Nigerian artists dominated the spotlight at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA 2026), which concluded on January 11 in Lagos, with several top honours going to performers from the country.
The week-long celebration brought together musicians, producers, songwriters, and industry professionals from across Africa and the diaspora. Winners were selected by a jury of music experts, reflecting the diversity and growing global influence of African music.
Rema, Burna Boy Lead the Night
Singer Rema emerged as the most awarded artist of the ceremony, winning three major categories, including Artist of the Year.
Burna Boy secured the prestigious Album of the Year award for No Sign of Weakness and also won Best African Collaboration alongside Shallipopi. Shallipopi further claimed Song of the Year with his viral hit “Laho.”
Other Nigerian Winners
Nigeria continued its strong showing across categories:
- Yemi Alade won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for “You Are” from the animated series Iyanu.
- Phyno was named Best African Artiste in African Hip Hop.
- Qing Madi clinched Most Promising Artiste of the Year.
- Chella won African Fans’ Favourite.
Continental Representation
Artists from other African regions were also recognised:
- Bakhaw Dioum (Senegal) won Songwriter of the Year.
- DJ Moh Green (Algeria) took home DJ of the Year.
- Wendy Shay (Ghana) won Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.
- Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa) claimed Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa.
- Juma Jux (Tanzania) emerged as Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.
The results once again highlighted the continued global reach of Afrobeats, with Nigerian artists maintaining a strong presence across both mainstream and specialised categories.
🏆 AFRIMA 2026 – Selected Winners by Category
Artist of the Year
- Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
Album of the Year
- No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria) – Winner
Song of the Year
- “Laho” – Shallipopi (Nigeria) – Winner
Best African Collaboration
- Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho” (Nigeria) – Winner
Best African DJ
- DJ Moh Green (Algeria) – Winner
Songwriter of the Year
- Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Senegal) – Winner
Most Promising Artiste of the Year
- Qing Madi (Nigeria) – Winner
African Fans’ Favourite
- Chella (Nigeria) – Winner
Best African Artiste in African Hip Hop
- Phyno (Nigeria) – Winner
Best African Artiste in R&B & Soul
- Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
(Other regional and genre winners were announced across Central, Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Africa, reflecting the continent’s musical diversity.)
How did this story make you feel?
Join the conversation
Share a thoughtful response. Submissions may be reviewed before appearing.
Reader responses are closed on older stories.
