By Peter Omopo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes who emerged winners at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), describing their achievements as clear evidence of the continued growth and global recognition of Nigeria’s music and creative industry.
The President commended the artistes for making the country proud on the continental stage, noting that their success reflects the creativity, resilience and talent of Nigerian youths, as well as Nigeria’s expanding influence in African and global music.
Nigerian artistes recorded significant successes at the awards ceremony, which was held from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos State. Lagos was designated the official host city by the African Union Commission on April 9, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
At the ceremony, Rema won Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African RnB and Soul, while Burna Boy clinched the Album of the Year award. Shallipopi emerged as Song of the Year winner and also won Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy. Phyno was named Best African Hip-Hop, Qing Madi won Most Promising Artiste, Yemi Alade received the Best Soundtrack award, Chella was honoured as African Fans’ Favourite, while Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye received the AFRIMA Legendary Award.
In a congratulatory message, President Tinubu said the achievements of the Nigerian artistes were the result of years of hard work, consistency and dedication, adding that Nigerian music has become a powerful voice for the country across Africa and beyond.
“I warmly congratulate our outstanding Nigerian artistes for their remarkable achievements at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards. Your success on this great continental stage is a proud moment for our nation and a strong reflection of the depth of talent, creativity and hard work that define Nigeria’s music industry,” the President said.
He added that beyond winning awards, the artistes had projected Nigeria’s culture, amplified the voices of young people and strengthened the country’s creative identity globally, urging them to continue to inspire unity, hope and national pride.
President Tinubu also congratulated Lagos State as the official host of the 9th AFRIMA and commended the state government for hosting a successful, world-class event. He praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment for delegates, artistes and guests from across the continent.
The President, who was honoured in 2015 with the Pillar of Art and Culture in Africa Award by the African Union Commission and the International Committee of AFRIMA, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and the development of the creative economy. He noted that sectors such as music, film and fashion have strong potential to create jobs, boost tourism and contribute significantly to national economic growth.
The All Africa Music Awards, founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission, is regarded as Africa’s biggest music award platform. The 9th edition featured more than 1,216 artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries.
The event opened on January 7 with a welcome soiree at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre. Activities continued on January 9 at the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, where over 25 top artistes performed for more than 20,000 fans, before culminating in a sold-out grand finale at the Eko Convention Centre, where outstanding creatives were honoured with the 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.
