Afrobeats star Rema leads winners list at 9th AFRIMA awards
By Folashade Olorunfemi –
Nigeria’s Afrobeats star, Rema, emerged Artiste of the Year at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), beating several other nominated superstars.
The ceremony, organised by the AFRIMA Executive Committee in partnership with the African Union, was held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with strong support from the Lagos State Government, the official host city of the event.
The global celebration marked the climax of a week-long series of activities, which began with a Welcome Soirée hosted by the British High Commission on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and continued with the Africa Music Business Summit on January 8.
Activities intensified on January 9 as Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, buzzed with excitement when thousands of guests gathered for the AFRIMA Music Village ahead of the main award ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of the Culture Division at the African Union Commission, Angela Martins, commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering support for the 9th edition of AFRIMA.
Martins said the partnership demonstrated what is possible when governments, continental institutions and creative platforms collaborate, adding that it had strengthened African unity, elevated culture and showcased Lagos as a leading cultural capital.
In addition to winning Artiste of the Year, Rema also clinched the Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African Artiste in African R&B and Soul categories.
Other notable winners included Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, who won Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, while his collaboration with Diamond Platnumz, Ololufe, secured Best African Video of the Year, alongside wins by Shallipopi, Burna Boy and Yemi Alade.
