Nigerian artists dominated the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), which concluded in Lagos on Sunday night, securing a string of major wins that underscored the country’s musical influence on the continent.
Global superstar Burna Boy clinched the prestigious Album of the Year award for his latest project, No Sign of Weakness. He also shared the Best African Collaboration award with fellow Nigerian act Shallipopi, who enjoyed a standout night of his own by winning Song of the Year for his viral hit Laho.
The week-long event, judged by a diverse panel of music experts from Africa and the diaspora, brought together key industry stakeholders and culminated in a grand ceremony that showcased Nigeria’s current musical dominance.
Rema emerged as the biggest winner of the night, picking up three awards: Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul.
Other Nigerian winners included Yemi Alade, who secured Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song You Are from the animated series Iyanu, and veteran rapper Phyno, who was named Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop.
The awards also recognised rising stars, with Qing Madi winning Most Promising Artiste of the Year, while Chella claimed the African Fans’ Favourite award.
Despite Nigeria’s strong showing, the ceremony celebrated talent from across the continent. Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum won Songwriter of the Year, while Algeria’s DJ Moh Green claimed the DJ of the Year award, beating competition from notable South African DJs.
Ghana’s Wendy Shay was named Best Female Artiste in Western Africa, South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize won Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, and Tanzania’s Juma Jux took home Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.
The impressive performance by Nigerian artistes further highlights the growing global appeal of Afrobeats. The genre’s blend of African rhythms and Western influences has fuelled its international rise, with Burna Boy remaining one of its leading ambassadors, a status reinforced by his Album of the Year triumph.
