The vibrant heart of African music beat strongest in Lagos on Sunday, January 11, 2026, as the Eko Hotels and Suites hosted the grand finale of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). The prestigious ceremony, a glittering convergence of the continent's top musical talents, industry leaders, and devoted fans, celebrated the very best in African sound and artistry.
Nigerian Stars Claim Top Continental Honors
The night belonged decisively to Nigeria's musical elite, who walked away with several of the ceremony's most coveted awards. Rema emerged as one of the biggest highlights, securing three awards. His remarkable haul included the top prize of Artiste of the Year, along with Best African Artiste in RnB & Soul and the regional title of Best Male Artiste in Western Africa.
Fellow superstar Burna Boy continued his award-winning streak by clinching the Album of the Year award for his work "No Sign of Weakness". The hit-making sensation Shallipopi also enjoyed a double victory, as his popular track "Laho" earned both the Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration awards.
Other notable Nigerian winners included Phyno, who was named Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, and Yemi Alade, who won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for "You Are". The promising Qing Madi was crowned the Most Promising Artiste of the Year, while Chella won the African Fans’ Favourite award.
Regional Winners From Across the Continent
While Nigeria shone brightly, AFRIMA 2026 truly celebrated pan-African excellence, with winners hailing from every corner of the continent. The awards recognized outstanding artists within their regional blocs before culminating in the major continental categories.
In Eastern Africa, Tanzania's Juma Jux triumphed as Best Male Artiste, while Madagascar's Denise won Best Female Artiste. The Central African categories saw victories for The Congo's Singuila (Best Male) and the DRC's Cindy Le Coeur (Best Female).
Egypt's iconic Sherine was named Best Female Artiste in Northern Africa. The Southern African region celebrated Zambia's Yo Maps as Best Male Artiste and South Africa's Nontokozo Mkhize as Best Female Artiste. In Western Africa, Ghana's Wendy Shay took home the Best Female Artiste award.
A Night of Glamour and African Unity
The star-studded event was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a powerful display of African cultural unity and glamour. The audience was a who's who of the continent's entertainment scene, featuring Nollywood stars like Iyabo Ojo and Yvonne Jegede alongside musicians and key industry stakeholders from across Africa and the diaspora.
The 9th edition of AFRIMA successfully underscored the dynamic growth and global influence of African music. By honoring both established megastars and promising new voices, the awards in Lagos have once again set the benchmark for musical excellence on the continent, promising an even brighter future for African sound.
