AFRIMA 2026 brings together artistes from 48 African countries in Lagos, celebrating diversity, unity, and the global rise of African music
AFRIMA 2026 Unites 48 African Countries in Lagos as Continental Music Excellence Shines
The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) once again affirmed its status as Africa’s most prestigious and unifying music awards platform, as artistes, delegates, and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries converged on Lagos, Nigeria, for a spectacular celebration of the continent’s musical diversity.
Held from January 7 to 11, 2026, AFRIMA 2026 unfolded in an atmosphere of unity, colour, creativity, and cultural pride, with winners emerging from West, East, North, Central, and Southern Africa, as well as the African diaspora—underscoring the truly pan-African reach of the awards.
Speaking on the success of the event, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mr. Mike Dada, described the platform as more than an awards ceremony.
“AFRIMA is not just about giving awards. It is about bringing Africa together under one roof to celebrate our stories, culture, and future through music,” Dada said.
According to him, the 2026 edition hosted 1,216 artistes, delegates, and production team members, with nominees and winners reflecting the impressive growth and global relevance of Africa’s music industry.
“Looking at the winners, all regions of Africa are represented. Artistes from South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, and Ethiopia led in major categories, which clearly shows how far African music has come,” he added.
Winners Across the Continent
Côte d’Ivoire recorded an outstanding outing, with Milo and Morijah winning the Male and Female African Inspirational categories, Didi B clinching Best African Lyricist/Rapper, and Team Paiya emerging as Best African Duo, Group or Band.
From Ethiopia, Haddinqo won Best African Jazz, Weeha claimed Best African Dance/Choreography, while Veronica Adane was named Best African Traditional Artiste. Guinea also shone brightly, as Manamba Kanté won Best African Pop, while Takana Zion claimed Best African Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall.
Benin Republic’s Axel Merryl emerged as Best African Contemporary Artiste, while Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum was crowned Songwriter of the Year. Algeria produced multiple winners, including DJ Moh Green as Best African DJ and Izlan for Best African Rock. Rwanda’s Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson jointly won Producer of the Year.
In East Africa, Jux (Tanzania) won Best Male Artiste, Fole X claimed Best African Video of the Year for “Ololufe”, while Denise (Madagascar) emerged Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa.
Northern Africa celebrated winners such as Adviser (Mauritania) and Sherine (Tunisia). Southern Africa honoured Yo Maps (Zambia) alongside Nontokozo Mkhize and Ciza (South Africa). Central Africa recorded wins for Singuila (Republic of Congo) and Cindy Le Cœur (DR Congo), while Ghana’s Wendy Shay clinched Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.
Week-Long Celebration of African Excellence
The week-long festivities began with a Welcome Soirée hosted at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner on Wednesday, January 7, officially receiving nominees and guests. This was followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of Africa’s music economy.
The celebrations peaked on Friday, January 9, at the AFRIMA Music Village held at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, where over 25 A-list artistes thrilled a crowd of more than 20,000 music lovers in a high-energy concert that showcased the vibrancy of African sounds.
As AFRIMA 2026 drew to a close, one message rang clear: African music is not just thriving—it is commanding global attention, united in diversity, and shaping the continent’s cultural future. Read More
