Nigerian music stars shone brightly at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), with Rema emerging as the night’s biggest winner. Held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, the event celebrated the diverse talent across the African continent. Rema, known globally for his hit song ‘Calm Down,’ secured an impressive three awards, including Best African Artiste and Best Male Artiste in Western Africa. This recognition solidifies his position as a leading figure in contemporary African music.
Burna Boy also made a significant impact, taking home the coveted Best Album of the Year award for his latest project, ‘No Sign of Weakness.’ His consistent quality and global appeal were evident throughout the night. Shallipopi’s viral hit ‘Laho’ earned him Song of the Year, and its remix featuring Burna Boy also clinched Best African Collaboration, highlighting the power of cross-genre and cross-continental partnerships in the music industry.
Featured snippet paragraph: The 9th AFRIMA awards celebrated African music talent, with Nigerian artists like Rema and Burna Boy winning major awards. The event showcased the growing influence of African music on the global stage and highlighted the diverse genres celebrated.
Veteran rapper Phyno was recognized for his contributions to the genre, winning Best African Artiste in Hip-Hop. While Nigerian female artists may not have dominated the absolute top categories, their presence was notable. Yemi Alade’s song ‘You Are’ from the animated series ‘Iyanu’ earned her the award for Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary. Qing Madi was also celebrated as the Most Promising Artiste of the Year, indicating a bright future.
Rising talents were not overlooked. Nigerian singer Chella was honored with the African Fans’ Favourite award, showcasing strong audience engagement. The awards ceremony, organized in partnership with the African Union (AU), has become a cornerstone event for celebrating and promoting African music, with Lagos once again serving as a fitting host city.
Beyond the headline wins, the AFRIMA awards recognized excellence across numerous regional categories. Artists from Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, and other nations were celebrated, demonstrating the vast musical landscape of Africa. The competition was fierce, with nominees representing a wide array of styles and influences.
This year’s AFRIMA also underscored the growing international recognition of African artists. Categories like Best Global Act, although not won by an African artist this time, highlight the expanding reach and impact of music originating from the continent.
The collaborative spirit within African music was evident, with many awards going to joint efforts. These collaborations not only produce hit songs but also foster greater understanding and unity among artists from different backgrounds.
The awards ceremony itself was a spectacle, featuring performances from various nominated artists, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The presence of music industry professionals, media, and passionate fans created an electric environment.
Looking ahead, the success of artists like Rema and Burna Boy at AFRIMA suggests a continued upward trajectory for African music on the global stage. The awards serve as a vital platform for discovery, recognition, and the promotion of new talent.
The dedication to celebrating diverse genres, from Hip-Hop to RnB, Jazz to Traditional music, ensures that AFRIMA remains a comprehensive showcase of Africa’s musical richness.
The inclusion of categories such as Best African DJ and Producer of the Year acknowledges the crucial behind-the-scenes roles that contribute significantly to the music ecosystem.
AFRIMA’s commitment to working with the African Union further strengthens its mission to elevate African music and culture on a global scale.
The full list of winners reflects a dynamic and evolving music scene, with established stars and emerging artists alike receiving well-deserved accolades for their contributions to the industry.
The event in Lagos provided a vibrant platform for networking and collaboration, setting the stage for future musical endeavors across the continent and beyond.
