President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes who emerged winners at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), describing their victories as fresh proof that Nigeria’s music and creative ecosystem is expanding and earning global respect.
In a State House statement issued today, the President praised the award-winning artistes for making the nation proud on a major continental stage, noting that their triumph reflects the creativity, resilience and brilliance of Nigerian youths.
The 9th AFRIMA, held from January 7 to 11, 2026, was hosted by Lagos State, the official host city designated by the African Union Commission on April 9, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Nigeria recorded an impressive haul at the ceremony, with Rema clinching Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African RnB & Soul. Burna Boy won Album of the Year, while Shallipopi bagged Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration with Burna Boy.
Other Nigerian winners included Phyno (Best African Hip-Hop), Qing Madi (Most Promising Artiste), Yemi Alade (Best Soundtrack), and Chella (African Fans’ Favourite). Veteran music icons Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye were also honoured with the prestigious AFRIMA Legendary Award.
According to Tinubu, the recognition earned by Nigerian artistes at AFRIMA is the product of “years of hard work, talent and consistency”. He added that Nigerian music had become a powerful cultural voice 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 noted that beyond winning trophies, the artistes have continued to promote Nigeria’s culture and strengthen the creative identity of the country globally.
“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,” Tinubu added, urging them to keep inspiring hope, unity and pride while contributing to national development.
The President also commended Lagos State for hosting the event successfully, describing the state as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital.
“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, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the excellent hosting of Africa’s global music awards and for providing a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment for delegates, artistes and guests from across the continent,” he said.
Tinubu further assured that his administration would continue to prioritise youth empowerment and the development of Nigeria’s creative economy, stressing that music, film, fashion and other creative sectors hold enormous potential for job creation, tourism growth and economic expansion.
“Culture is the soul of a people, and music remains one of Africa’s strongest voices. I remain deeply committed to supporting initiatives that promote our culture and empower our creative talents. Our government is fully committed to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the creative economy,” he stated.
AFRIMA, regarded as Africa’s biggest music award platform, was founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission.
The 9th edition in Lagos attracted more than 1,216 artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries, underscoring the continental reach of the awards.
Activities began on January 7 with a Welcome Soiree hosted at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre.
The celebration continued on January 9 at the AFRIMA Music Village held at Ikeja City Mall, where over 25 top artistes thrilled more than 20,000 fans, before culminating in a sold-out grand finale at the Eko Convention Centre where winners received the coveted 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.
