The ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), under the theme “Unstoppable Africa,” concluded on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Eko Hotel Convention Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was attended by artists from across the African continent, government representatives, and other dignitaries.
The evening commenced with a red-carpet reception, where attendees, including entertainers, industry stakeholders, and music enthusiasts, showcased a range of Afrofusion attire reflecting African cultural diversity. Inside the venue, seating arrangements were organized according to ticket categories, with VIP guests receiving an enhanced experience including close proximity to the stage, beverages, and refreshments.
Central to the evening was the presentation of the 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy, awarded to artists, producers, directors, and other contributors who made significant impacts on African music in the preceding year.
Among the award recipients, Rema was recognized as Artiste of the Year and Best Male Artiste in Western Africa. Burna Boy received Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness, while Shallipopi was awarded Song of the Year for Laho. Yemi Alade earned the award for Best Soundtrack in a Movie for You Are. Additional honorees included Jux (Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa), Cindy Le Coeur (Best Female Artiste in Central Africa), Phyno (Best African Hip Hop Artiste), and Chella (African Fans’ Favorite).
The ceremony also featured lighthearted moments, such as a stage interaction between Annie Idibia and former Big Brother Naija contestant Adekunle, which elicited audience applause.
Performances were delivered by Falz, Flavour, Seyi Vibez, Qing Madi, Kunmie, and other prominent artists. A highlight occurred when Shallipopi invited Rema to perform alongside him, resulting in a dynamic collaboration that energized the audience.
AFRIMA 2026 spanned five days, beginning with a welcome soirée hosted by the British High Commission in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, January 7. This was followed by the Africa Music Business Summit on Thursday, January 8, at the Eko Convention Center. The summit convened industry leaders, artists, policymakers, and international stakeholders to discuss copyright, distribution, investment, and monetization strategies within the African music industry.
Keynote addresses emphasized the importance of sustainable growth and investment in the sector. Ambassador Anna Westerholm of Sweden highlighted lessons from Sweden’s music industry development, while Angela Martins of the African Union Commission underscored music’s role in economic development, job creation, and continental unity. Mark Smithson, Country Director at the British Deputy High Commission, Lagos, advocated for African-led solutions supported by international partners. Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, reaffirmed the state’s commitment, noting a 2025 investment of N8.4 billion in the creative industries.
The AFRIMA Music Village, held on Friday, January 9, at Ikeja City Mall, featured performances by over 25 artists and DJs, headlined by Femi Kuti and including Wande Coal, Diamond Platnumz, Yemi Alade, Stonebwoy, Innoss’B, Kcee, 9ice, Obesere, Jeriq, Skales, Moliy, Mavo, and Adewale Ayuba.
AFRIMA 2026 successfully highlighted Africa’s musical innovation, creative talent, and growing influence within the global entertainment industry.#newsafro_
