Singer Rema has emerged as the biggest winner at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Eko Hotels and Suites Convention Centre in Lagos.
The 24-year-old won three major awards, including Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB and Soul for his song ‘Calm Down’. He edged out other leading Nigerian stars such as Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and Asake in those categories.
While receiving his awards, Rema thanked his fans and the organisers, saying their support means everything to him.
Burna Boy also recorded a win on the night, taking Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness. Shallipopi’s hit song Laho won Song of the Year, and he shared the Best African Collaboration award with Burna Boy for the same track.
Yemi Alade won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song ‘You Are’ from the animated series Iyanu. Phyno was named Best African Artiste in African Hip Hop, while Qing Madi won the Most Promising Artiste of the Year award. Chella emerged as African Fans’ Favourite.
In the regional categories, Tanzania’s Jux won Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, while Cindy Le Coeur from the Democratic Republic of Congo picked up Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. Ghanaian singer Wendy Shay won Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.
The 9th edition of AFRIMA brought together artists and industry figures from across the continent, celebrating the diversity and growing global reach of African music. Lagos hosted the ceremony for the third time after previous editions in other African countries.
The awards ceremony had earlier been rescheduled to January 2026 to allow wider participation from artists and stakeholders across Africa.
