The Myogenic Excellence Music Awards — known simply as MEMA — returns in 2026 with its most ambitious edition yet. Spanning 101 categories across 22 nomination groups, MEMA 2026 is not just an awards ceremony; it is a declaration that Kenyan music in all its forms deserves to be seen, celebrated, and elevated.
What Is MEMA?
MEMA was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that Kenya's musicians are world-class, and that a platform worthy of their talent must exist. The Myogenic Excellence Music Awards was created to fill that gap — to become the definitive home of music recognition in East Africa.
Since its inception, MEMA has grown from a grassroots celebration into a nationally recognised institution. The 2026 edition represents a quantum leap: more categories, more genres, more regions, and more impact than ever before.
The Scale of MEMA 2026
This year's ceremony features 101 award categories across 22 thematic groups. From the pulsating energy of Afrobeats and Urban music to the devotional depth of Gospel and Worship, from the wordsmithery of Hip-Hop and Rap to the elegance of Jazz and Blues — MEMA 2026 leaves no genre behind.
Two entirely new groups make their debut this year: Creators & Influencers, recognising the digital voices shaping how Kenya engages with music, and Regional Excellence, which ensures that talent flourishing outside of Nairobi receives the national recognition it deserves.
The 22 Nomination Groups
The full breadth of MEMA 2026's category structure spans:
- Afrobeats & Urban (8 categories)
- Gospel & Worship (12 categories)
- Hip-Hop & Rap (5 categories)
- R&B & Soul (4 categories)
- Dancehall & Reggae (3 categories)
- Traditional & Cultural (4 categories)
- Pop & Contemporary (4 categories)
- Jazz & Blues (3 categories)
- Music Production (5 categories)
- Songwriting & Composition (3 categories)
- Music Video & Visual Arts (4 categories)
- Live Performance & Events (3 categories)
- Media & Entertainment (3 categories)
- Digital & Social Media (8 categories)
- Industry & Business (3 categories)
- Education & Mentorship (2 categories)
- Diaspora & International (2 categories)
- Youth & Emerging Talent (3 categories)
- Humanitarian & Community Impact (2 categories)
- Lifetime Achievement & Legends (2 categories)
- Creators & Influencers (8 categories) — NEW
- Regional Excellence (10 categories) — NEW
A Night Like No Other
The MEMA Gala 2026 promises to be a spectacle — live performances from Kenya's biggest stars, emotional award presentations, and a room full of the people who make Kenya's music industry tick. Whether you are an artist, a fan, an industry professional, or simply a lover of great music, MEMA is your night.
Beyond the Awards
MEMA's vision extends well beyond the night itself. The platform is building lasting infrastructure for Kenyan music: a Music Sacco to provide financial tools for artists, healthcare access for musicians who lack it, and mentorship pathways connecting established artists with the next generation. MEMA is a movement.
How to Get Involved
Whether you want to vote for your favourite artists, attend the gala, or nominate deserving talent, MEMA 2026 has a role for you. Head to the nominations section to see who's in the running, cast your votes during the public voting window, and secure your tickets before they sell out.
This is Kenya's night. And it belongs to every one of us who has ever been moved by music.