Nigerian artists dominated the 9th All Africa Music Awards, which concluded in Lagos on Sunday night, securing the majority of the top honours and highlighting the country’s continued influence on the continent’s music scene.
Global star Burna Boy won the prestigious Album of the Year award for No Sign of Weakness, released in July 2025. He also shared the Best African Collaboration award with fellow Nigerian artist Shallipopi, who separately claimed Song of the Year for his viral hit Laho.
The week long Afrima programme brought together music experts and industry figures from across Africa and the diaspora, culminating in an awards ceremony that showcased Nigeria’s current musical strength.
Rema emerged as the most decorated artist of the night, winning three major awards, Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul.
Other Nigerian winners included Yemi Alade, who took Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song You Are from the animated series Iyanu, and veteran rapper Phyno, who was named Best African Artiste in African Hip Hop.
Rising stars were also recognised, with Qing Madi winning Most Promising Artiste of the Year, while Chella was voted African Fans’ Favourite.
While Nigerian musicians led the night, the awards celebrated talent from across the continent. Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum won Songwriter of the Year, while Algeria’s DJ Moh Green was named DJ of the Year, ahead of several well known South African DJs.
Ghana’s Wendy Shay won Best Female Artiste in Western Africa, South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize claimed Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, and Tanzania’s Juma Jux was named Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.
The strong showing by Nigerian artists once again underlined the global appeal of Afrobeats, a genre that blends African rhythms with Western influences and has seen rapid international growth in recent years. Burna Boy, widely regarded as one of the movement’s defining figures, further cemented his status with his Album of the Year win. The information was reported by media.