The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held in Lagos on Sunday, 11th January 2026 ended with Nigerian singer Rema emerging as the biggest winner of the night, taking three major awards.
The awards ceremony took place at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with artistes and guests attending from across Africa and beyond.
Rema won Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Artiste of the Year, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul for his global hit “Calm Down.” He defeated other leading Nigerian artistes, including Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, and Asake, in the top categories.
While receiving his awards, Rema thanked fans and organisers, saying their support “means everything.”
Other major winners included Jux from Tanzania, who won Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, and Cindy Le Coeur from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who emerged Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. Denise of Madagascar won Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa.
Yemi Alade won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for “You Are,” a song from Iyanu: The Animated Series. Burna Boy received the Album of the Year award, while rising Nigerian singer Shallipopi won Best Song of the Year and Best Collaboration for “Laho.”
In the creative categories, Ethiopian artiste Weeha won Best African Dance/Choreography, while Senegalese songwriter Bakhaw Dioum was named Songwriter of the Year for “Choix.”
AFRIMA also honoured music executives Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo “D1” Adeneye with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions to the African music industry.
Ahead of the main awards, the AFRIMA Music Business Summit (AMBS) was held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the same venue. The summit brought together artistes, policymakers, diplomats and industry professionals to discuss the business of music under the theme “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution.”
Speaking at the summit, AFRIMA President Mike Dada said African artistes must pay more attention to the business side of music to ensure sustainable growth.
“African music is not only about songs and vibes, but about building the business aspect of the industry,” he said.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, Ms. Anna Westerholm, urged young creatives to believe in their talent regardless of background, noting that some of the world’s most exciting music talents are now coming from Africa.
Representing the African Union Commission, Ms. Angela Martins, described music and the creative economy as key drivers of development and job creation across the continent.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the state invested ₦8.4 billion in creative industries in 2025 to strengthen infrastructure and global competitiveness.
Lagos State has hosted the AFRIMA awards for the third time, following previous editions held in Ghana and Senegal.
