AFRIMA 2026 Full Winners: Rema Leads as Africa’s Best Honoured in Lagos

LAGOS, NIGERIA — 2026-01-11 — The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) culminated in Lagos on Sunday with Nigerian star Rema sweeping multiple top honours as the awards recognised outstanding musical achievement across Africa and the diaspora.
Updated 23:15 WAT

The week-long cultural event, held at the Eko Convention Centre, brought together musicians, creatives, and executives from across the continent under the theme “Unstoppable Africa.” Organisers and accredited media confirmed the complete winners' list spanning regional, genre, and special categories that honoured both established and emerging African talent.

Rema was the night’s standout, securing Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste – Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in R&B & Soul. His remarks after the ceremony stressed unity and sustained support for African music platforms.

Other Nigerian artistes also featured prominently: Burna Boy won Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness; Shallipopi earned Song of the Year for “Laho” and shared Best African Collaboration with Burna Boy; Phyno topped Best African Hip-Hop; Yemi Alade was voted Best Soundtrack for “You Are” from Iyanu: The Animated Series; Qing Madi claimed Most Promising Artiste; and Chella took African Fans’ Favourite.

Continental & Regional Honours

Across Africa’s regions and genres, the awards underscored widespread musical excellence.

Regional Winners:

• Central Africa: Singuila (Male), Cindy Le Coeur (Female)

• Eastern Africa: Jux (Male), Denise (Female)

• Northern Africa: Adviser (Male), Sherine (Female)

• Southern Africa: Yo Maps (Male), Nontokozo Mkhize (Female)

• Western Africa: Rema (Male), Wendy Shay (Female)

Genre & Special Categories:

• African Inspirational Music: Milo (Male), Morijah (Female)

• African Jazz: Haddinqo

• African Pop: Manamba Kanté

• African Contemporary: Axel Merryl

• African Rock: Izlan

• African Traditional: Veronica Adane

• Reggae/Ragga/Dancehall: Takana Zion

• African Lyricist/Rapper: Didi B

• African Duo/Group/Band: Team Paiya

• Producer of the Year: Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson

• Best African DJ: DJ Moh Green

• Best African Video: “Ova” – Mbosso

• Best Dance/Choreography: “Dimama” – Weeha

• Songwriter of the Year: Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck)

The ceremony also paid tribute to the industry’s legacy by awarding Lifetime Achievement honours to veterans,s including Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo “D1” Adeneye.

Industry executives described the Lagos event as a barometer of African music’s commercial growth, noting increased global streaming and cross-continental collaboration. Pop culture commentators on social media celebrated both mainstream and regional winners.

Fans in Accra, Nairobi, and Dakar rallied behind local acts like Wendy Shay and Jux, highlighting AFRIMA’s role in amplifying artists outside major music hubs.

Now in its ninth year, AFRIMA continues to function as a major showcase reflecting Africa’s diverse musical landscape while driving creative economies and cultural diplomacy. Attendance exceeded 1,200 accredited delegates, and the awards were broadcast across multiple platforms to millions of viewers. The partnerships with the African Union Commission and Lagos State Government underscore institutional support for Africa’s creative sector.

Organisers have announced preliminary plans for AFRIMA 2027, with expanded youth engagement, educational initiatives, and expanded regional showcases. Dates and host country details are expected by mid-2026.