Danjuma Amodu | January 12, 2026
Sunday night at the Eko Convention Centre transformed into a celebration of Nigerian excellence as the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) crowned Rema the undisputed king of the evening. The 24-year-old Afrobeats prodigy didn’t merely collect awards — he swept the night, securing three prestigious honors: Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African R&B & Soul, all anchored by his global smash hit “Calm Down”.
Rema’s historic triple victory overshadowed even the continent’s biggest names. Burna Boy walked away with Album of the Year for _No Sign of Weakness_, while Shallipopi’s “Laho” earned both *lSong of the Year and Best African Collaboration* alongside Burna Boy. Phyno dominated the hip-hop scene, claiming Best African Artiste in African Hip Hop, and emerging talent Qing Madi was honored as Most Promising Artiste of the Year, signaling a fresh wave of Nigerian creativity on the rise.
Chella captured the hearts of fans across Africa, winning African Fans’ Favourite, while South African newcomer Ciza earned recognition as Breakout Artiste of the Year.
Across the continent, regional winners highlighted Africa’s rich musical diversity:
Central Africa:
Best Male Artiste: Singuila (Congo)
Best Female Artiste: Cindy Le Coeur (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Eastern Africa:
Best Male Artiste: Jux (Tanzania)
Best Female Artiste: Denise (Madagascar)
Northern Africa:
Best Male Artiste: Adviser (Mauritania)
Best Female Artiste: Sherine (Egypt)
Southern Africa:
Best Male Artiste: Yo Maps (Zambia)
Best Female Artiste: Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa)
Western Africa:
Best Male Artiste: Rema (Nigeria)
Best Female Artiste: Wendy Shay (Ghana)
In continental categories:
Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music: Milo (Côte d’Ivoire)
Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music: Morijah (Côte d’Ivoire)
Best African Duo, Group or Band: Team Paiya (Côte d’Ivoire)
Held for the third time in Lagos, following previous editions in Ghana and Senegal, the ceremony featured electrifying performances and underscored Africa’s unstoppable rise on the global music stage.
