The Flames 2026: Théodora at the top, Gims crowned and Kerchak's face finally revealed! (Complete Winners List)

The fourth edition of the Flammes ceremony lived up to all its promises this Friday, April 24, 2026. Between expected triumphs, surprise returns, and moments of strong emotion, the Seine Musicale vibrated to the rhythm of rap, R&B, and new pop.

While the evening logically crowned the new queen of the urban scene, Théodora, and crowned Gims among the men, it will above all be remembered for a historic event: Kerchak finally took off his hood. Here is the full summary and complete winners list of the Flammes 2026.

The shock event: Kerchak reveals his face to the public!

This is THE sequence that set social media on fire and left the Seine Musicale audience speechless. While singer Bamby, nominated for the Female Artist of the Year Flame, performed her hit Pas Jalouse, a major surprise guest joined her on stage: Kerchak.

Until now, the rapper had built a mysterious visual identity, always performing masked or hooded since the start of his career. Kerchak appeared on stage without his hood, revealing his face to all of France for the very first time. A real shockwave swept through the room, triggering a deafening ovation. This television moment, already called historic for French rap, marks a radical turning point in the artist's career. No more anonymity, Kerchak enters a new era, and he chose the prestigious Flammes stage to make his mark. A masterclass in communication!

Théodora, the undisputed Boss Lady (5 flames)

It’s a real clean sweep. At only 22 years old, Théodora literally crushed the competition. She walked away with five trophies, including the supreme award: the Female Artist of the Year Flame, handed over by Angèle. She succeeds Shay, beating heavyweights like Aya Nakamura and Wejdene.

British star Jorja Smith, a surprise guest, also presented her with the Spotify Album Flame for Mega BBL. Théodora took advantage of her speaking time to deliver a powerful message to victims of domestic violence:

"If there are people who raise their hand against you, who are verbally violent, you are not alone. You can leave, the door is open."

She also teased the arrival of her next album, Sexy Music 4 Life, scheduled for early summer.

Gims, Male Artist of the Year

Despite a complex personal context (recently indicted), Gims won the highly coveted Male Artist of the Year award, beating figures like Jul, Ninho, and Hamza. Absent from the ceremony, the rapper sent a video message thanking his earliest fans, proving that his imprint on the French music industry remains indelible.

Memorable shows and awaited returns

The evening was punctuated by high-level performances:

• The big return of Wejdene: Four years after Glow Up, the 21-year-old singer performed Dans tes bras and announced her new album, Unmade, for May 1st.
• Opening show by L2B: The trio (named Male Revelation) set the stage on fire with an XXL medley, joined by La Fouine for Flying Blue.
• The Bigflo and Oli slap: The Toulouse duo offered an unreleased version of Mexico, with an exclusive verse by Oli written for the occasion, paying tribute to Werenoi, Drake, and Tiakola.
• The Spotify "Phénomènes" show: Spotlight on the new generation with performances by Timar (winner of the rap performance track for Sierra Leone), R2, and Nono La Grinta.

Poignant tributes to Werenoi and Calbo

The ceremony managed to suspend time to honor its departed legends. The emotion was palpable when Driver paid a vibrant tribute to Calbo (Ärsenik), tragically deceased in January 2026.

Later, the Rap Album Flame was awarded posthumously to Werenoi for Diamant noir, the third best-selling album in 2025. The artist left us in May 2025, leaving a great void in the French rap scene.

Also noteworthy is the distinction of the Banlieues Climat association, which received the Social Engagement Flame from producer Michel Zecler.

The complete winners list of Flammes 2026

Here is the summary table of all the winners of this 4th edition: