AWC Entertainment Desk
Lagos came alive in rhythm, lights and roaring applause as Nigeria stamped its dominance at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saluting the country’s music stars for turning the continent’s biggest stage into a celebration of Nigerian excellence.
From January 7 to 11, 2026, the city of Lagos—Africa’s creative heartbeat—hosted thousands of artistes, delegates and fans from across the continent, as Nigerian talents swept major awards and reaffirmed the nation’s place at the forefront of African and global music.
President Tinubu congratulated the winning artistes, describing their success as clear evidence that Nigeria’s creative ecosystem is thriving and commanding global respect. He said the triumphs recorded at AFRIMA reflect the passion, resilience and innovation of Nigerian youths, whose voices continue to shape Africa’s cultural narrative.
Leading the night was Rema, who clinched Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African RnB & Soul, electrifying fans and critics alike. Burna Boy added to his global legacy with Album of the Year, while Shallipopi thrilled audiences by winning Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy.
The Nigerian roll call of winners continued with Phyno emerging Best African Hip-Hop, Qing Madi named Most Promising Artiste, Yemi Alade taking Best Soundtrack, and Chella winning African Fans’ Favourite. Industry veterans Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye were honoured with the prestigious AFRIMA Legendary Award, drawing standing ovations.
According to the President, the wins went beyond trophies. “You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity across the continent and beyond,” Tinubu said, urging the artistes to continue inspiring unity, pride and hope through their talents.
Tinubu also commended Lagos State, the official host city designated by the African Union Commission, for delivering a world-class event. He praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state government for providing a vibrant, safe and welcoming environment that reinforced Lagos’ reputation as Africa’s entertainment capital.
The 9th AFRIMA was a festival of sound and culture. It opened with an exclusive Welcome Soiree, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre. The celebration peaked at the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, where over 25 top artistes performed for more than 20,000 fans, before culminating in a sold-out grand finale where winners lifted the iconic 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.
Founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission, the awards attracted over 1,216 artistes and stakeholders from at least 48 African countries, underscoring its continental reach.
Reaffirming his commitment to the creative sector, President Tinubu assured that his administration will continue to prioritise youth empowerment and the creative economy, noting that music and culture remain powerful drivers of jobs, tourism and national identity.
As the curtains fell on AFRIMA 9, one message rang loud and clear across Lagos and beyond: Nigeria’s sound is not just leading Africa—it is defining it.
