Nigerian artist Rema secured the Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul at the 9th All Africa Music Awards in Lagos, despite the event starting behind schedule. Ethiopian performer Weeha claimed the Best African Dance Choreography, edging out Wizkid. Nigerian inspirational artists faced setbacks as Côte d’Ivoire talents dominated key categories.
The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) took place on January 11, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, Nigeria, marking the third time the city has hosted the event since its inception in 2014. Organized by the International Committee AFRIMA in collaboration with the African Union, the awards celebrate African musical talent and cultural heritage, drawing over 5,000 physical delegates, international artists, and millions of viewers worldwide.
However, the ceremony kicked off behind schedule. As of 7:51 p.m., no music stars had arrived, hours after the planned start time on that Sunday evening.
In the competitive Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul category, Nigerian rapper Divine Ikubor, known as Rema, prevailed over strong contenders including Morocco’s Manal, South Africa’s Azana, France/Cameroon’s Emma’a, São Tomé and Príncipe’s Calema, Kenya/Ghana’s Bensoul & V-Be, and Nigeria’s Kunmie. Meanwhile, Ethiopian artist Weeha won Best African Dance Choreography, defeating Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, aka Wizkid, along with nominees like Tyla, Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq, and Werrason.
Nigerian inspirational artists experienced losses in other categories. Akinade Ibuoye (Gaise Baba) and Lawrence Oyor were outshone by Côte d’Ivoire’s Milo in Best Male Artiste, Inspirational Music, with nominations for tracks like Gaise Baba’s 'No Turning Back' and Lawrence Oyor’s 'Favour'. Similarly, the duo of Ada Ehi and Mercy Chinwo lost to Côte d’Ivoire’s Morijah in Best Female Artiste, Inspirational Music.
AFRIMA has historically propelled careers, as seen with past winners like Nigeria’s Davido and Olamide in 2014, Tanzania’s Nandy in 2017, and Ethiopia’s Betty G in 2018, leading to global collaborations and fame. The event also boosts Lagos’s economy through increased hotel occupancy and local patronage.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, highlighted a partnership: “This partnership strongly aligns with our strategic pillars — Youth, Lifestyle, First@Arts, SME, and Digital Adoption, while supporting FirstBank’s continental footprint and pan-African brand positioning.”
