The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2026 lit up Lagos this past Sunday, bringing together the continent’s most celebrated and emerging music stars for a night of rhythm, talent, and celebration. The week-long event, judged by a diverse panel of music experts from across Africa and the diaspora, showcased the richness of African music while honoring artists from every corner of the continent.
Global superstar Burna Boy won the prestigious Album of the Year award for his latest release No Sign of Weakness. The multiple award-winning artist also shared the Best African Collaboration award with fast-rising compatriot Shallipopi, who independently won the coveted Song of the Year for his viral hit Laho, a track that dominated social media and airwaves alike.
Rema led the tally for the night, taking home three awards: Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul. Nigerian icons continued to shine, Yemi Alade won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary for her song You Are from the animated series Iyanu, while legendary rapper Phyno earned Best African Artiste, Duo, or Group in African Hip-Hop. Emerging stars were celebrated too: Qing Madi was crowned Most Promising Artiste of the Year, Chella earned African Fans’ Favourite, and CIZA won Breakout Artiste of the Year, sharing heartfelt gratitude for the journey ahead.
The ceremony also honored music talent across Africa. Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum took home Song Writer of the Year, while Algeria’s DJ Moh Green was crowned Best African DJ. Guinea’s Takazi won Best African Act in Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall, and Manamba Kanté was recognized as Best African Pop Artiste, in African Pop, celebrating her voice, cultural roots, and unwavering dedication.
Central Africa’s Cindy LeCoeur claimed Best Female Artiste, while Northern Africa celebrated Adviser Noro as Best Male Artiste. Southern Africa was represented by Nontokozo Mkhize (Best Female Artiste) and Yomaps (Best Male Artiste), and Eastern Africa saw Denise take Best Female Artiste, with Juma Jux earning Best Male Artiste. Western Africa’s Wendy Shay was crowned Best Female Artiste, while Weeha won Best African Dance/Choreography.
Tradition also found its spotlight. Veronica Adane earned Best Artiste in African Traditional, reminding audiences that heritage remains a living sound, not a forgotten memory. In the world of lyricism, Didi B claimed Best African Lyricist Rapper, proving once again that storytelling and sharp words still shape the heartbeat of hip-hop across generations.
The night highlighted Africa’s vibrant, diverse, and unstoppable music industry. Each region, from North to South, East to West, and Central Africa, celebrated unique sounds and stories, reminding the world that African music transcends borders. Genres like Afrobeats, hip-hop, dancehall, and pop continue to dominate globally, fueled by artists whose creativity is matched only by their dedication.
Key Highlights & Winners:
• Burna Boy – Album of the Year, Best African Collaboration (shared with Shallipopi)
• Shallipopi – Song of the Year (Laho), Best African Collaboration (shared with Burna Boy)
• Rema – Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Best African Artiste in RnB & Soul
• Yemi Alade – Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary (You Are – Iyanu)
• Phyno – Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip-Hop
• Qing Madi – Most Promising Artiste of the Year
• Chela – African Fans’ Favourite
• CIZA – Breakout Artiste of the Year
• Bakhaw Dioum (Senegal) – Song Writer of the Year
• DJ Moh Green (Algeria) – Best African DJ
• Takazi (Guinea) – Best African Act, Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall
• Manamba Kanté (Guinea) – Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop
• Cindy LeCoeur (Central Africa) – Best Female Artiste
• Adviser Noro (Northern Africa) – Best Male Artiste
• Yomaps (Southern Africa) – Best Male Artiste
• Nontokozo Mkhize (Southern Africa) – Best Female Artiste
• Denise (Eastern Africa) – Best Female Artiste
• Juma Jux (Eastern Africa) – Best Male Artiste
• Wendy Shay (Western Africa) – Best Female Artiste
• Weeha – Best African Dance/Choreography
By the end of the night, AFRIMA 2026 had done more than share trophies. It stitched together languages, regions, and genres into one living soundtrack. From Afrobeats to traditional rhythms, from reggae to rap, the ceremony reflected a continent that continues to create, evolve, and influence the world on its own terms.
