The 9th AFRIMA brought Africa under one roof in Lagos as artistes and delegates from 48 countries celebrated musical excellence across the continent
The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, once again affirmed its status as Africa’s biggest music awards platform as artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries converged on Lagos, Nigeria, for a week-long celebration of the continent’s musical excellence.
Held from January 7 to 11, 2026, the 9th AFRIMA unfolded in an atmosphere defined by unity, colour and creativity, with winners emerging from West, East, North, Central and Southern Africa, as well as the African diaspora. The event showcased the depth and diversity of African music while reinforcing AFRIMA’s role as a truly continental platform.
AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mr Mike Dada, said the wide spread of participation and winners underlined the awards’ pan-African vision.
“AFRIMA is not just about giving awards. It is about bringing Africa together under one roof to celebrate our stories, culture and future through music,” Dada said. “I am happy that we had delegates from at least 48 countries, including 1,216 artistes, delegates and production team members. Looking at the winners, all regions of Africa are represented, showing the growth of our music industry. Artistes from South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria and Ethiopia were among those who led in the major categories.”
Côte d’Ivoire emerged as one of the standout countries of the night, recording multiple wins. Milo and Morijah claimed the male and female African Inspirational categories respectively, while Didi B won Best African Lyricist or Rapper. Team Paiya also took home the award for Best African Duo, Group or Band.
Ethiopia also made a strong showing, with Haddinqo winning Best African Jazz, Weeha securing Best African Dance or Choreography, and Veronica Adane emerging winner in the Best African Traditional category. Guinea celebrated Manamba Kanté as Best African Pop Artiste and Takana Zion as Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall Artiste.
Other notable winners included Benin’s Axel Merryl, who won Best African Contemporary, and Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum, named Songwriter of the Year. Algeria produced winners in DJ Moh Green, who won Best African DJ, and Izlan, who claimed Best African Rock. Rwanda’s Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson were jointly recognised as Producer of the Year.
In East Africa, Jux from Tanzania won Best Male Artiste, while Fole X took Best African Video of the Year for the song Ololufe. Denise from Madagascar won Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa. Northern Africa winners included Adviser from Mauritania and Sherine from Tunisia.
Southern Africa also celebrated major wins, with Yo Maps from Zambia, alongside South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize and Ciza, receiving honours. Central Africa awards went to Singuila from the Republic of Congo and Cindy Le Cœur from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ghana’s Wendy Shay was named Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.
The week-long celebration began with a Welcome Soiree held on Wednesday, January 7, at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, formally receiving nominees and guests. Activities continued with the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites.
On Friday, January 9, attention shifted to the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, where over 25 A-list artistes thrilled more than 20,000 fans during a high-energy concert that drew massive crowds.
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The grand finale took place at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, which was filled beyond capacity as thousands gathered to witness the awards ceremony. In a dazzling close to the event, artistes, producers, video and sound directors and other creatives were honoured with the prestigious 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.
The 9th AFRIMA once again positioned African music as a unifying force, reflecting the continent’s shared heritage, creative growth and global influence.
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