Nigeria Sweeps AFRIMA Awards, President Backs Creatives

Nigerian music proved unstoppable at the 9th All Africa Music Awards this January, with homegrown talent claiming nearly every major category at Africa's premier music event.

Rema led the Nigerian sweep, winning Artist of the Year, Best Male Artist in Western Africa, and Best African RnB & Soul. Burna Boy took Album of the Year while Shallipopi scored Song of the Year, capping a night that showcased Nigeria's creative dominance.

The awards, held January 7-11 in Lagos, drew more than 1,200 artists and music industry leaders from 48 African countries. The African Union Commission designated Lagos as the official host city, recognizing its status as the continent's entertainment capital.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrated the wins as proof of Nigeria's cultural influence across Africa. He praised the artists for amplifying young voices and strengthening the nation's creative identity on the global stage.

Other Nigerian winners included Phyno for Best African Hip-Hop, Qing Madi for Most Promising Artist, and Yemi Alade for Best Soundtrack. Music pioneers Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye received the AFRIMA Legendary Award for their decades shaping Nigerian sound.

The Ripple Effect

The event's impact extended far beyond the awards ceremony. More than 20,000 fans packed the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall for live performances throughout the week.

The Africa Music Business Summit brought industry stakeholders together at the Eko Convention Centre, creating opportunities for collaboration and investment. Winners received 23.9-carat gold-plated trophies, symbolizing the value Africa places on its creative talent.

President Tinubu, who himself received the Pillar of Art and Culture in Africa Award in 2015, committed his administration to prioritizing youth empowerment through the creative economy. He emphasized that music, film, and fashion sectors drive jobs, tourism, and national development.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu delivered a safe, vibrant event that reinforced the city's reputation as Africa's creative heartbeat. The successful gathering proved that African unity through music isn't just possible but thriving.

Nigeria's creative economy continues building bridges across the continent, one song at a time.