AFRIMA 2026: A Night of Pan-African Excellence and Nigerian Dominance

The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held in Lagos was more than just an award ceremony; it was a vibrant celebration of African culture, fashion, and the undeniable global power of the continent’s sound. From the high-fashion glamour of the red carpet to the historic wins on the main stage, the night proved once again that when Africa comes together, the world pays attention.

While the competition was fierce across all zones, Nigerian artists ultimately asserted their dominance in the major categories, sweeping four out of the “big five” prizes.

Rema: The Undisputed King of the Night

At just 25 years old, Rema cemented his status as a global icon. Following the record-breaking success of “Calm Down,” the Nigerian sensation walked away with the night’s most prestigious honors:

• Best Male Artist in Western Africa
• Artiste of the Year

In a moving acceptance speech, Rema urged the industry to remain united and support African-owned platforms to ensure the long-term sovereignty of the genre.

Burna Boy and Shallipopi Sweep Top Honors

The “African Giant,” Burna Boy, continued his winning streak. His critically acclaimed 2025 project, No Sign of Weakness, was named Album of the Year.

Meanwhile, Shallipopi proved his viral staying power by claiming Song of the Year for his smash hit “Laho”. The track also earned him the award for Best African Collaboration, which he shared with Burna Boy.

Pan-African Excellence: Winners Beyond Nigeria

While Nigeria took home many of the top trophies, the awards highlighted incredible talent from every corner of the continent:

• Wendy Shay (Ghana): Won Best Female Artist in Western Africa, beating out heavyweights like Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage.
• DDB (Côte d’Ivoire): Crowned Best African Lyricist/Rapper, defeating a competitive field that included Nasty C and Sarkodie.
• Baba Maal (Senegal): Took home Songwriter of the Year.
• DJ Mo Green (Algeria): Named the continent’s Best African DJ.

Unforgettable Performances

The night was punctuated by magical performances that bridged the gap between traditional roots and modern hits:

• Fela and Phyno: The duo brought a raw hip-hop edge to the ceremony with a medley of their hits.
• Adewale Ayuba: The Fuji legend got the crowd of all ages on their feet with his timeless, percussion-heavy sound.
• Wehay (Ethiopia): Delivered a breathtaking performance of “Dim Mama,” showcasing a masterclass in African choreography.
• Seyi Vibez: Closed the show with a spiritual and rhythmic set that served as the perfect grand finale.

The Future of African Music

As the curtains drew on the 9th AFRIMA, the message was clear: African music is evolving, growing, and fusing with global sounds while maintaining its unique identity. The collaboration and connections made in Lagos will continue to push the industry forward long after the trophies have been handed out.

Who was your favorite performer or biggest surprise of the night? Let us know in the comments below!