Nigeria's Afrobeats star, Rema, emerged as the biggest winner at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), securing the highly prestigious Artiste of the Year award. He triumphed over a formidable roster of music heavyweights including Davido, Burna Boy, Amr Diab, DJ Maphorisa, and Tyla. The grand ceremony took place at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The event was meticulously organized by the Executive Committee of AFRIMA in collaboration with the African Union, and received immense support from the Lagos State government, which proudly served as the official Host City for this global music celebration.

Leading up to the main awards night, a vibrant week-long series of activities engaged attendees and participants. This commenced with a Welcome Soiree hosted by the British High Commission on Wednesday, January 7. The following day, January 8, saw the successful Africa Music Business Summit. On January 9, Ikeja City Mall in Alausa transformed into a bustling hub for the AFRIMA Music Village, drawing over 20,000 people before the highly anticipated Award ceremony on Sunday.

Speaking at the event, Angela Martins, Head of the Culture Division at the African Union Commission, extended her sincere appreciation to the Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their crucial support. She highlighted the partnership as a testament to the powerful outcomes achievable when government, continental institutions, and creative platforms unite. Martins emphasized that this collaboration with AFRIMA has not only bolstered unity across the African continent but has also significantly elevated African culture, amplified creativity, and showcased Lagos's standing as a true cultural capital of Africa.

Rema's victory in the top category capped an exceptional year for the artist. Beyond the Artiste of the Year accolade, he also secured two additional significant awards: Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African Artiste in African RnB & Soul.

Several other talented artists also celebrated notable wins throughout the evening. Tanzania's Juma Jux was honored as Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, and his collaboration 'Ololufe' with Diamond Platnumz earned the Best African Video of the Year award. Nigerian street-pop sensation Shallipopi continued his impressive ascent, winning Song of the Year for his hit 'Laho,' a highly competitive category. The remix of 'Laho,' featuring Burna Boy, also clinched the Best African Collaboration award. Although Burna Boy narrowly missed the top individual prize, his album 'No Sign of Weakness' was named Album of the Year. Ivorian lyricist Didi B received the Best African Lyricist or Rapper Award, while Ciza from South Africa was recognized as Breakout Artiste of the Year. Further technical and fan-favorite awards included Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson (Rwanda) for Producer of the Year, Bakhaw Dioum (Senegal) for Songwriter of the Year, and Chella (Nigeria) as African Fans' Favourite. Yemi Alade (Nigeria) also took home Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song 'You Are' from the animated series 'Iyanu'.

The awards celebrated talent across all regions of Africa. In Central Africa, Singuila won Best Male Artiste, and Cindy Le Coeur was named Best Female Artiste. Eastern Africa saw Juma Jux as Best Male Artiste and Denise as Best Female Artiste. For Northern Africa, Adviser and Sherine claimed the male and female awards respectively. Southern Africa's top male and female artists were Yo Maps and Nontokozo Mkhize. Finally, in Western Africa, Rema won Best Male Artiste, and Wendy Shay was awarded Best Female Artiste.

The continental categories showcased a broad spectrum of African musical excellence. Milo (Côte d'Ivoire) won Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music, while Morijah (Côte d'Ivoire) took home Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music. Haddinqo (Ethiopia) was recognized as Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz, and Manamba Kanté (Guinea) in African Pop. Axel Merryl (Benin) won Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary. DJ Moh Green (Algeria) was named Best African DJ. Takana Zion (Guinea) won Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall, Izlan (Algeria) in African Rock, and Veronica Adane (Ethiopia) in African Traditional. Most Promising Artiste of the Year went to Qing Madi, Valorant (Nigeria), and Team Paiya (Côte d'Ivoire) won Best African Duo, Group or Band. Weeha (Ethiopia) received the Best African Dance/Choreography award, and Phyno (Nigeria) was named Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hiphop.