Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema emerged as the biggest winner at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), held at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, on Sunday night.
The singer clinched the coveted Artiste of the Year award and also won Best Male Artiste in Western Africa as well as Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul, underscoring his strong influence on the continent’s music scene over the past year.
Rema’s triple win capped a colourful night celebrating African music across regional and continental categories, with top artistes, industry executives, and cultural stakeholders in attendance from across Africa and beyond.
Meanwhile, Burna Boy won Album of the Year for his project No Sign of Weakness, while Shallipopi’s Laho emerged Song of the Year. Phyno also claimed the award for Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop.
In the regional categories, Singuila of Congo won Best Male Artiste in Central Africa, while Cindy Le Coeur of the Democratic Republic of Congo clinched Best Female Artiste in the region.
Eastern Africa honours went to Jux of Tanzania as Best Male Artiste, with Denise of Madagascar emerging Best Female Artiste. Team Paiya of Côte d’Ivoire won Best African Duo, Group or Band.
In Northern Africa, Adviser of Mauritania claimed Best Male Artiste, while Egypt’s Sherine won Best Female Artiste.
Southern Africa saw Yo Maps of Zambia emerge Best Male Artiste, while South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize clinched Best Female Artiste.
In Western Africa, Rema also claimed Best Male Artiste, while Ghana’s Wendy Shay won Best Female Artiste.
In the continental categories, Milo of Côte d’Ivoire won Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music, while compatriot Morijah clinched the female category. Guinea’s Manamba Kanté emerged Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop, while Axel Merryl of Benin Republic won Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary.
Yemi Alade clinched Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for You Are, while Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum won Songwriter of the Year for Choix.
South Africa’s Ciza won Breakout Artiste of the Year, while Nigeria’s Qing Madi emerged Most Promising Artiste of the Year.
The night also highlighted African collaboration and diversity, with Shallipopi and Burna Boy’s Laho winning Best African Collaboration.
The 9th AFRIMA Awards once again reinforced the platform’s role in celebrating African creativity, unity, and global cultural impact, with Rema’s multiple wins standing out as a defining moment of the ceremony.