Nigerian artists led the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) on Sunday night, claiming multiple top honours across regional and continental categories.
Leading the accolades was Rema, who won Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste, Western Africa, and Best African Artiste – RnB & Soul.
Other notable winners include Burna Boy (Album of the Year), Shallipopi (Song of the Year), Yemi Alade (Best Soundtrack), Phyno (Best African Artiste – African Hip-Hop), and rising stars like Qing Madi (Most Promising Artiste) and Chella (African Fans’ Favourite).
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The awards showcased Africa’s musical diversity, from Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, and R&B to Jazz, Dancehall, Inspirational Music, and more.
Full List of AFRIMA 9th Edition Winners (2025/2026)
| Category | Winner(s) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Artist of the Year | Rema | Nigeria |
| Best Male Artiste – Central Africa | Singuila | The Congo |
| Best Female Artiste – Central Africa | Cindy Le Coeur | DRC |
| Best Male Artiste – Eastern Africa | Jux | Tanzania |
| Best Female Artiste – Eastern Africa | Denise | Madagascar |
| Best Male Artiste – Northern Africa | Adviser | Mauritania |
| Best Female Artiste – Northern Africa | Sherine | Egypt |
| Best Male Artiste – Southern Africa | Yo Maps | Zambia |
| Best Female Artiste – Southern Africa | Nontokozo Mkhize | South Africa |
| Best Male Artiste – Western Africa | Rema | Nigeria |
| Best Female Artiste – Western Africa | Wendy Shay | Ghana |
| Best Male Artiste – African Inspirational Music | Milo | Côte d’Ivoire |
| Best Female Artiste – African Inspirational Music | Morijah | Côte d’Ivoire |
| Best African Artiste, Duo or Group – African Jazz | Haddinqo | Ethiopia |
| Best African Artiste, Duo or Group – African Contemporary | Axel Merryl | Benin |
| Best African Artiste, Duo or Group – African Hip-Hop | Phyno | Nigeria |
| Best African Artiste, Duo or Group – R&B & Soul | Rema | Nigeria |
| Best African Duo, Group or Band | Team Paiya | Côte d’Ivoire |
| Album of the Year | No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy | Nigeria |
| Song of the Year | Laho – Shallipopi | Nigeria |
| Best African Collaboration | Laho – Shallipopi & Burna Boy | Nigeria |
| Best African Video of the Year | Ova – Mbosso | Tanzania |
| Best Soundtrack – Movie, Series or Documentary | You Are – Yemi Alade | Nigeria |
| African Fans’ Favourite | Chella | Nigeria |
| Songwriter of the Year | Bakhaw Dioum – Choix (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) | Senegal |
| Breakout Artist of the Year | Ciza | South Africa |
| Most Promising Artist of the Year | Qing Madi | Nigeria |
| Best African Lyricist/Rapper | Didi B | Côte d’Ivoire |
| Best African Dance/Choreography | Weeha | Ethiopia |
| Best African Act – Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall | Takana Zion | Guinea |
| Best African DJ | DJ Moh Green | Algeria |
| Producer of the Year | Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson | Rwanda |
Regional Highlights:
- Western Africa: Rema dominates; Burna Boy and Wendy Shay shine.
- Eastern Africa: Jux and Denise secure top male/female honours.
- Northern Africa: Adviser and Sherine lead their regions.
- Southern Africa: Yo Maps and Nontokozo Mkhize recognised.
- Central Africa: Singuila and Cindy Le Coeur excel.
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The 9th AFRIMA reflected Africa’s musical talent, from established stars to rising artists. Nigerian artists led the way, but the awards also honoured exceptional acts from Angola, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, South Africa, and beyond.
The event confirmed that Africa’s music is not only culturally rich but also increasingly influential on the global stage.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
