The 2026 AFRIMA (All Africa Music Awards) reinforced Nigeria’s grip on the continent’s music scene, with Nigerian artists emerging as some of the biggest winners at the ceremony held in Lagos. The awards, which ran from January 7 to January 11, brought together artists, producers and industry executives from across Africa, ending with a high-profile ceremony that reflected both the scale and competitiveness of African music today.

AFRIMA, organised in partnership with the African Union, has grown into one of the continent’s most influential platforms, measuring not just popularity but cultural impact and commercial reach. This year’s edition was closely watched, especially as Afrobeats continues to expand beyond Africa into global charts and touring circuits.

Nigeria dominated the night, led by Rema, who emerged as one of the most decorated artists of the ceremony. His wins reflected the sustained international run of his music, which has crossed language barriers and secured strong streaming numbers across Africa, Europe and North America. Rema’s recognition at 2026 AFRIMA further underlined his position as one of the leading figures of the current Afrobeats generation.

Burna Boy also added to Nigeria’s tally, winning Album of the Year for a project that blended global sounds with African influences. His win highlighted the continued relevance of Nigerian artists who have successfully built international careers without losing their local audience. Burna Boy’s consistency over the years has made him one of Africa’s most commercially successful exports, and his presence at  2026AFRIMA reaffirmed that status.

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Younger Nigerian artists also made a strong showing. Qing Madi was named Most Promising Artist of the Year, signalling growing industry confidence in the next wave of Nigerian talent. Her recognition reflects a wider trend of labels and audiences paying closer attention to emerging voices, especially female artists navigating a competitive industry.

Shallipopi picked up major recognition as well, benefiting from a year in which his sound gained widespread attention across Nigeria and beyond. His win showed how street-driven music and viral momentum continue to shape the mainstream, especially among younger listeners. Phyno’s win in the hip-hop category also stood out, reinforcing the staying power of indigenous rap and regional sounds within Nigeria’s music ecosystem.

Yemi Alade added to the country’s success with a win for Best Soundtrack, highlighting how Nigerian artists are expanding into film, animation and other creative industries. Her recognition reflected the growing intersection between music and visual storytelling, an area that is drawing increased investment across Africa.

Beyond individual wins, the 2026 AFRIMA edition highlighted Nigeria’s broader influence on African music. From production and songwriting to distribution and performance, Nigerian creatives were visible across multiple categories, underscoring the country’s role as a major hub for talent and innovation. Hosting the awards in Lagos further reinforced this position, with the city once again serving as a meeting point for Africa’s music business.

While artists from other regions also earned recognition, Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2026 AFRIMA pointed to a mature industry that continues to regenerate itself. As African music gains more global attention, the performance of Nigerian artists at the awards reflected both past groundwork and the scale of competition ahead.

Meiza Nigeria