Rema Artiste of the Year win crowns a dominant night for Nigeria at the African music awards ceremony

Nigerian global music star Divine Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, was crowned Artiste of the Year at the African music awards ceremony, emerging top among Africa’s most influential performers.

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Rema beat a strong field that included Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Tyla, DJ Maphorisa, Fally Ipupa, Amr Diab and El Grande Toto, sealing a commanding victory that underscored his continental impact.

The Rema Artiste of the Year recognition reflected a year of sustained chart success, sold-out international tours and strong streaming numbers across Africa, Europe and North America.

Nigeria recorded major wins across key categories. Burna Boy claimed Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness, while Shallipopi secured Song of the Year with Laho and also won Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy.

In the Producer of the Year category, Rwanda’s Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson emerged winners, highlighting East Africa’s growing creative influence.

Tanzania’s Mbosso took home Best African Video of the Year for Ova.

The ceremony also celebrated emerging talent. Qing Madi and Valorant won Most Promising Artiste of the Year, while South Africa’s Ciza was named Breakout Artiste of the Year in a fiercely contested category.

Veteran excellence was recognised as Didi B of Côte d’Ivoire won Best African Lyricist Rapper, while Phyno was named Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hiphop.

The awards reflected Africa’s musical diversity, with winners spanning West, East, Central and Southern Africa, reinforcing the industry’s expanding global footprint.