The two sisters shared their emotions shortly after receiving the trophy, describing the recognition as a major blessing in their musical journey.

In a message shared with their followers, Alicia Ufitimana said: “A moment of gratitude and light. We are humbled to receive the Shining Star Africa Award. All thanks to God, the wonderful team behind this award, and everyone who supported our journey. Be blessed.”

One of the members, Germaine Ufitimana, also shared her personal reaction after the victory, emphasizing that the achievement was made possible by God.

She said: “From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful to have won a trophy at the Shining Star Africa Awards in the category of Best Star New Gospel Artist. It is a big blessing to be recognized as the New Gospel Artist of the Year in Africa. In our musical journey, it is God who enables us, not our own strength. May God bless you all.”

The Shining Star Africa Awards 2026 ceremony was held in Kigali on March 7, 2026 at Olympic Hotel. This was the first time the awards ceremony took place in Rwanda after several previous editions were held in South Africa.

Alicia & Germaine competed with several Gospel artists from different African countries before finally emerging as winners in the Best Star New Gospel Artist category.

Their victory marks an important milestone for the duo, who have been gaining popularity through their Gospel music, especially songs like “Ibendera,” which has been widely appreciated by Gospel music fans.

The award is also seen as a sign of the growing influence of Rwandan Gospel music on the African stage.

Winners of Shining Star Africa Awards 2026
1. Best Star Upcoming Actress East Africa – Mama Lavie
2. Best Star Protocol – Kigali Protocol (Rwanda)
3. Best Star New Gospel Artist – Alicia & Germaine (Rwanda)
4. Best Star Female DJ – DJ Zebra Queen (Rwanda)
5. Best Star Female Artist East Africa – Bwiza (Rwanda)

6. Best Star Dancer East Africa – Iamkizii
7. Best Star Artist East Africa – The Ben (Rwanda)
8. Best Star Actress East Africa – Jojo
9. Best Star Content Creator – Clapton Kibonge (Rwanda)
10. Best Rising Star Southern/East Africa – Boni Shy

11. Best Male Artist East Africa – Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
12. Best Makeup Artist – Uwitonze Josiane
13. Best Lifetime Achievement (Music/Management) – Noopja
14. Best Lifetime Achievement (Music) – Massamba Intore (Rwanda)
15. Best Lifetime Achievement (Movie/Media) – Nelly Wilson Misago

16. Best Inspirational Man – Rocky Kimomo
17. Best Female Model – Miss Ivy
18. Best Fashion Designer East Africa – Dany Uno Model
19. Best Dancer – Divine Uwa
20. Best Artist Manager East Africa – Uhujimfura Jean Claude

21. Best Song of the Year – Prince Luv (Zambia)
22. Best Author – Nyericko Nyerere (Tanzania)
23. Best Young Achiever of the Year – Anania Junior (Tanzania)
24. Best Videographer of the Year – Alpha Anne (Gambia)
25. Best Songwriter of the Year – Zyrah (Tanzania)

26. Best Artist Southern Africa – Topcheri (Namibia)
27. Best Band – Twangs Pepeta (Tanzania)
28. Best Actress – Helen Tesfay (Eritrea/Uganda)
29. Best Logistic Company of the Year 2025/26 – Xerin Logistics (Tanzania)
30. Best Star Agripreneur of the Year – Golden Agrochemicals (Tanzania)

31. Best Male Artist – Juma Jux (Tanzania)
32. Best Music Producer of the Year – King Nachi (Zambia)
33. Best Fashion Designer – Ria Fernandes (Tanzania)
34. Best Gospel Artist – Mungu Feni (Uganda)
35. Best Member of Parliament of the Year – Hon. Mohammed Mcchengerwa (Tanzania)

36. Best TV Personality East Africa – Blandy Star
37. Best Star Photographer – CK Media (Zambia)
38. Best Star Entrepreneur – Mugabo Julius (Rwanda)
39. Best Upcoming Actor – Shali Ahmed (Uganda)
40. Best Star Female Entrepreneur – Priscilla Ajoke Ojo (Nigeria)

41. Best Star Model of the Year – Harara Tesfaya (Ethiopia)
42. Best Business Man – Hussein Jamal (Tanzania)
43. Best Upcoming Artist – Noela (Uganda)
44. Best Rising Star East Africa – Davide (Tanzania)
45. Best Star Artist Southern Africa of the Year – Topcheri (Namibia)

46. Best Rising Star Southern Africa of the Year – Deco (Zambia)
47. Best DJ – DJ Zebra (Rwanda)
48. Best Model of the Year – Harare Tesfya (Ethiopia)
49. Best Make Up Artist of the Year – Mikal Stanely (Tanzania)
50. Best Actress in a TV Series – Zodwa Khumalo

51. Best Female Artist of the Year – Nomina (Botswana)
52. Best Star Techpreneur of the Year – Ntaringwa Jackson (Rwanda)
53. Best Radio Personality of the Year – MC Tino (Rwanda)

Alicia Ufitimana

Germaine Ufitimana

Alicia and Germaine are inspiring Gospel artists

Don’t forget to watch and be blessed by their inspiring song Ibendera by Alicia & Germaine.