Melodie’s “Pom Pom” and Element EleéeH’s “Ayayaah”, among other entries.
The Ben is also nominated for East African Artist of the Year, where his competitors include Element EleéeH, Diamond Platnumz and Bien.
The awards are organised by HiPipo (U) Ltd, a Ugandan organisation whose music awards grew out of the HiPipo Charts Festival, launched in 2012.
The first HiPipo Music Awards ceremony was held on February 9, 2013, at Theatre La Bonita in Kampala. The event has since been held annually, growing into a platform that recognises musical talent from across Africa.
The awards consider songs released during the previous 12 months.
The 2026 HiPipo Music Awards ceremony is scheduled for November 13 at Kampala Serena Hotel in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
