Nigerian Stars Shine as AFRIMA 2026 Celebrates Africa’s Finest in Lagos
Nigerian Artistes stole the spotlight at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), which wrapped up in Lagos on Sunday December 11 night, confirming the Country’s dominance on the Continent’s biggest music stage, Global Mirror News reports.
Global Afrobeats heavyweight Burna Boy emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, clinching the prestigious Album of the Year for his 2025 project No Sign of Weakness.
The Grammy-winning singer also shared the Best African Collaboration award with fast-rising Nigerian star Shallipopi, while the Benin-born hitmaker went on to claim Song of the Year for his viral smash Laho.
The week-long AFRIMA festival, which featured music experts from across Africa and the diaspora as jurors, brought together industry leaders, creatives and fans, before climaxing in a colourful award ceremony that showcased Nigeria’s current musical firepower, Global Mirror News gathered.
Rema led the Awards tally with three major wins — Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul — further strengthening his reputation as one of Africa’s biggest music exports.
Other Nigerian winners included Yemi Alade, who won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song You Are from the animated series Iyanu, while rap heavyweight Phyno was honoured as Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop.
The ceremony also recognised emerging stars, with Qing Madi named Most Promising Artiste of the Year, and Chella taking home the African Fans’ Favourite award.
Beyond Nigeria, AFRIMA celebrated talent from across the Continent. Bakhaw Dioum of Senegal won Songwriter of the Year, while Algeria’s DJ Moh Green clinched DJ of the Year, edging out several leading South African DJs.
In the regional categories, Wendy Shay of Ghana won Best Female Artiste in West Africa, South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize secured Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, and Juma Jux of Tanzania was named Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.
The sweeping success of Nigerian artistes once again underlined the growing global appeal of Afrobeats, a genre that blends African rhythms with Western sounds and continues to dominate International charts.
With his latest AFRIMA triumph, Burna Boy remains one of the genre’s most influential ambassadors, reinforcing Nigeria’s position at the centre of Africa’s music revolution, Global Mirror News reports.
