From Lagos to London, New York to Nairobi, the sound of African pop is increasingly unmistakable—and unmistakably Nigerian. That reality was on full display on Sunday, January eleven, 2026, when the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) crowned its biggest winners in Lagos, with Nigerian artistes emerging as the night’s defining force.

Held at the Eko Convention Centre, the ninth edition of AFRIMA marked the climax of a week-long celebration of African music and culture, organised in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Lagos State Government.

The ceremony brought together musicians, film stars, executives, and fans from across the continent and the diaspora, many of whom have helped propel Afrobeats onto global charts.

 

Rema’s Night, Nigeria’s Moment

 

The biggest statement of the night belonged to Rema, who emerged as the most decorated artiste at the ceremony.

The Benin City-born superstar won Artiste of the Year, the most coveted AFRIMA honour, alongside Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African Artiste in R&B and Soul.

READ ALSO: Rema, Burna Boy, Jux, Wendy Shay, Others Emerge Winners At AFRIMA Awards

His victory came against a formidable international field that included Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, DJ Maphorisa, Tyla, Fally Ipupa, Amr Diab and Jux, a reminder of just how competitive African music has become globally.

Yet, Rema used the moment not for triumphalism, but for reflection and unity.

“I just think it’s important to always support our utilities of Afrobeats, our platforms, and especially the platforms that do not divide or put down or split this unity that we have,” he said.

“Thank you to my fans, thank you Nigeria, thank you the whole of Africa, thank you for rocking with this young kid from Benin City,” he added.

 

Burna Boy, Shallipopi And The Power Of Collaboration

 

Nigeria’s dominance extended beyond individual accolades.

Burna Boy clinched Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness, reinforcing his reputation as one of Africa’s most globally influential musicians.

Meanwhile, Shallipopi, featuring Burna Boy, won Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration for “Laho”, a record that became an anthem across clubs, festivals, and social media platforms far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

READ ALSO: IN PICTURES: African Celebrities, Guests Dazzle At 2025 AFRIMA Awards

Other Nigerian wins included Phyno – Best African Artiste in Hip Hop; Qing Madi – Most Promising Artiste of the Year; and Chella – African Fans’ Favourite.

Together, these wins reflect the depth of Nigeria’s music ecosystem, from global superstars to breakout talents shaping the next wave.

 

Africa United, But Nigeria Leads The Charge

 

While Nigerian artistes dominated, AFRIMA remained a celebration of continental excellence.

Wendy Shay of Ghana won Best Female Artiste in Western Africa, Jux of Tanzania emerged Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.

Yo Maps of Zambia and Nontokozo Mkhize of South Africa topped Southern Africa’s categories, and Rwanda’s Element Eléeeeh made history as the country’s first AFRIMA winner.

READ ALSO: Let’s Support African Platforms, Not Divide Our Unity, Says Rema After AFRIMA Wins

A standout performance came from Ghana’s Stonebwoy and Nigeria’s Mr P, whose reunion on their collaboration “ODO” blended Afrobeats and dancehall in a moment that symbolised African music’s borderless future.

 

Why Nigerian Music Dominance Matters Globally

 

Nigeria’s outsized presence at AFRIMA reflects more than award-night success—it underscores a broader cultural shift.

Nigerian artistes now headline major festivals in Europe, North America and the Caribbean, drive streaming numbers on global platforms, influence fashion, dance, and youth culture worldwide, and anchor Africa’s creative economy exports.

Afrobeats has become a soft-power asset, reshaping how Africa—and Nigeria in particular—is perceived abroad. For Nigerians living abroad, the global rise of Nigerian music is deeply personal.

It means cultural pride in seeing Nigerian voices dominate international conversations, and economic opportunity, as tours, merchandise, streaming, and brand partnerships expand.

READ ALSO: 2025 AFRIMA: Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye Honoured With Lifetime Achievement Awards

Every sold-out show in London or Toronto, every charting song in New York or Paris, reinforces Nigeria’s cultural relevance—and the diaspora’s role in amplifying it.

AFRIMA 2026 did more than hand out trophies. It confirmed what global audiences already know: Nigerian music is not just participating in the global market—it is leading it.

As Afrobeats continues its worldwide ascent, Nigerian artistes are setting the tempo, shaping trends, and carrying the continent’s sound to the world.

 

Here is a list of the winners at the AFRIMA awards:

 

BEST AFRICAN DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY

 

Best African Dance/Choreography

Jaylann – “Ha Wlidi” (Morocco)

Lady Ponce – “Je veux danser” (Cameroon)

Rebo – “Mobambo” (DRC)

Serge Beynaud – “Taper Dedans” (Côte d’Ivoire)

Toofan – “Deodorant” (Togo)

Tyla – “Push 2 Start” (South Africa)

Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)

*Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia) – WINNER*

Werrason – “Tout se paie ici bas” (DRC)

Wizkid – “Kese” (Nigeria)

BEST AFRICAN VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Rebel” – Black Sherif (Ghana)

“Meta” – Nomcebo Zikode & Sofiya Nzau (South Africa)

“Ki Lo Wa Wa” – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

“Timpi Tampa” – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)

“Tori Ife” – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)

“Ova” – Mbosso (Tanzania)

“Ololufe” – Juma Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

“Shaolin” – Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)

“Stk Stk” – Dizzy Dros, Kekra & Norfafrica (Morocco)

*Best Soundtrack in Movie, Series, or Documentary*

Igho’le Trap Mix Version (“To Kill a Monkey”: Series) – Oscar Heman-Ackah (Ghana)

El Ma2as (“The Start”: Film) – Tamer Hosny, Reda Elbahrawy (Egypt)

*You Are (“Iyanu”: The Animated Series) – Yemi Alade (Nigeria) — WINNER*

Timpi Tampa (“Timpi Tampa”: The Film) – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)

Tori Ife (“Seven Doors”: Series) – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)

Saatte Ragouj (“The Last of the Mohicans” Film) – Kafon (Tunisia)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Emel, Jehanny Beth & Camille Berthomier – “Fall in the Light” (Tunisia)

Emma’a – “Trop d’amour” (Gabon)

Emmanuel Ayobami Alli-Hakeem – “Za” (Anendlessocean) (Nigeria)

Ferre Gola – “Amour Illusoire” (DRC)

*Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Senegal) — WINNER*

Mohammed Ismail Sharrif – “Rebel Music” (Black Sherif) (Ghana)

Mugisha Fred Robinson – “Tombé” (Element Eleéh) (Rwanda)

Olamide Adedeji – “Hassibunallah” (Olamide) (Nigeria)

Prince Omoferi & Nwamu Francis Chukwudubem – “It Hurts” (Johnny Drille & Don Jazzy) (Nigeria)

Victor Ngatuvese Kaune – “Oputuri ‘Queens’” (One Blood Namibia) (Namibia)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Emel, Jehanny Beth & Camille Berthomier – “Fall in the Light” (Tunisia)

Emma’a – “Trop d’amour” (Gabon)

Emmanuel Ayobami Alli-Hakeem – “Za” (Anendlessocean) (Nigeria)

Ferre Gola – “Amour Illusoire” (DRC)

*Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Senegal) — WINNER*

Mohammed Ismail Sharrif – “Rebel Music” (Black Sherif) (Ghana)

Mugisha Fred Robinson – “Tombé” (Element Eleéh) (Rwanda)

Olamide Adedeji – “Hassibunallah” (Olamide) (Nigeria)

Prince Omoferi & Nwamu Francis Chukwudubem – “It Hurts” (Johnny Drille & Don Jazzy) (Nigeria)

Victor Ngatuvese Kaune – “Oputuri ‘Queens’” (One Blood Namibia) (Namibia)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Emel, Jehanny Beth & Camille Berthomier – “Fall in the Light” (Tunisia)

Emma’a – “Trop d’amour” (Gabon)

Emmanuel Ayobami Alli-Hakeem – “Za” (Anendlessocean) (Nigeria)

Ferre Gola – “Amour Illusoire” (DRC)

*Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Senegal) — WINNER*

Mohammed Ismail Sharrif – “Rebel Music” (Black Sherif) (Ghana)

Mugisha Fred Robinson – “Tombé” (Element Eleéh) (Rwanda)

Olamide Adedeji – “Hassibunallah” (Olamide) (Nigeria)

Prince Omoferi & Nwamu Francis Chukwudubem – “It Hurts” (Johnny Drille & Don Jazzy) (Nigeria)

Victor Ngatuvese Kaune – “Oputuri ‘Queens’” (One Blood Namibia) (Namibia)

Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa

Abigail Chams (Tanzania)

Bridget Blue (Kenya)

Denise (Madagascar) — WINNER

Haleluya Tekletsadik (Ethiopia)

Lady Jaydee (Tanzania)

Mahlet Wendimu (Ethiopia)

Salemia (Ethiopia)

Weeha (Ethiopia)

Winnie Nwagi (Uganda)

Zuchu (Tanzania)

BEST MALE ARTISTE EASTERN AFRICAN

Bien (Kenya)

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Element Eleéh (Rwanda)

Joshua Baraka (Uganda)

*Jux (Tanzania) — WINNER*

Marioo (Tanzania)

Mbosso (Tanzania)

Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)

Sat-B (Burundi)

Yared Negu (Ethiopia)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE CENTRAL AFRICA

Anna Joyce (Angola)

Blanche Bailly (Cameroon)

Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon)

*Cindy Le Coeur (DRC) — WINNER*

Deborah Lukalu (DRC)

Emma’a (Gabon)

Jessy B (The Congo)

Krys M (Cameroon)

Liriany (Angola)

Rebo (DRC)

LIFETIME AWARDS HONOREES

Music executive and brothers

Kenny Ogungbe

Dayo D1 Adeneye

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Amr Diab (Egypt)

Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Davido (Nigeria)

DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)

El Grande Toto (Morocco)

Fally Ipupa (DRC)

Jux (Tanzania)

Rema (Nigeria) — WINNER

Shallipopi (Nigeria)

Tyla (South Africa)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Ebtadena – Amr Diab (Egypt)

No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria) — WINNER

5ive – Davido (Nigeria)

Diyilem & Bazarhoff: Genius – Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)

Ngomoya – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy (South Africa)

Salgoat – El Grande Toto (Morocco)

Big Aka 4 Aka Kai – Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)

Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo (South Africa)

Idrache (Traces of the Past) – Tinariwen (Mali)

BEST AFRICAN ARTISTE IN RnB & SOUL

Rema (Nigeria) for “Baby (Is It A Crime)” — WINNER

Kunmie (Nigeria) for “Arike”

Manal (Morocco) for “Cabaret”

Bensoul & V-Be (Kenya) for “Kautamu Flani”

Azana (South Africa) – Featured on Big Zulu’s “Azana”

Emma’a (Gabon) for “Ça M’a Laissé”

Calema (São Tomé and Príncipe) for “Amar Pela Metade”

Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele (South Africa) for “Romeo & Juliet”

Wegz ft. Tayc (Egypt/France) for “Girlfriend”

Braye (Nigeria) for “I Wish I Had More Time”

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Isaka (6AM)” – Ciza, Jazzworx & Thukuthela (South Africa)

“Bengicela” – Mawhoo Gl Ceejay & Thukuthela (South Africa)

“Choix” – Mia Guissé (Senegal)

“Diplomatico” – El Grande Toto (Morocco)

“Kaay Waay” – VJ (Senegal)

“Laho” – Shallipopi (Nigeria) – WINNER

“Ololufe Mi” – Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

“Push 2 Start” – Tyla (South Africa)

“Shake it to the Max” – Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy (Ghana)

“With You” – Davido (Nigeria)

BEST FEMALE WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE

Amaarae (Ghana)

Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Djelykaba Bintou (Guinea)

Josey (Côte d’Ivoire)

Wendy Shay (Ghana) — WINNER

Mariam Ba Lagaré (Mali)

Mia Guissé (Senegal)

Moliy (Ghana)

Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

Viviane Chidid (Senegal)

BEST MALE ARTISTE IN CENTRAL AFRICA

C4 Pedro (Angola)

Eboloko (Gabon)

Gims (DRC)

Gerilson Insrael (Angola)

Kocee (Cameroon)

L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)

Fally Ipupa (DRC)

Magasco (Cameroon)

Singuila (The Congo) —WINNER

Werrason (DRC)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE CENTRAL AFRICA

Anna Joyce (Angola)

Blanche Bailly (Cameroon)

Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon)

Cindy Le Coeur (DRC) — WINNER

Deborah Lukalu (DRC)

Emma’a (Gabon)

Jessy B (The Congo)

Krys M (Cameroon)

Liriany (Angola)

Rebo (DRC)

BEST MALE ARTISTE EASTERN AFRICAN

Bien (Kenya)

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Element Eleéh (Rwanda)

Joshua Baraka (Uganda)

Jux (Tanzania) — WINNER

Marioo (Tanzania)

Mbosso (Tanzania)

Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)

Sat-B (Burundi)

Yared Negu (Ethiopia)

BEST FEMALE IN EASTERN AFRICA

Abigail Chams (Tanzania)

Bridget Blue (Kenya)

Denise (Madagascar) — WINNER

Haleluya Tekletsadik (Ethiopia)

Lady Jaydee (Tanzania)

Mahlet Wendimu (Ethiopia)

Salemia (Ethiopia)

Weeha (Ethiopia)

Winnie Nwagi (Uganda)

Zuchu (Tanzania)

BEST MALE ARTISTE IN NORTHERN AFRICA

A.L.A. (Tunisia)

*Adviser (Mauritania) —- WINNER

Amr Diab (Egypt)

Cheb Momo (Algeria)

El Grande Toto (Morocco)

Hamza Namira (Egypt)

Lbenj (Morocco)

Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)

Stormy (Morocco)

Wegz (Egypt)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE IN NORTHERN AFRICA 

Chirine Lajmi (Tunisia)

Inez (Morocco)

Jannat (Egypt)

Jaylann (Morocco)

Manal (Morocco)

Meryem Aboulouafa (Morocco)

Sherine (Egypt) — WINNER

Zina Daoudia (Morocco)

BEST MALE ARTISTE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Anderson Mário (Mozambique)

Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)

Manana (Eswatini)

Nasty C (South Africa)

Teddy Makadi (Malawi)

Tyler ICU (South Africa)

Wanitwamos (South Africa)

Yo Maps (Zambia) — WINNER

Zeze Kingston (Malawi)

Kazba De Small (South Africa)

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA 

Babalwa M (South Africa)

Hanna (Zimbabwe)

Makhadzi (South Africa)

Nkosazana Daughter (South Africa)

Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa) — WINNER

Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)

Temwah (Malawi)

Tyla (South Africa)

Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)

Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)

BEST MALE ARTISTE IN WESTERN AFRICA 

Asake (Nigeria)

Axel Merryl (Benin)

Black Sherif (Ghana)

Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Davido (Nigeria)

Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)

Djodje (Cape Verde)

Rema (Nigeria)— WINNER

VJ (Senegal)

Wizkid (Nigeria)

BEST FEMALE WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE

Amaarae (Ghana)

Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Djelykaba Bintou (Guinea)

Josey (Côte d’Ivoire)

Wendy Shay (Ghana) — WINNER

Mariam Ba Lagaré (Mali)

Mia Guissé (Senegal)

Moliy (Ghana)

Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

Viviane Chidid (Senegal)

BREAKOUT ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Blaq Major (South Africa)

Ciza (South Africa) – WINNER

Eboloko (Gabon)

Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)

Marioo (Tanzania)

Mawhoo (South Africa)

Moliy (Ghana)

Shallipopi (Nigeria)

Trap King (Algeria)

VJ (Senegal)

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Isaka (6AM)” – Ciza, Jazzworx & Thukuthela (South Africa)

“Bengicela” – Mawhoo Gl Ceejay & Thukuthela (South Africa)

“Choix” – Mia Guissé (Senegal)

“Diplomatico” – El Grande Toto (Morocco)

“Kaay Waay” – VJ (Senegal)

“Laho” – Shallipopi (Nigeria) – WINNER

“Ololufe Mi” – Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

“Push 2 Start” – Tyla (South Africa)

“Shake it to the Max” – Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy (Ghana)

“With You” – Davido (Nigeria)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Ebtadena – Amr Diab (Egypt)

No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria) — WINNER

5ive – Davido (Nigeria)

Diyilem & Bazarhoff: Genius – Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)

Ngomoya – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy (South Africa)

Salgoat – El Grande Toto (Morocco)

Big Aka 4 Aka Kai – Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)

Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo (South Africa)

Idrache (Traces of the Past) – Tinariwen (Mali)

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Amr Diab (Egypt)

Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Davido (Nigeria)

DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)

El Grande Toto (Morocco)

Fally Ipupa (DRC)

Jux (Tanzania)

Rema (Nigeria) — WINNER

Shallipopi (Nigeria)

Tyla (South Africa)