President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes who emerged winners at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), describing their success as clear evidence of the continued growth and global recognition of Nigeria’s music and creative ecosystem.
The President commended the artistes for making the country proud on a major continental stage, noting that their victories reflect the strength, creativity and resilience of Nigerian youths, as well as Nigeria’s expanding influence in African and global music.
Nigerian artistes recorded an impressive outing at the 9th AFRIMA, held from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos State. Lagos was officially designated as host city by the African Union Commission on April 9, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
At the awards, Rema clinched Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African RnB & Soul. Burna Boy won Album of the Year, while Shallipopi picked up Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy. Phyno was named Best African Hip-Hop, Qing Madi emerged Most Promising Artist, and Yemi Alade won Best Soundtrack. Chella received the African Fans’ Favourite award, while industry veterans Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye were honoured with the AFRIMA Legendary Award.
President Tinubu said the achievements recorded by Nigerian artistes at the ceremony were the result of years of hard work, talent and consistency, adding 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,” the President said.
He added that the award winners had gone beyond personal success by projecting Nigeria’s culture, amplifying the voice of its youths and strengthening the country’s creative identity on the global stage, while urging them to continue inspiring hope, unity and national pride.
The President also congratulated Lagos State as the official host of the 9th AFRIMA, commending the state government for delivering what he described as a successful, safe and world-class event.
In a statement by the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Lagos for reaffirming its status as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital. He specifically lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state government for providing a vibrant and welcoming environment for artistes, delegates and guests from across the continent.
President Tinubu, who received the Pillar of Art and Culture in Africa Award in 2015 from the African Union Commission and the AFRIMA International Committee, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and the development of Nigeria’s creative economy. He noted that music, film, fashion and other creative sectors have strong potential to create jobs, boost tourism and contribute significantly to national economic growth.
“Culture is the soul of a people, and music remains one of Africa’s strongest voices. Our government is fully committed to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the creative economy,” he said.
Founded in 2014 by the AFRIMA International Committee in partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA remains Africa’s biggest music awards platform. The 9th edition recorded participation from over 1,216 artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries, underscoring its continental reach.
The Lagos-hosted event kicked off with a welcome soirée at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner on January 7, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre. Festivities continued at the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, where over 25 top artistes thrilled more than 20,000 fans, before climaxing in a sold-out grand finale at the Eko Convention Centre, where winners received the prestigious 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.
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