Burna Boy, Rema Lead Nigerian Sweep at Afrima 2026

West Africa WeeklyJanuary 15, 20261 Mins read269

Nigerian artists dominated the 9th All Africa Music Awards (Afrima), which wrapped up in Lagos on Sunday night, underscoring the country’s continued ascendancy on the continent’s music scene. The ceremony, which drew jurors from across Africa and its diaspora, celebrated the breadth of African talent while spotlighting Nigeria’s current musical impact.

At the heart of the night was global star Burna Boy, whose album No Sign of Weakness earned the prestigious Album of the Year honour. He also shared in the Best African Collaboration award with fast-rising artist Shallipopi, who stole additional headlines by winning Song of the Year for his viral hit Laho.

But it was Rema who led the pack in trophies, walking away with three accolades: Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul. The wins marked a thrilling night for one of Afrobeats’ most exciting young voices.

Other Nigerian winners included Yemi Alade, recognised for Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her contribution You Are from the animated series Iyanu, and veteran rapper Phyno, who was named Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop. Emerging talents were also celebrated, with Qing Madi taking home Most Promising Artiste of the Year and Chella earning the African Fans’ Favourite title.

While Nigerian stars took centre stage, the awards also honoured outstanding artists from across the continent. Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum was named Song Writer of the Year, and Algeria’s DJ Moh Green beat out several South African nominees to win DJ of the Year. Ghana’s Wendy Shay was recognised as Best Female Artiste in West Africa, South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize won Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, and Tanzania’s Juma Jux was crowned Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.

The night’s results reinforced the global pull of Afrobeats, a genre that fuses African rhythms with Western influences and has enjoyed explosive international growth in recent years. Burna Boy, in particular, stands as one of the movement’s most influential figures, and his album win further cemented his role as a defining ambassador of African music on the world stage.