Ariel Wayz Set to Represent Rwanda at AFRIMMA 2026 This Weekend

Rwandan singer and songwriter Ariel Wayz is preparing for one of the biggest international moments of her career as she represents Rwanda at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA).

The Kigali-born artist is nominated in the Best Female East Africa category, placing her among female musicians recognised from across the East African region.

The 2026 AFRIMMA programme will take place on Saturday, September 12, at Annette Strauss Square at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Texas.

Ariel Wayz Carries Rwanda Into the Regional Category

Ariel Wayz, born Arielle Uwayezu, is Rwanda's music representative among this year's nominees.

Her nomination was initially announced in July and has returned to the spotlight as the awards weekend approaches.

The recognition comes during a period in which the singer has continued expanding her career beyond Rwanda and positioning herself within the wider East African music industry.

Ariel has built her catalogue around R&B, Afropop and contemporary African sounds, developing from her early work at the Nyundo School of Music into a solo career that has increasingly reached audiences outside Rwanda.

A Major International Platform

AFRIMMA — the African Muzik Magazine Awards — recognises artists and entertainment figures from Africa and its diaspora.

This year's programme is expanding beyond the traditional awards format with the AFRIMMA Music Fest, bringing live music, African culture, fashion, food and entertainment together in Dallas.

Official information from AFRIMMA confirms that the festival takes place on September 12 and will feature artists and DJs representing different parts of the continent.

The AT&T Performing Arts Center also lists the AFRIMMA Music Fest at Strauss Square on the same date.

Ariel Wayz's International Push

The nomination adds another international milestone to Ariel Wayz's career.

In 2025, the Rwandan singer signed with Universal Music Group East Africa, a move aimed at expanding the reach of her music beyond Rwanda.

She has since continued pursuing regional collaborations, including working with Kenyan singer-songwriter Bensoul.

Her growing East African profile now places her in contention for an AFRIMMA award dedicated specifically to female talent from the region.

What an AFRIMMA Win Could Mean

A win would give Ariel Wayz another significant international credential while also increasing Rwanda's visibility in an awards platform focused on African music.

Rwandan artists have increasingly pursued audiences outside the domestic market through international collaborations, streaming platforms, major festivals and record-label partnerships.

Ariel's nomination reflects that broader movement.

Regardless of the final result, competing in the Best Female East Africa category places a Rwandan artist within a regional conversation involving some of East Africa's most visible female musicians.

The winners are expected to be revealed as part of the AFRIMMA weekend in Dallas on September 12, 2026.

For Rwanda's music industry, all eyes will be on Ariel Wayz.

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Editor's Note: Ariel Wayz's AFRIMMA nomination and the September 12 event have been independently verified. The New Times reported on September 8 that Ariel Wayz had travelled to the United States ahead of the event, but Lyrica has not independently verified her travel status, so that claim has not been presented as fact in this article.