Nigerian artists delivered a commanding performance at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), held in Lagos on Sunday night, taking home top honors across multiple categories.
Rema emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, securing three major awards: Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB & Soul.
Burna Boy also enjoyed a memorable night, winning Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness. He shared the Best African Collaboration award with Shallipopi, who independently clinched Song of the Year for Laho.
Yemi Alade’s contribution to the animated series Iyanu earned her Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary for the song You Are.
In the hip-hop arena, Phyno was recognized as Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, while Tanzania’s Juma Jux was named Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.
Emerging talent was also celebrated. Qing Madi received the Most Promising Artiste of the Year, and Chella won African Fans’ Favourite.
The awards highlighted pan-African talent across regions:
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Western Africa: Rema (Male), Wendy Shay (Female), Burna Boy (Album of the Year), Shallipopi (Song of the Year)
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Eastern Africa: Juma Jux (Male), Denise (Female)
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Central Africa: Singuila (Male), Cindy Le Coeur (Female)
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Northern Africa: Adviser (Male), Sherine (Female)
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Southern Africa: Yo Maps (Male), Nontokozo Mkhize (Female)
Other standout winners included DJ Moh Green (Best African DJ), Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Producers of the Year), and Team Paiya (Best African Duo, Group, or Band).
The ceremony underscored Nigeria’s dominance in African music, with artists like Davido, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Ayra Starr, and Rema reinforcing the country’s influence on the continent’s entertainment scene.
Fans and industry observers praised AFRIMA for celebrating both established stars and rising talent, making the 9th edition a showcase of Africa’s musical diversity and creative excellence.
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