Wendy Shay triumphs at AFRIMA, lifts Ghana with ‘too late’

Ghana’s Wendy Shay has added a major continental honour to her growing list of achievements after winning Best Female Artiste in Western Africa at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The award, presented at a star-studded ceremony at the Eko Hotel in Nigeria, was secured with her hit song Too Late, which has enjoyed massive airplay and online success across the continent.

Wendy Shay topped a fiercely competitive category that featured some of West Africa’s biggest female stars, including Amaarae and Moliy of Ghana, Nigeria’s Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage, Josey of Côte d’Ivoire, Djelykaba Bintou from Guinea, Mariam Ba Lagaré of Mali, and Senegalese singers Mia Guissé and Viviane Chidid.

Fighting back tears in her acceptance speech, Wendy Shay thanked her fans, management team and record label for standing by her through her journey. She also expressed appreciation to AFRIMA for recognising her work, noting that breaking through in the male-dominated music industry is never easy for women.

“This award means everything to me,” she said, dedicating it to women who continue to push boundaries in music and encouraging young artistes not to give up on their dreams.

The night was even more memorable as it marked Wendy Shay’s first visit to Nigeria.

She had already drawn admiration on the red carpet, proudly wearing a striking Kente outfit that celebrated her Ghanaian heritage.

Later, she thrilled the audience with a powerful performance of Too Late, joined by her mentee Tracy Shay, whose viral dance routines have helped propel the song’s popularity across social media.