Nigerian musicians achieved remarkable success at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (Afrima), which concluded in Lagos on Sunday night, highlighting the nation’s vibrant music scene. Global sensation Burna Boy took home the coveted Album of the Year award for his latest release, No Sign of Weakness. Additionally, he shared the Best African Collaboration award with the up-and-coming Shallipopi, who also clinched the title for Song of the Year with his viral hit Laho.
The week-long celebration featured a panel of music experts from across Africa and the diaspora, showcasing the continent’s diverse talents. The ceremony notably highlighted Nigeria’s dominance in the music industry, with Rema leading the evening by winning three awards: Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul.
Other prominent Nigerian winners included Yemi Alade, awarded Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song You Are from the animated series Iyanu, and veteran rapper Phyno, who was honored as Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop. The awards also acknowledged emerging artists, with Qing Madi named Most Promising Artiste of the Year and Chella recognized as African Fans’ Favourite.
Despite the Nigerian dominance, the ceremony celebrated talents from across the continent, with Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum recognized as Song Writer of the Year and Algeria’s DJ Moh Green winning DJ of the Year. Ghana’s Wendy Shay was awarded Best Female Artiste in West Africa, while South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize took home Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, and Tanzania’s Juma Jux was named Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.
The outstanding achievements by Nigerian artists at Afrima underscore the global appeal of Afrobeats, a genre that merges African rhythms with Western influences, and has witnessed significant international growth in recent years. Burna Boy, a pivotal figure in this movement, continues to elevate the genre’s status on the world stage, further solidifying his role as a leading ambassador of Afrobeats.
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