AFRIMA 2026 Unites Africa as Artistes from 48 Countries Celebrate Musical Excellence in Lagos
The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) once again affirmed its status as Africa’s biggest music awards platform, bringing together artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries in Lagos, Nigeria.
Held from 7 to 11 January 2026, the awards showcased the continent’s rich cultural diversity and creative strength, with winners emerging from West, East, North, Central and Southern Africa, as well as the African diaspora. The event was marked by an atmosphere of unity, colour and creativity, reflecting AFRIMA’s pan-African vision.
AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mr Mike Dada, said the breadth of participation and regional representation among winners demonstrated the platform’s continental reach and growing influence.
“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,” Mr Dada said. “We hosted delegates from at least 48 countries, including 1,216 artistes, delegates and production team members. The winners cut across all regions, showing the remarkable growth of Africa’s music industry.”
Côte d’Ivoire recorded multiple wins, with Milo and Morijah taking the African Inspirational Male and Female awards respectively, Didi B named Best African Lyricist or Rapper, and Team Paiya winning Best African Duo, Group or Band.
Ethiopia also celebrated success, with Haddinqo winning Best African Jazz, Weeha taking Best African Dance or Choreography, and Veronica Adane named Best African Traditional Artiste. From Guinea, Manamba Kanté won Best African Pop, while Takana Zion claimed Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall.
Benin’s Axel Merryl was named Best African Contemporary Artiste, while Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum won Songwriter of the Year. Algeria produced winners in DJ Moh Green, who took Best African DJ, and Izlan, who won Best African Rock. Rwanda’s Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson were jointly recognised as Producers of the Year.
In East Africa, Tanzania’s Jux won Best Male Artiste, while Fole X claimed Best African Video of the Year for Ololufe. Madagascar’s Denise was named Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa. Northern Africa honours went to Adviser of Mauritania and Tunisia’s Sherine.
Southern Africa celebrated wins for Yo Maps of Zambia, alongside South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize and Ciza. Central Africa awards went to Singuila of the Republic of Congo and Cindy Le Cœur of the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Ghana’s Wendy Shay was named Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.
The week-long celebration began with a Welcome Soirée for nominees and guests at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner on Wednesday, 7 January. This was followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites.
On Friday, 9 January, activities moved to the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, where more than 25 top artistes performed for an audience of over 20,000 at a high-energy concert.
The grand finale took place at the Eko Convention Centre, which was filled beyond capacity as thousands gathered to witness the awards ceremony. In a dazzling showcase, artistes, producers, video directors and sound engineers were honoured with the prestigious 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy, bringing the 9th edition of the awards to a memorable close.
