Uganda’s music industry celebrated its finest on February 10, 2026, as the 13th edition of the Zzina Awards (2025–26) lit up Paradigm Bar & Lounge in Kansanga in a glamorous night of talent, fashion, and fan power.

The prestigious awards ceremony, broadcast live on Galaxy TV, kicked off with a vibrant pre-awards show and red carpet before culminating in the main awards gala. Online voting officially opened on January 20, 2026, at 8PM EAT through the Zzina Awards page, giving fans the ultimate say in who took home the accolades.

Kapeke Emerges the Biggest Winner of the Night

Rapper Kapeke was undeniably the star of the evening, sweeping multiple major categories and cementing his dominance in Uganda’s urban music scene.

He won:

• Best LugaFlow/Rap Song – Kaba

• Best LugaFlow/Rap Artist

• Best Male Artist

• Song of the Year – Kaba

• Artist of the Year

His hit single Kaba stood out as the anthem of the season, earning both critical acclaim and overwhelming fan support.

Tracy Melon’s Breakthrough Moment

It was also a defining night for Tracy Melon, who walked away with:

• Best Female Artist

• Best Contemporary Urban Artist

• Breakthrough Artist

Her meteoric rise signals a fresh wave of female talent shaping Uganda’s contemporary urban sound.

Sheebaholics, Karole Kasita and More Shine

The awards reflected the diversity and growth of Uganda’s music and entertainment industry.

Other notable winners included:

• Best Fans Team – Sheebaholics

• Best Afrobeats Song – Somebody – Sheebah Karungi

• Best Dancehall Song – Go (Remix) – Karole Kasita Ft. Elijah Kitaka

• Best Dancehall Artist – Karole Kasita

• Best Collaboration – See You Tonight – Omega 256 + Cindy Sanyu

• Best Producer – Bassboi

• Best Song Writer – Dokta Brain

• Best Contemporary Urban Song – Wrong Places – Joshua Baraka + Jae5

• Best Inspirational Song – My Life – Mozelo Kidz + John Blaq

• Best Comedy Content Creator – Mickey Seems 2Funny

Honoring Excellence Beyond Music

The Zzina Awards also recognized impact beyond the recording booth.

• Sports Personality of the Year – Jacob Kiplimo

• Legend Award – Iryn Namubiru

The Legend Award celebrated Iryn Namubiru’s longstanding contribution to Ugandan music, honoring her legacy and influence across generations.

A Night Powered by Fans

With online voting playing a central role, the 13th Zzina Awards once again underscored the power of fan engagement in shaping Uganda’s entertainment landscape.

From LugaFlow dominance to Afrobeats excellence and dancehall energy, the 2026 edition reflected an industry that continues to evolve, diversify, and expand its global footprint.

As the curtains closed in Kansanga, one message was clear: Uganda’s music scene is vibrant, competitive, and entering an exciting new chapter.