January 12, (THEWILL) — Nigerian artistes dominated the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos on Sunday, January 11, winning top prizes across multiple categories and sweeping some of the night’s most prestigious continental awards.
The ceremony, held at the Eko Convention Centre and themed “Unstoppable Africa”, celebrated the vibrancy and diversity of African music.
Hosted by Nigerian rapper and actor, Falz, alongside French-Senegalese actress and media personality, Liliane Maroune, the event brought together musicians, Nollywood stars, industry leaders, and fans from across Africa and the diaspora.
Rema was the night’s biggest winner, taking home three awards: Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB & Soul.
Burna Boy won Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness.
Shallipopi claimed Song of the Year for Laho and Best African Collaboration for Laho II featuring Burna Boy.
Yemi Alade received Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary for her song You Are from the animated series, Iyanu.
In the hip-hop category, Phyno was named Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, while fast-rising singer Qing Madi won Most Promising Artiste of the Year, and Chella was crowned African Fans’ Favourite.
Veteran Nigerian media entrepreneurs Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye (D1) were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Highlights of the night included electrifying surprise performances by Mr P, Shallipopi, Seyi Vibez, Yemi Alade, Juma Jux, Qing Madi, and Fuji legend Adewale Ayuba.
The awards marked the grand finale of a week-long celebration of African music and culture, held from January 7 to January 11, in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Lagos State Government as host city.
Full List of Winners
Best Male Artist in Central Africa: Singuila –The Congo
Best Female Artiste in Central Africa: Cindy Le Coeur – DRC
Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa: Jux – Tanzania
Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa: Denise – Madagascar
Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa: Adviser – Mauritania
Best Female Artiste in Northern Africa: Sherine – Egypt
Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa: Yo Maps – Zambia
Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa: Nontokozo Mkhize – South Africa
Best Male Artiste in Western Africa: Rema – Nigeria
Best Female Artiste in Western Africa: Wendy Shay – Ghana
Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music: Milo – Côte d’Ivoire
Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music: Morijah – Côte d’Ivoire
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz: Haddinqo – Ethiopia
Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary: Axel Merryl – Benin
Best Soundtrack in Movie, Series, or Documentary: You Are (“Iyanu”: The Animated Series) – Yemi Alade – Nigeria
Songwriter of the Year: Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) – Senegal
African Fans’ Favourite: BNXN & Rema – Nigeria
Best African DJ: DJ Moh Green – Algeria
Producer of the Year: Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson – Rwanda
Album of the Year: No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy – Nigeria
Best African Video of the Year: “Ova” – Mbosso – Tanzania
Song of the Year: “Laho” – Shallipopi – Nigeria
Best African Dance/Choreography: Weeha – “Dimama” – Ethiopia
Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall: Takana Zion – “On My Eyes” – Guinea
Best African Collaboration: Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho” – Nigeria
Most Promising Artiste of the Year: Qing Madi – Nigeria
Artiste of the Year: Rema – NigeriaBreakout Artiste of the Year: Ciza – South Africa
Best African Lyricist Rapper: Didi B – Côte d’Ivoire
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hiphop: Phyno – Nigeria
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul: Rema – Nigeria
Best African Duo, Group or Band: Team Paiya – Côte d’Ivoire
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
