On Sunday night, January 11, 2026, Nigerian artists made a powerful statement at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. The prestigious AFRIMA Awards 2026 began on Wednesday, January 7, and continued through to the grand roundup on January 11, where Rema, Shallipopi, and Burna Boy took the shine of the night.

Since its inception, AFRIMA has celebrated African musical talent, creativity, and cultural heritage, using its platform to recognise achievements across the continent. Over time, the music awards have evolved to reflect Africa’s diverse music scene, encompassing genres such as Afropop, hip-hop, and inspirational music.

The final ceremony of the AFRIMA AWARDS 2026, hosted by Falz, was an unforgettable night where Nigerian artists outshone their counterparts in major categories. Afrobeats superstar Rema stole the show, receiving three awards in major categories.

The Mavin artist bagged the awards for Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Artiste of the Year, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African R&B/Soul.

The 24-year-old displaced other top Nigerian artistes, including Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Asake, in the Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Artiste of the Year categories. Since his breakout moment, Rema has consistently proven to be an emblem of contemporary Afropop, both within and outside the continent. And these wins serve as a notable testament to his artistry.

Benin-bred artist Shallipopi also made a stunning win, clinching the Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration for “Laho” alongside Burna Boy. This noteworthy success attests to his widespread acclaim, which extends beyond Nigeria.

Grammy Award winner Burna Boy took home one of the most anticipated awards. He received the Album of the Year award for his No Sign of Weakness album.

Phyno won Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, while Yemi Alade’s “You Are” from Iyanu: The Animated Series bagged the Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary.

Other categories Nigerian artists dominated include Chella for the African Fans’ Favourite and Qing Madi earning the Most Promising Artiste of the Year.

AFRIMA also honoured entertainment legends Kenny Ogungbe And Dayo Adeneye With Lifetime Achievement Award.

Winners from outside Nigeria included Tanzanian singer Jux, who won the Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa award, Wendy Shay from Ghana, who won the Best Female Artiste in Western Africa award.

See the complete list of winners below:

Western Africa

•Best Male Artiste: Rema (Nigeria)

•Best Female Artiste: Wendy Shay (Ghana)

Eastern Africa

•Best Male Artiste: Jux (Tanzania)

•Best Female Artiste: Denise (Madagascar)

Central Africa

•Best Male Artiste: Singuila (Congo)

•Best Female Artiste: Cindy Le Coeur (DRC)

Northern Africa

•Best Male Artiste: El Grande Toto (Morocco)

•Best Female Artiste: Sherine (Egypt)

Southern Africa

•Best Male Artiste: Yo Maps (Zambia)

•Best Female Artiste: Makhadzi (South Africa)

Artiste of the Year

•Rema (Nigeria)

Album of the Year

•No Sign of Weakness — Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Song of the Year

•“Laho” — Shallipopi (Nigeria)

Best African Collaboration

•Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy — “Laho” (Nigeria)

Most Promising Artiste of the Year

•Qing Madi (Nigeria)

African Fans’ Favourite

•Chella (Nigeria)

Producer of the Year

•Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Rwanda)

Songwriter of the Year

•Bakhaw Dioum — “Choix” (Senegal)

Best African DJ

•Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)

Best African Act in African Hip-Hop

•Phyno (Nigeria)

Best African Artiste in RnB & Soul

•Rema (Nigeria)

Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall

•Takana Zion — “On My Eyes” (Guinea)

Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary

•Axel Merryl (Benin)

Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz

•Haddinqo (Ethiopia)

Best Soundtrack in Movie, Series or Documentary

•Yemi Alade — “You Are” from Iyanu (Nigeria)

Best African Dance/Choreography

•Weeha — “Dimama” (Ethiopia)

Best African Video of the Year

•“Ova” — Mbosso (Tanzania)