President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes who emerged winners at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), describing their triumphs as fresh evidence of the growing strength and global relevance of Nigeria’s music and creative ecosystem.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, the President praised the artistes for projecting Nigeria positively on a continental stage, saying their success underscored the creativity, resilience, and global appeal of Nigerian youths, as well as the country’s expanding influence in African and world music.
Nigeria recorded a strong showing at the 9th AFRIMA, held in Lagos from January 7 to 11, 2026. The African Union Commission designated Lagos as the official host city in April 2025.
At the awards ceremony, Rema clinched Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African R&B and Soul, while Burna Boy won Album of the Year. Shallipopi emerged as the winner of Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy. Phyno was named Best African Hip-Hop, Qing Madi won Most Promising Artiste, and Yemi Alade took home the Best Soundtrack award. Chella was recognised as African Fans’ Favourite, while industry veterans Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye received the AFRIMA Legendary Award.
According to President Tinubu, these achievements reflect years of hard work, consistency, and talent, noting 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. You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths, and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity across the continent and beyond,” the President said.
The President also congratulated Lagos State as the official host city of the event, commending the state government for delivering a successful and world-class ceremony. “I commend Lagos State for once again proving its capacity as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital. I congratulate the Lagos State Government and His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the excellent hosting of Africa’s global music awards,” he added.
President Tinubu, who was honoured in 2015 with the Pillar of Art and Culture in Africa Award by the African Union Commission and AFRIMA’s international committee, assured that his administration would continue to prioritise youth empowerment and the development of the creative economy.
Founded in 2014 by the International Committee of All Africa Music Awards in partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is regarded as Africa’s biggest music awards platform. The 9th edition featured over 1,216 artistes, delegates, and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries. The Lagos celebration opened with a welcome soiree on January 7, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit and the AFRIMA Music Village, culminating in a sold-out grand finale at the Eko Convention Centre, where winners received the 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.
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