Ghana’s music scene received another major boost as singer Wendy Shay emerged winner of the Best Female Artist (West Africa) category at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Nigeria.
The award, one of the most competitive at the ceremony, saw Wendy Shay edge past notable contenders including Amaarae and Moliy, highlighting her impact and consistency in the West African music space.
Upon receiving the honour, the Too Late hitmaker delivered a heartfelt speech, first giving thanks to God and then acknowledging the unwavering support of her fans, known as the Shay Gang. She also paid tribute to her management and partners, Rufftown Records and 1RPM, crediting them for walking with her throughout her career.
In a moment that caught the attention of many, Wendy Shay publicly recognized Tracy Shay, who accompanied her to the awards, despite recent reports of tension between them. The singer credited Tracy for helping push Too Late to viral status through her dance, openly appreciating her contribution on stage.
Using the platform to share her personal story, Wendy Shay spoke about the difficulties she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She revealed that her early days in music were marked by intense criticism and bullying, but persistence and faith helped her rise above the challenges. She encouraged emerging artists not to lose hope, urging them to see her journey as proof that determination can overcome adversity.
The singer also thanked AFRIMA for the recognition and for giving her the chance to represent West African women on such a global stage. She expressed excitement about visiting Nigeria for the first time through the awards and dedicated the win to Ghana, calling on international audiences to pay closer attention to the country’s growing pool of talented artists.
Wendy Shay capped the night with an energetic performance, proudly waving the Ghanaian flag as she thrilled the audience, turning the moment into a celebration of Ghanaian music and culture.
The AFRIMA win adds to Wendy Shay’s growing list of achievements and reinforces her position as one of the leading female voices in West African music today.
