A diverse cohort of 13 nominees, spanning 11 individual artists, a popular musical group, and an acclaimed feature film, will carry Antigua and Barbuda’s flag into the 2026 Zikomo Africa & Caribbean Awards, an annual international celebration of cross-regional talent and impact set to take place this December in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The nation’s nominees cover a broad spectrum of categories, ranging from music and film production to humanitarian action and community leadership, with two standout local creators earning nods in two separate award categories each.
Founded in 2021 in Lusaka, Zambia, the Zikomo Awards were created to honor exceptional contributions across entertainment, media, philanthropy, governance, and social change. What began as a regional recognition platform for African creators has since expanded its scope to elevate outstanding talent from across the Caribbean, creating a rare space for cross-cultural connection and celebration between two dynamic global regions.
Organizers have confirmed the event will be hosted at Dar es Salaam’s iconic Super Dome, though public scheduling information currently carries a small, unresolved discrepancy: the venue’s official event calendar lists the awards ceremony for December 9, while the accompanying event description on the same page marks the date as December 11. To date, no official clarification has been issued to resolve the conflicting date announcements, leaving attendees and nominees awaiting updated details.
In the music categories, Antigua and Barbuda’s representation runs deep. Local producer Andrew “Smilus” Dorsette picked up two nominations: one for Best Music Producer of the Year, and a second for Best Caribbean Gospel Artist of the Year. He will be joined in the gospel category by fellow Antiguan artist Rashid Walker. Reggae and soca star Claudette Peters earned a nomination for Best Caribbean Artist of the Year, while Asher Otto is in the running for Best Female Artist of the Year, and fan-favorite Tian Winter secured a spot in the Best Male Artist of the Year category. Dancehall creators Drastic and Bless Eye both picked up nominations for Best Dancehall Artist of the Year, emerging artist Enoch Thomas is nominated for Best New Artist of the Year, and the popular local group Climaxx Band is contending for the title of Best Band/Duo of the Year.
In film and television, Antigua and Barbuda’s creative scene is also well-represented. Filmmaker Dr. Noel Howell earned dual nominations, competing for both Best Movie/TV Series Producer of the Year and Best Movie/TV Series Director of the Year. His feature film *Deep Blue* is also a contender in the standalone Best Film/TV Series/Documentary category. Outside of creative fields, the nation’s community leaders earned recognition as well: Joshuanette Francis is nominated for Best Humanitarian of the Year, and Dr. Apostle Stanshaw Cornelius is nominated for Best Impact Woman of the Year.