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Nigerian artists delivered a commanding showing at the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards Afrima, which wrapped up on Sunday night in Lagos. The ceremony crowned a week of activities that brought together music professionals, creatives, and industry leaders from across the continent and the African diaspora. By the end of the night, Nigeria’s influence on the African music scene was unmistakable, with its artists claiming many of the most sought after honours.
At the center of the celebration was Burna Boy, one of Africa’s most globally recognized music figures. He won the Album of the Year award for No Sign of Weakness, his latest project released in July 2025. The album has been widely praised for its strong production and confident storytelling, further reinforcing Burna Boy’s reputation as a leading voice in contemporary African music. In addition to his album win, he also shared the award for Best African Collaboration with fellow Nigerian artist Shallipopi, highlighting a partnership that resonated strongly with audiences across the continent.
Shallipopi also enjoyed a standout night of his own. His viral hit single Laho earned him the coveted Song of the Year award, a recognition that reflected the song’s widespread popularity and impact on social media platforms. The track became a cultural moment, especially among younger listeners, and its success marked a significant milestone in his fast growing career.
Rema emerged as the biggest winner of the night in terms of numbers. He took home three major awards, including Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul. These wins underscored his versatility and continued relevance, as well as his ability to connect with audiences both within Africa and beyond its borders.
Other Nigerian artists were also recognized for their contributions. Yemi Alade won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song You Are, featured in the animated series Iyanu. Veteran rapper Phyno was named Best African Artiste in African Hip Hop, a nod to his long standing influence and consistency within the genre. The
awards also spotlighted emerging talent, with Qing Madi crowned Most Promising Artiste of the Year and Chella earning the title of African Fans Favourite.
While Nigerian stars dominated much of the ceremony, Afrima remained true to its pan African spirit by celebrating talent from across the continent. Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum won Song Writer of the Year, while Algeria’s DJ Moh Green claimed the DJ of the Year award, outperforming several well known South African contenders. Ghana’s Wendy Shay was named Best Female Artiste in West Africa, South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize won Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, and Tanzania’s Juma Jux took home Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.
Overall, the strong performance by Nigerian artists highlighted the sustained global appeal of Afrobeats. The genre, known for blending African rhythms with Western influences, continues to gain international traction. Burna Boy’s latest win in particular reaffirmed his role as one of Afrobeats’ most influential ambassadors, with his success serving as a symbol of Nigeria’s enduring musical impact on Africa and the world.