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AFRIMA Awards 2026 |
Discover the AFRIMA Awards 2026 — winners, performances, highlights, and the full AFRIMA Awards winners list from Africa’s biggest music celebration in Lagos.
The AFRIMA Awards 2026 marked a spectacular celebration of African music’s vibrant diversity and global influence, bringing together the continent’s biggest stars for an unforgettable night of recognition, performances, and cultural unity. As the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) unfolded in Lagos, Nigeria from January 7–11, 2026, music lovers across Africa and the world tuned in to witness artists honored for their creativity and impact.
In this comprehensive post, we take readers through everything you need to know about the AFRIMA Awards 2026, including highlights of the show, the AFRIMA Awards 2026 winners, the full AFRIMA Awards winners list, key performances, cultural significance, and what this edition means for the future of African music.
What Are the AFRIMA Awards?
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) are Africa’s most prestigious music awards, celebrating musical excellence, innovation, and diversity across the continent and its diaspora. Founded in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), AFRIMA spotlights artists, songs, albums, and producers who have made outstanding contributions to the African music industry.
The awards foster cultural exchange while elevating African music on the global stage — encouraging creativity, youth empowerment, and economic opportunity in the creative sector.
AFRIMA Awards 2026: Event Overview
The 9th edition of the AFRIMA Awards was originally set for late 2025 but was rescheduled to January 7–11, 2026 to ensure full participation from artists, stakeholders, and partners across Africa and the diaspora.
Location
- Host City: Lagos, Nigeria
- Venue: Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites
- Broadcast: Live in Nigeria and across multiple African and international platforms
The week-long celebration included music industry summits, cultural tours, music showcases, school outreach events, and the main awards night.
AFRIMA Awards 2026 Hosts and Presenters
This year’s ceremony was hosted by two dynamic personalities from Africa’s entertainment world:
- FalzTheBahdGuy – Nigerian rapper, actor, and comedian known for his charisma and stage presence
- Liliane Maroune – Moroccan-Senegalese actress and media personality bringing an international flair to the event
Their pairing brought high energy and cross-continental appeal to the grand night.
AFRIMA Awards 2026 Winners: Top Honors and Highlights
The AFRIMA Awards 2026 winners list was dominated by sensational African artists who delivered memorable performances and influential music over the past year. Nigerians, in particular, showed strong representation among the top honorees.
Major Winners at AFRIMA Awards 2026
Here are some of the biggest wins from the evening:
- Artiste of the Year: Rema (Nigeria)
- Album of the Year: No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Song of the Year: “Laho” – Shallipopi (Nigeria)
- Best African Collaboration: Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho”
- Most Promising Artiste: Qing Madi (Nigeria)
- African Fans’ Favourite: Chella (Nigeria)
- Best Soundtrack in a Movie/Series: Yemi Alade – “You Are” (Iyanu)
- Best African Artiste in Hip-Hop: Phyno (Nigeria)
- Producer of the Year: Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Rwanda)
- Songwriter of the Year: Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Senegal)
These winners highlight the richness and diversity of African music, from mainstream chart-toppers to rising stars breaking through on the continental stage.
Standout Performances and Moments
Beyond the awards, AFRIMA 2026 showcased electrifying performances and memorable appearances:
- Legendary performances from leading Afrobeat, hip-hop, and contemporary acts
- Tributes to music icons and industry veterans
- Cultural presentations celebrating African heritage in sound and style
The AFRIMA Music Village — part of the official week-long program — brought artists and fans together in an open-air concert that celebrated the pulse of African music culture.
Why AFRIMA Awards Matter
The AFRIMA Awards 2026 have become more than just a ceremony — they serve as a platform for global recognition of African artists and a catalyst for economic growth in the creative sector. These awards:
- Amplify African talent on worldwide stages
- Strengthen music industry collaboration across borders
- Provide opportunities for emerging artists to gain exposure
- Help shape music trends and industry standards across the continent
The partnership between AFRIMA and the African Union Commission underscores the role of culture and creativity in Africa’s broader development agenda, aligning with the AU’s goals for youth empowerment and cultural exchange.
Trends Reflected in the AFRIMA Awards 2026
The winners and nominations also highlight key trends in African music today:
Afrobeat and Afropop Dominance
Artists like Rema, Burna Boy, and Shallipopi exemplify Africa’s global musical influence, blending Afrobeat rhythms with modern pop and R&B sensibilities.
Emerging Voices
Breakthrough talents like Qing Madi and Chella signal how younger generations are reshaping African music with fresh sounds and diverse narratives.
Pan-African Collaboration
Awards like Best African Collaboration point to the continued rise of cross-border musical partnerships that unite artists from different African regions.
Additional AFRIMA Awards: Regional and Genre Categories
Beyond the headline awards, the AFRIMA Awards 2026 winners list also included regional and genre-based honors, celebrating excellence in categories such as:
- Best Male/Female Artiste by Region (West, East, Central, North, Southern Africa)
- Best Dance & Choreography
- Best Music Video
- Best Gospel Artiste
- Best Indigenous Songwriter
- Best African Jazz
These categories ensure that the rich tapestry of African music — from traditional to contemporary — receives deserved recognition.
Global Influence and Media Reach
The award ceremony was broadcast globally, with live coverage reaching audiences in over 80 countries. Social media buzz and streaming platforms amplified the show’s impact, allowing fans around the world to engage with AFRIMA in real-time, share highlights, and celebrate achievements alongside the artists.
How Fans Can Engage
Fans play a crucial role in AFRIMA’s success through:
- Voting for fan-based categories during the nomination phase
- Attending events and concerts during the AFRIMA week
- Streaming and sharing performances online
Engagement helps African music grow in reach and influence, while fan-driven honors like African Fans’ Favourite spotlight the power of grassroots support.
Host City: Lagos, a Cultural Hub
Lagos, Nigeria’s vibrant cultural capital, served as the perfect backdrop for AFRIMA 2026. With its rich musical heritage, dynamic creative scene, and world-class venues, Lagos continues to be a leading destination for major cultural events. Hosting the ceremony strengthens Nigeria’s role as a major influencer in the global music industry.
Spotlight: Top AFRIMA Awards 2026 Winners
Here’s a closer look at some of the standout winners:
Rema – Artiste of the Year
Nigerian sensation Rema claimed the coveted Artiste of the Year title — underscoring his meteoric rise and broad regional appeal.
Burna Boy – Album of the Year
Legendary Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy added another accolade to his storied career, taking Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness.
Shallipopi – Song of the Year
Shallipopi’s track “Laho” was celebrated as Song of the Year, showcasing the power of collaborative artistry in modern African music.
FAQs About AFRIMA Awards 2026
What is the AFRIMA Awards?
The AFRIMA Awards are the All Africa Music Awards — an annual event celebrating excellence and innovation in African music in partnership with the African Union.
When and where were the 2026 awards held?
The 9th edition took place in Lagos, Nigeria from January 7–11, 2026.
Who were some of the top AFRIMA Awards 2026 winners?
Top winners included Rema, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, Qing Madi, Chella, Yemi Alade, and others recognized across major categories.
How can fans participate in AFRIMA?
Fans can engage by voting in fan-based categories, attending events, streaming performances, and sharing content on social media.
Conclusion: AFRIMA Awards 2026 — A Milestone Celebration
The AFRIMA Awards 2026 were more than just a ceremony — they highlighted Africa’s creativity, resilience, and global cultural influence. With a memorable AFRIMA Awards winners list, historic performances, and a vibrant community of artists and fans, this edition reiterated the continent’s leadership in the global music scene.
As African artists continue to break boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide, AFRIMA remains at the forefront of recognizing and celebrating their achievements.
Stay updated on future AFRIMA events and winners by following the official AFRIMA website and social media channels.
