Award-winning Namibian musician Monica Pineas, known as TopCheri, has been named the best star artist for southern Africa (2025/2026) at the Shining Stars Africa Awards.
The continental awards ceremony, which celebrates excellence and creativity across Africa, took place on Saturday in Kigali, Rwanda, and brought together artists, entrepreneurs and leaders from across the continent.
TopCheri says she was surprised but deeply grateful for the recognition.
“I am honestly overwhelmed with gratitude for winning this award.
It means more to me than words can express. This moment is not just mine – it belongs to everyone who supported me, believed in me and voted for me,” she says.
The Namibian star also delivered a performance at the ceremony, further cementing her growing presence on the international stage.
She performed one of her favourite songs, ‘Star’, during the event.
The award comes after the release of her final album, ‘I Am Monika’, which came out last year.
In a recent interview, TopCheri said the project reflects her personal journey and experiences.
She described the album as inspirational and close to her heart.
“I felt the need to tell my story in song – the highs, the lows and every lesson along the way,” she said.
She added that the album played a key role in the recognition she received.
Before becoming one of Namibia’s leading female artists, TopCheri worked as a journalist.
She later transitioned into music and rose to prominence around 2017, gradually building a fan base in Namibia and beyond.
Her career has seen her perform on international stages, including shows in Germany, and earn several awards and nominations.
TopCheri began singing while she was still in high school, performing cover songs before eventually developing her own music.
Over the years, she has continued to grow as an artist while also supporting and mentoring other creatives.
She said the latest award adds to a growing list of achievements for her, as she continues to represent Namibia on continental platforms.
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