By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) was a night to remember, with Rema taking home the Artiste of the Year award, beating top artists like Davido, Amr Diab of Egypt, Burna Boy, DJ Maphorisa and Tyla.
The event was held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, on January 11, 2026. It was a star-studded affair, with performances and wins that celebrated African music’s best.
The 9th AFRIMA was organised by the Executive committee of AFRIMA in conjunction with the African Union and the support of Lagos State government. Angela Martins, Head of Culture Division at the African Union Commission, praised this partnership between AFRIMA and the Lagos State Government. She said, “On behalf of the African Union Commission, I sincerely appreciate the Lagos State Government and, in particular, His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the immense support given to the 9th AFRIMA. This partnership has demonstrated what is possible when government, continental institutions, and creative platforms collaborate. Our collaboration with AFRIMA has not only strengthened unity across Africa, but it has also elevated our culture, amplified African creativity and showcased Lagos as a true cultural capital of the continent.”
The 9th edition was a huge success, wrapping up a week of festivities that started with the Welcome Soiree at the British High Commission on January 7 and the Africa Music Business Summit on January 8. The Ikeja City Mall in Alausa was buzzing on January 9 with over 20,000 people attending the AFRIMA Music Village, setting the stage for the star-studded award ceremony on Sunday.
Rema’s win was just the start. He also won Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African Artiste in African RnB & Soul. Other big winners include: Tanzania’s Juma Jux, who won Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa and Best African Video of the Year for “Ololufe” (feat. Diamond Platnumz), Shallipopi, who won Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration for “Laho” (feat. Burna Boy), and Burna Boy, who won Album of the Year for “No Sign of Weakness.”
Other notable winners include: Ivorian lyricist Didi B, who took home Best African Lyricist or Rapper Award, Ciza from South Africa, who won Breakout Artiste of the Year, and Yemi Alade, who won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for “You Are” from the animated series Iyanu.
Also, Rwanda’s Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson won Producer of the Year, Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum took home Songwriter of the Year, and Nigeria’s Chella won African Fans’ Favourite.
Winners in other Regional categories include: Singuila, who won Best Male Artiste in Central Africa, while Cindy Le Coeur emerged as Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. Denise won Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa, while Adviser (Mauritania) and Sherine of Egypt won the male and female awards in Northern Africa. In Southern Africa, Yo Maps and Nontokozo Mkhize topped the male and female categories, while Wendy Shay emerged as Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.
The night was a celebration of African music’s diversity and talent, with winners from across the continent taking home top awards.
