Nigerian artists had a stellar night at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (Afrima), held in Lagos on Sunday. The ceremony, which celebrated African music across the continent, saw Burna Boy win the coveted Album of the Year award for his album No Sign of Weakness. Burna also shared the Best African Collaboration award with rising star Shallipopi, who won Song of the Year for his viral hit “Laho.”
The week-long event featured a diverse panel of music experts from across Africa and the diaspora, and concluded with a ceremony that spotlighted Nigeria’s dominance in the music industry. Burna Boy’s recognition further cemented his role as one of Afrobeats’ defining figures.
Rema led the evening’s tally with three awards, taking home Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul. Other Nigerian winners included Yemi Alade, who won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song “You Are” from the animated series Iyanu, and veteran rapper Phyno, who was awarded Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop.
The event also showcased emerging talent. Qing Madi was named Most Promising Artiste of the Year, while Chella was awarded African Fans’ Favourite.
Though Nigeria took center stage, the ceremony honored talent from across the African continent. Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum was recognized as Song Writer of the Year, and Algeria’s DJ Moh Green won DJ of the Year, beating out top South African DJs. Ghana’s Wendy Shay was named Best Female Artiste in West Africa, while South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize won Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, and Tanzania’s Juma Jux claimed Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.
The success of Nigerian artists highlights the global appeal of Afrobeats, a genre that has gained international traction by blending African rhythms with Western influences. Burna Boy, as a key figure in this movement, continues to serve as a powerful ambassador for the genre, with his latest win solidifying his global influence.
Adapted from BBC
