President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes, including Rema, Burna Boy, Shallipopi and others for their wins at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, saying their success highlights how Nigeria continues to shine on the continental stage and gain global recognition for its music industry.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president said the achievements of the artistes reflect the creativity, talent and resilience of Nigerian youths, as well as the country’s growing influence in African and global music.
Nigerian artistes recorded several wins at the awards ceremony, which held from January 7 to 11 in Lagos.
Rema won Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African RnB and Soul. Burna Boy won Album of the Year, while Shallipopi received Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy. Phyno was named Best African Hip Hop, Qing Madi won Most Promising Artiste and Yemi Alade received the award for Best Soundtrack. Chella won African Fans Favourite, while Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye were honoured with the AFRIMA Lifetime Award.
According to Tinubu, the awards reflect years of hard work and consistency by Nigerian artistes and show how Nigerian music has become a strong voice across Africa and beyond.
“I warmly congratulate our outstanding Nigerian artistes for their remarkable achievements at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards. Your success on this great continental stage is a proud moment for our nation and a strong reflection of the depth of talent, creativity and hard work that define Nigeria’s music industry.
“You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity across the continent and beyond. I commend each of you for your dedication and urge you to continue to use your talents to inspire hope, unity and pride, while contributing meaningfully to the growth of our creative economy and the development of our nation,” he said.
The president also congratulated Lagos, the official host city of the event, and praised the state government for hosting the awards.
“I commend Lagos State for once again proving its capacity as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital. I congratulate the Lagos State Government and His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, for the excellent hosting of Africa’s global music awards and for providing a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment for delegates, artistes and guests from across the continent,” he said.
Tinubu, who received the Pillar of Art and Culture in Africa Award in 2015 from the African Union Commission and the International Committee of AFRIMA, said his administration would continue to support youth empowerment and the creative economy.
“Culture is the soul of a people, and music remains one of Africa’s strongest voices. I remain deeply committed to supporting initiatives that promote our culture and empower our creative talents. Our government is fully committed to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the creative economy,” he said.
AFRIMA was founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission. The 9th edition featured over 1,216 artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries.
The event opened on January 7 with a welcome event at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner in Lagos, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre. Activities continued on January 9 at the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, before ending with a grand finale at the Eko Convention Centre, where winners received gold-plated AFRIMA trophies.
