Nigeria’s dominance at the ninth All-Africa Music Awards was unmistakable as the curtain fell on the week-long celebration of African music in Lagos on January 11, with the country’s artistes walking away with a significant share of the night’s top honours.
Leading the charge was Burna Boy, who secured the Album of the Year prize for No Sign of Weakness, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s most influential global exports. He also picked up Best African Collaboration alongside fellow Nigerian star Shallipopi. The latter enjoyed a standout moment of his own, earning Song of the Year for his viral hit ‘Laho’, a track that gained massive traction across social media and streaming platforms.
The awards ceremony marked the climax of an event that drew musicians, producers, executives and cultural stakeholders from across Africa and the diaspora. Winners were selected by a jury made up of music professionals, with the final night underscoring Nigeria’s continued impact on shaping contemporary African sound and culture.
Rema emerged as the most celebrated artist of the evening, claiming three major awards. He was named Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in R&B and Soul, a clean sweep that highlighted his growing international reach and versatility.
Several other Nigerian acts also received recognition across diverse categories. Yemi Alade was awarded Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for ‘You Are’, featured in the animated series ‘Iyanu’. Veteran rapper Phyno added to his decorated career after being crowned Best African Artiste in African Hip Hop.
AFRIMA also turned the spotlight on rising stars, acknowledging the next generation of African music talent. Qing Madi won Most Promising Artiste of the Year, while Chella secured the African Fans’ Favourite award, reflecting strong audience support across the continent.
While Nigerian artistes dominated much of the honours list, performers from other African countries were equally celebrated. Senegalese songwriter Bakhaw Dioum won Songwriter of the Year, and Algerian DJ Moh Green was named DJ of the Year, edging out several South African contenders. Ghana’s Wendy Shay claimed Best Female Artiste in Western Africa, South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize took Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, and Tanzania’s Juma Jux earned Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, rounding out a night that showcased the depth and diversity of African music.
Check out the list of winners below. (Winners in bold).
Best Male Artist in Central Africa
- Singuila (The Congo)
- C4 Pedro (Angola)
- Eboloko (Gabon)
- Gims (DRC)
- Gerilson Insrael (Angola)
- Kocee (Cameroon)
- L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
- Fally Ipupa (DRC)
- Magasco (Cameroon)
- Werrason (DRC)
Best Female Artist in Central Africa
- Cindy Le Coeur (DRC)
- Anna Joyce (Angola)
- Blanche Bailly (Cameroon)
- Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon)
- Deborah Lukalu (DRC)
- Emma’a (Gabon)
- Jessy B (The Congo)
- Krys M (Cameroon)
- Liriany (Angola)
- Rebo (DRC)
Best Male Artist in Eastern Africa
- Juma Jux (Tanzania)
- Bien (Kenya)
- Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
- Element Eleéh (Rwanda)
- Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
- Marioo (Tanzania)
- Mbosso (Tanzania)
- Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
- Sat-B (Burundi)
- Yared Negu (Ethiopia)
Best Female Artist in Eastern Africa
- Denise (Madagascar)
- Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
- Bridget Blue (Kenya)
- Haleluya Tekletsadik (Ethiopia)
- Lady Jaydee (Tanzania)
- Mahlet Wendimu (Ethiopia)
- Salemia (Ethiopia)
- Weeha (Ethiopia)
- Winnie Nwagi (Uganda)
- Zuchu (Tanzania)
Best Male Artist in Northern Africa
- Adviser (Mauritania)
- A.L.A. (Tunisia)
- Amr Diab (Egypt)
- Cheb Momo (Algeria)
- El Grande Toto (Morocco)
- Hamza Namira (Egypt)
- Lbenj (Morocco)
- Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)
- Stormy (Morocco)
- Wegz (Egypt)
Best Female Artist in Northern Africa
- Sherine (Egypt)
- Chirine Lajmi (Tunisia)
- Inez (Morocco)
- Jannat (Egypt)
- Jaylann (Morocco)
- Manal (Morocco)
- Meryem Aboulouafa (Morocco)
- Zina Daoudia (Morocco)
Best Male Artist in Southern Africa
- Yo Maps (Zambia)
- Anderson Mário (Mozambique)
- Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
- Manana (Eswatini)
- Nasty C (South Africa)
- Teddy Makadi (Malawi)
- Tyler ICU (South Africa)
- Wanitwamos (South Africa)
- Zeze Kingston (Malawi)
- Kazba De Small (South Africa)
Best Female Artist in Southern Africa
- Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa)
- Babalwa M (South Africa)
- Hanna (Zimbabwe)
- Makhadzi (South Africa)
- Nkosazana Daughter (South Africa)
- Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)
- Temwah (Malawi)
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Uncle Waffles (eSwatini)
- Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)
Best Male Artist in Western Africa
- Rema (Nigeria)
- Asake (Nigeria)
- Axel Merryl (Benin)
- Black Sherif (Ghana)
- Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Davido (Nigeria)
- Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Djodje (Cape Verde)
- VJ (Senegal)
- Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Female Artist in Western Africa
- Wendy Shay (Ghana)
- Amaarae (Ghana)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Djelykaba Bintou (Guinea)
- Josey (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Mariam Ba Lagaré (Mali)
- Mia Guissé (Senegal)
- Moliy (Ghana)
- Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
- Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
Best Male Artist in African Inspirational Music
- Milo (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Christian Mukuna (DRC)
- Djunny Beatz (Mozambique)
- Gaise Baba (Nigeria)
- Israel Mbonyi (Rwanda)
- Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
- Joel Lwaga (Tanzania)
- Kocee (Cameroon)
- Lawrence Oyor (Nigeria)
- Sjava (South Africa)
Best Female Artist in African Inspirational Music
- Morijah (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Ada Ehi (Nigeria)
- Choisie Basolua (DRC)
- Krys M (Cameroon)
- Martha Mwaipaja (Tanzania)
- Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
- Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa)
- Roseline Layo (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)
Best African Artist, Duo or Group in African Jazz
- Haddinqo (Ethiopia)
- Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Ghana)
- Mádé Kuti (Nigeria)
- Rorisang Sechele (South Africa)
- Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane (South Africa)
- The Cavemen (Nigeria)
- Alune Wade (Senegal)
- Nomfundo Xaluva (South Africa)
- Kyle Shepherd Trio (South Africa)
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Contemporary
- Axel Merryl (Benin)
- Fireboy DML (Nigeria)
- Espe Bass (Congo B)
- Bien (Kenya)
- Jaylann (Morocco)
- Kizz Daniel, Angélique Kidjo & Johnny Drille (Nigeria)
- Mbosso (Tanzania)
- Ferre Gola & Rayvanny (DRC)
- Didine Canon 16 (Algeria)
- Wendy Shay (Ghana)
Best Soundtrack in Movie, Series, or Documentary
- You Are (“Iyanu”: The Animated Series) – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
- Igho’le Trap Mix Version (To Kill a Monkey: Series) – Oscar Heman-Ackah (Ghana)
- El Ma2as (“The Start”: Film) – Tamer Hosny, Reda Elbahrawy (Egypt)
- Timpi Tampa (“Timpi Tampa”: The Film) – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
- Tori Ife (“Seven Doors”: Series) – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
- Saatte Ragouj (“The Last of the Mohicans” Film) – Kafon (Tunisia)
Songwriter of the Year
- Bakhaw Dioum – ‘Choix’ (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Senegal)
- Emel, Jehanny Beth & Camille Berthomier – ‘Fall in the Light’ (Tunisia)
- Emma’a – ‘Trop d’amour’ (Gabon)
- Emmanuel Ayobami Alli-Hakeem – ‘Za’ (Anendlessocean) (Nigeria)
- Ferre Gola – ‘Amour Illusoire’ (DRC)
- Black Sherif – ‘Rebel Music’ (Ghana)
- Mugisha Fred Robinson – ‘Tombé’ (Element Eleéh) (Rwanda)
- Olamide – ‘Hassibunallah’ (Nigeria)
- Prince Omoferi & Nwamu Francis Chukwudubem – ‘It Hurts’ (Johnny Drille & Don Jazzy) (Nigeria)
- Victor Ngatuvese Kaune – ‘Oputuri ‘Queens’ (One Blood Namibia) (Namibia)
African Fans’ Favourite
- Chella (Nigeria)
- Ali Jita (Nigeria)
- Barnaba (Tanzania)
- BNXN & Rema (Nigeria)
- Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
- Innoss’b (DRC)
- Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
- Parazar (Algeria)
- Faceless (Nigeria)
- Tul8te (Egypt)
Best African DJ
- DJ Moh Green (Algeria)
- DJ Malvado (Angola)
- DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
- DJ Mombochi (The Congo)
- DJ Tunez (Nigeria)
- DJ YK Mule (Nigeria)
- Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
- Oscar Mbo (South Africa)
- Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
- Woodblock Djs (South Africa)
Producer of the Year
- Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Rwanda)
- Beneth Seraphin Akatché Koffi (Senegal)
- Butternut, Xolani Majoz (South Africa)
- Dina One (Mali)
- Jazzworx (South Africa)
- Progrex (Nigeria)
- DaVinci (Angola)
- Tempoe (Nigeria)
- Themba Sekowe, Gomolemo Joy Gumede, Kabelo Motha (South Africa)
Album of the Year
- No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Ebtadena – Amr Diab (Egypt)
- 5ive – Davido (Nigeria)
- Diyilem & Bazarhoff: Genius – Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Ngomoya – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy (South Africa)
- Salgoat – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
- Big Aka 4 Aka Kai – Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
- Idrache (Traces of the Past) – Tinariwen (Mali)
Best African Video of the Year
- ‘Ova’ – Mbosso (Tanzania)
- ‘Rebel’ – Black Sherif (Ghana)
- ‘Meta’ – Nomcebo Zikode & Sofiya Nzau (South Africa)
- ‘Ki Lo Wa Wa’ – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
- ‘Timpi Tampa’ – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
- ‘Tori Ife’ – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
- ‘Ololufe’ – Juma Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
- ‘Shaolin’ – Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
- ‘Stk Stk’ – Dizzy Dros, Kekra & Norfafrica (Morocco)
Song of the Year
- ‘Laho’ – Shallipopi (Nigeria)
- ‘Isaka (6AM)’ – Ciza, Jazzworx & Thukuthela (South Africa)
- ‘Bengicela’ – Mawhoo Gl Ceejay & Thukuthela (South Africa)
- ‘Choix’ – Mia Guissé (Senegal)
- ‘Diplomatico’ – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
- ‘Kaay Waay’ – VJ (Senegal)
- ‘Ololufe Mi’ – Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
- ‘Push 2 Start’ – Tyla (South Africa)
- ‘Shake it to the Max’ – Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy (Ghana)
- ‘With You’ – Davido (Nigeria)
Best African Dance/Choreography
- Weeha – ‘Dimama’ (Ethiopia)
- Jaylann – ‘Ha Wlidi’ (Morocco)
- Lady Ponce – ‘Je veux danser’ (Cameroon)
- Rebo – ‘Mobambo’ (DRC)
- Serge Beynaud – ‘Taper Dedans’ (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Toofan – ‘Deodorant’ (Togo)
- Tyla – ‘Push 2 Start’ (South Africa)
- Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq – ‘Zenzele’ (Eswatini)
- Werrason – ‘Tout se paie ici bas’ (DRC)
- Wizkid – ‘Kese’ (Nigeria)
Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall
- Takana Zion – ‘On My Eyes’ (Guinea)
- Magasco – ‘Dirty Whine’ (Cameroon)
- Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy – ‘Shake it to the Max’ (Ghana)
- Ruger & Kranium – ‘Dudu’ (Nigeria)
- Sean Morgan – ‘Vuu’ (Malawi)
- Black Sherif – ‘Rebel Music’ (Ghana)
- Tiwa Savage – ‘Forgiveness’ (Nigeria)
- Wakadinli – ‘Kum Baba’ (Kenya)
- Yemi Alade – ‘Baddie’ (Nigeria)
- Iyani, Mwanaa & Cedo – ‘Kifo cha Mende’ (Kenya)
Best African Collaboration
- Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – ‘Laho’ (Nigeria)
- Blanche Bailly & Lady Ponce – “Lève toi” (Cameroon)
- Goon Flavour, Master Kg & Eemoh – “Ngishutheni” (South Africa)
- Mia Guissé ft. Wally Seck – “Choix” (Senegal)
- Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – “Shake It to the Max” (Ghana)
- Paki Chenzu ft. Himra – “Assaut” (Togo/Côte d’Ivoire)
- Uncle Waffles ft. Cowboii, Royal Musiq, Uncool MC & Xduppy – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
- Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You” (Nigeria)
- Mawhoo, GL Ceejay & Thukuthela ft. Jazzworx – “Bengicela” (South Africa)
- Benny Adam & Khadija El Warzazia – “Mok Ya Mok” (Morocco)
Most Promising Artist of the Year
- Qing Madi, Valorant (Nigeria)
- Cysoul (Cameroon)
- Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
- King Luca (Cameroon)
- L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
- Lwah Ndlunkulu (South Africa)
- Massamba Amadeus (Senegal)
- Rym (Morocco)
- Kunmie (Nigeria)
- Fola (Nigeria)
Artist of the Year
- Rema (Nigeria) Amr Diab (Egypt)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Davido (Nigeria)
- DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
- El Grande Toto (Morocco)
- Fally Ipupa (DRC)
- Jux (Tanzania)
- Shallipopi (Nigeria)
- Tyla (South Africa)
Breakout Artiste of the Year
- Ciza (South Africa)
- Blaq Major (South Africa)
- Eboloko (Gabon)
- Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Marioo (Tanzania)
- Mawhoo (South Africa)
- Moliy (Ghana)
- Shallipopi (Nigeria)
- Trap King (Algeria)
- VJ (Senegal)
Best African Lyricist Rapper
- Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
- ALA (Tunisia)
- Jessy B (Congo B)
- Klassafan le Melangeur (Guinea)
- Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
- Nyashinski (Kenya)
- Reminisce (Nigeria)
- Sarkodie (Ghana)
- Switch (Libya)
- Yacou B OG (Mali)
Best African Artist, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop
- Phyno (Nigeria)
- ALA ft. Mootjeyek (Tunisia)
- Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
- Eboloko (Gabon)
- El Grande Toto (Morocco)
- Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
- Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
- Sarkodie (Ghana)
- Suspect 95 (Côte d’Ivoire)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul
- Rema (Nigeria)
- Bensoul & V- Be (Kenya)
- Big Zulu ft. Malungelo (South Africa)
- Braye (Nigeria)
- Calema (Sao Tome)
- Emma’a (Gabon)
- Kunmie (Nigeria)
- Manal (Morocco)
- Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele (South Africa)
- Wegz ft. Tayc (Egypt)
Best African Duo, Group or Band
- Team Paiya (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Babylone (Algeria)
- Blaq Diamond (South Africa)
- Celema (Sao Tome & Principe)
- The Cavemen (Nigeria)
- Tinariwen (Mali)
- Toofan (Togo)
- Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)
- Wapendwa Muziki (Kenya)
- We Are Nubia (Kenya)
