Rema Is the Greatest Winner As Chella Shine, Qing Madi, and Burna Boy at AFRIMA 2026

Nigerian performers took center stage at AFRIMA 2026 in Lagos, where Rema won three prizes alongside Burna Boy, Qing Madi, and other winners.

At the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), which took place in Lagos, Nigerian musicians put on a strong performance. Rema was the night’s top winner, while several other Nigerian musicians took home significant honors in several categories.

The awards ceremony, which celebrated African music and creativity, brought together singers, industry leaders, and cultural stakeholders from all across the continent on Sunday at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Rema won three significant honors, making her the most distinguished performer of the evening. The 24-year-old singer defeated leading competitors Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, and Asake in important categories to win Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African R&B and Soul for his worldwide song Calm Down.

Burna Boy, who won Album of the Year for his effort No Sign of Weakness, also had a great performance at the ceremony. He further shared the Best African Collaboration award with fast rising singer Shallipopi for their joint hit Laho, which also earned Shallipopi the Song of the Year award.

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. Reiterating his impact on the genre, veteran rapper Phyno was crowned Best African Artiste in African Hip Hop.

The awards also spotlighted emerging talents, with Qing Madi winning Most Promising Artiste of the Year, beating a competitive field of young African acts. Chella won the title of African Fans’ Favorite, indicating widespread support from viewers.

The ceremony honored greatness from other African nations, even though Nigerian artists predominated in many categories. Wendy Shay of Ghana won Best Female Artist in Western Africa, Nontokozo Mkhize of South Africa won Best Female Artist in Southern Africa, and Juma Jux of Tanzania received Best Male Artist in Eastern Africa.

After Ghana and Senegal hosted the awards in the past, Lagos hosted AFRIMA 2026 for the third time, showcasing Africa’s rich musical diversity and cultural legacy. The occasion showcased the ongoing international expansion of African music and included live performances by well-known African musicians.