*** Cote d’lvoire, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Guinea, South Africa, D R Congo Shine
The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards ( AFRIMA) once again proved why it is regarded as Africa’s biggest music awards platform, as artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African Countries came together in Lagos, Nigeria, to celebrate the continent’s rich and diverse musical excellence.
The 9th AFRIMA held from January 7 to 11, 2026 in a atmosphere of unity, colour and creativity with winners emerging from West, East, North, Central, Southern Africa and in the diaspora.
This widespread success further showed that the platform is a true platform for the whole of continent, AFRIMA President, Mr. Mike Dada, said:
“AFRIMA is not just about giving awards. It is about bringing Africa together under one roof to celebrate our stories, culture and future through music, he said “l am happy that we had delegates from 48 countries, including 1,216 artistes, delegates, and production team members.
Looking at the winners, all regions of Africa are represented, showing the growth of our music industry. Artistes from South Africa, Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria, Nigeria, and Ethiopia were among those who led in the major categories.
Cote d’Ivoire recorded multiple wins, with Milo and Morijah taking the male and female African Inspirational categories, Didi B emerging as Best African Lyricist or Rapper, and Team Paiya winning Best African Duo, Group or Band.
From Ethiopia, Haddingo won Best African Jazz, Weeha claimed Best African Dance Choreography, while Veronica Adane won Best African Traditional. Guinea celebrate Mananba Kante as Best African Pop and Takana Zion as Best African Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall.
Benin’s Axel Merryl won the Best African Contemporary, while Senegal’s Barhaw Dioum was named Songwriter of the Year. Algeria produced winners in DJ Moh Green ( Best African DJ ) and Izlan ( Best African Rock), while Rwanda’s Element Eleeh and Mugisha Fred Robinson won Producer of the Year.
For the East Africans, Jux ( Tanzania) won Best Male Artiste, while Fole X claimed Best African Video of the Year for “Ololufe.” Denise from Madagascar won Best Female Artiste in East Africa.
North Africa winners included Adviser ( Mauritania) and Sherine ( Tunisia), while southern Africa celebrated YO Maps ( Zambia), Nontokozo Mkhize and ciza ( South Africa), Central Africa honours went to Singuiha ( Republic of Cong) and Cindy Le Cocur ( DRC ), while Ghana’s Wendy Slay won Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.
At the 9th All Africa Music Awards, Nigerian Superstars Burna Boy, Rema, Yemi Alade, Shallipopi, Phyno, Qing Madi and Chella clinched major awards at the event.
Rema picked up three awards on the night, winning Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul. Burna Boy won the Album of the Year for ‘No Sign of Weakness’, while Yemi Alade won Best Soundtrack in a Movie Series or Documentary for her song ‘You are ( Iyanu: The Animated Series .
Shallipopi won Song of the Year with Laho and also picked up Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy. Phyno won Best African Artiste in African Hip – Hop, while fast rising singer Chella emerged African Fans Favourite, Qing Madi won Most Promising Artiste of the Year.
The week – long celebration began with Welcome Soiree to formally receive Nominees and Guests held at the resident of the Deputy British High Commissioner on Wednesday, January 7, Activities continued with the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre, Hotels and Suites; and on Friday, January 9, attention shifted to the African Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, where over 25 A- list artistes, treated more than 20,000 people to the best of music at the high – octane concert.
The Convention Centre at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, was filled beyond capacity as thousands poured in to witness the grand – finale of the 9th AFRIMA Awards. In a dazzling ceremony, artistes, producers, video and sound directors, among other creatives, were honoured with the prestigious – 23 .9 carrat gold – plated AFRIMA trophy
