The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) reached a spectacular finale in Lagos on Sunday night, January 11, 2026. Nigerian sensation Rema emerged as the standout performer of the night, taking home the coveted Artiste of the Year award. The Eko Convention Centre hosted a gathering of the continent’s most influential musical figures and diplomats, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and representatives from the African Union. The event, which was broadcast live to over 84 countries, served as a powerful showcase for the global dominance of Afrobeats and the diverse traditional sounds of Africa.
Burna Boy’s critically acclaimed project, No Sign of Weakness, was named Album of the Year, further solidifying his position as a primary architect of modern African music. The night was also a major success for Yemi Alade, who won the award for Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary for her work on the animated series Iyanu. In the competitive Song of the Year category, Shallipopi emerged victorious with his hit single Laho, while the Most Promising Artiste title was awarded to the rising Nigerian star Qing Madi. The ceremony featured electrifying performances from over 25 A-list artists, turning the Lagos cultural fiesta into a night of continental unity.
The 2026 awards highlighted significant talent from across all African regions. Tanzania’s Jux was crowned Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, while Madagascar’s Denise claimed the Best Female Artiste title for the same region. Central Africa saw big wins for Cindy Le Coeur from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Singuila from the Republic of Congo. Southern African music was well-represented by Ethiopia’s Weeha, who won Best African Dance/Choreography, and South Africa’s Nomcebo Zikode, who was recognized for her collaborative video work.
