Entertainment
9th AFRIMA: Full List of Winners As Nigerian Stars Dominate Awards
Published
3 months agoon
By
Eric
Nigeria’s Afrobeats star, Rema, stole the show at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) after beating heavyweights Davido, Amr Diab of Egypt, Burna Boy, South African superstars, DJ Maphorisa and Tyla to win the prestigious Artiste of the Year award.
The star-studded ceremony held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos on Sunday, January 11, 2026, was organised by the Executive Committee of AFRIMA in conjunction with the African Union and the immense support of Lagos State government, which served as the official Host City of the 9th edition of Africa’s global music awards.
The well-attended event was a culmination of week-long activities which began with the Welcome Soiree hosted by the British High Commission on Wednesday, January 7, and followed by the Africa Music Business Summit on January 8. Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, was a beehive of activities on January 9, as more than 20,000 people thronged the venue for the AFRIMA Music Village before a highly successful Award ceremony on Sunday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Head of Culture Division at the African Union Commission, Angela Martins, said, “On behalf of the African Union Commission, I sincerely appreciate the Lagos State Government and, in particular, His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the immense support given to the 9th AFRIMA. This partnership has demonstrated what is possible when government, continental institutions, and creative platforms collaborate. Our collaboration with AFRIMA has not only strengthened unity across Africa, but it has also elevated our culture, amplified African creativity and showcased Lagos as a true cultural capital of the continent.”
Rema’s victory in the top category crowned an exceptional year for the singer, and beyond the biggest prize of the night, he also won Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African Artiste in African RnB & Soul.
Tanzania’s Juma Jux, Nigeria’s fast-rising star Shallipopi, as well as established acts Burna Boy and Yemi Alade, also recorded notable wins.
Juma Jux was named Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, beating other top names from the region. He further celebrated success in the technical categories, as Ololufe, his collaboration with Diamond Platnumz, won Best African Video of the Year.
Street-pop sensation Shallipopi continued his impressive rise with two important awards. His hit song Laho won Song of the Year, one of the night’s most competitive categories. The remix of the song, featuring Burna Boy, also earned him Best African Collaboration, highlighting the song’s widespread appeal across the continent.

Although he missed out on the top individual prize, Burna Boy still made a strong statement. His album, No Sign of Weakness, was named Album of the Year.
Ivorian lyricist, Didi B, also made a strong statement on the night with the Best African Lyricist or Rapper Award, just as Ciza from South Africa walked away with the Breakout Artiste of the Year award.
Other highlights included Rwanda’s Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson winning Producer of the Year, Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum taking Songwriter of the Year, and Nigeria’s Chella winning African Fans’ Favourite.
Yemi Alade of Nigeria was also among the winners, taking home Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her song You Are from the animated series Iyanu.
Winners in other Regional categories are Singuila who won Best Male Artiste in Central Africa, while Cindy Le Coeur emerged as Best Female Artiste in Central Africa. Denise claimed Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa, while Adviser (Mauritania) and Sherine of Egypt won the male and female awards in Northern Africa.

In Southern Africa, Yo Maps and Nontokozo Mkhize topped the male and female categories, while Wendy Shay emerged as Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.

See Full List of Winners
REGIONAL CATEGORY
Best Male Artist in Central Africa
* C4 Pedro (Angola)
* Eboloko (Gabon)
* Gims (DRC)
* Gerilson Insrael (Angola)
* Kocee (Cameroon)
* L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
* Fally Ipupa (DRC)
* Magasco (Cameroon)
* Singuila (The Congo) – Winner
* Werrason (DRC)
Best Female Artiste in Central Africa
* Anna Joyce (Angola)
* Blanche Bailly (Cameroon)
* Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon)
* Cindy Le Coeur (DRC) -Winner
* Deborah Lukalu (DRC)
* Emma’a (Gabon)
* Jessy B (The Congo)
* Krys M (Cameroon)
* Liriany (Angola)
* Rebo (DRC)
Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa
* Bien (Kenya)
* Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
* Element Eleéh (Rwanda)
* Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
* Jux (Tanzania) – Winner
* Marioo (Tanzania)
* Mbosso (Tanzania)
* Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
* Sat-B (Burundi)
* Yared Negu (Ethiopia)
Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa
* Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
* Bridget Blue (Kenya)
* Denise (Madagascar)- Winner
* Haleluya Tekletsadik (Ethiopia)
* Lady Jaydee (Tanzania)
* Mahlet Wendimu (Ethiopia)
* Salemia (Ethiopia)
* Weeha (Ethiopia)
* Winnie Nwagi (Uganda)
* Zuchu (Tanzania)
Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa
* A.L.A. (Tunisia)
* Adviser (Mauritania) – Winner
* Amr Diab (Egypt)
* Cheb Momo (Algeria)
* El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Hamza Namira (Egypt)
* Lbenj (Morocco)
* Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)
* Stormy (Morocco)
* Wegz (Egypt)
Best Female Artiste in Northern Africa
* Chirine Lajmi (Tunisia)
* Inez (Morocco)
* Jannat (Egypt)
* Jaylann (Morocco)
* Manal (Morocco)
* Meryem Aboulouafa (Morocco)
* Sherine (Egypt)- Winner
* Zina Daoudia (Morocco)
Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa
* Anderson Mário (Mozambique)
* Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
* Manana (Eswatini)
* Nasty C (South Africa)
* Teddy Makadi (Malawi)
* Tyler ICU (South Africa)
* Wanitwamos (South Africa)
* Yo Maps (Zambia) – Winner
* Zeze Kingston (Malawi)
* Kazba De Small (South Africa)
Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa
* Babalwa M (South Africa)
* Hanna (Zimbabwe)
* Makhadzi (South Africa)
* Nkosazana Daughter (South Africa)
* Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa) – Winner
* Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)
* Temwah (Malawi)
* Tyla (South Africa)
* Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
* Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)
Best Male Artiste in Western Africa
* Asake (Nigeria)
* Axel Merryl (Benin)
* Black Sherif (Ghana)
* Burna Boy (Nigeria)
* Davido (Nigeria)
* Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Djodje (Cape Verde)
* Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
* VJ (Senegal)
* Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Female Artiste in Western Africa
* Amaarae (Ghana)
* Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
* Djelykaba Bintou (Guinea)
* Josey (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Mariam Ba Lagaré (Mali)
* Mia Guissé (Senegal)
* Moliy (Ghana)
* Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
* Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
* Wendy Shay (Ghana)- Winner
CONTINENTAL CATEGORY
Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music
* Christian Mukuna (DRC)
* Djunny Beatz (Mozambique)
* Gaise Baba (Nigeria)
* Israel Mbonyi (Rwanda)
* Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
* Joel Lwaga (Tanzania)
* Kocee (Cameroon)
* Lawrence Oyor (Nigeria)
* Milo (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* Sjava (South Africa)
Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music
* Ada Ehi (Nigeria)
* Choisie Basolua (DRC)
* Krys M (Cameroon)
* Martha Mwaipaja (Tanzania)
* Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
* Morijah (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa)
* Roseline Layo (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz
* Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Ghana)
* Haddinqo (Ethiopia) – Winner
* Mádé Kuti (Nigeria)
* Rorisang Sechele (South Africa)
* Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane (South Africa)
* The Cavemen (Nigeria)
* Alune Wade (Senegal)
* Nomfundo Xaluva (South Africa)
* Kyle Shepherd Trio (South Africa)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop
* Adviser (Mauritania)
* Amadeus (Senegal)
* Amr Diab (Egypt)
* Burna Boy (Nigeria)
* Gims (Congo DRC)
* Lbenj (Morocco)
* Manamba Kanté (Guinea) – Winner
* Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
* Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)
* Saad Lmjarred (Morocco)
Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary
* Fireboy DML (Nigeria)
* Axel Merryl (Benin) – Winner
* Espe Bass (Congo B)
* Bien (Kenya)
* Jaylann (Morocco)
* Kizz Daniel, Angélique Kidjo & Johnny Drille (Nigeria)
* Mbosso (Tanzania)
* Ferre Gola & Rayvanny (DRC)
* Didine Canon 16 (Algeria)
* Wendy Shay (Ghana)
Best Soundtrack in Movie, Series, or Documentary
* Igho’le Trap Mix Version (“To Kill a Monkey”: Series) – Oscar Heman-Ackah (Ghana)
* El Ma2as (“The Start”: Film) – Tamer Hosny, Reda Elbahrawy (Egypt)
* You Are (“Iyanu”: The Animated Series) – Yemi Alade (Nigeria) – Winner
* Timpi Tampa (“Timpi Tampa”: The Film) – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
* Tori Ife (“Seven Doors”: Series) – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
* Saatte Ragouj (“The Last of the Mohicans” Film) – Kafon (Tunisia)
Songwriter of the Year
* Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Senegal) – Winner
* Emel, Jehanny Beth & Camille Berthomier – “Fall in the Light” (Tunisia)
* Emma’a – “Trop d’amour” (Gabon)
* Emmanuel Ayobami Alli-Hakeem – “Za” (Anendlessocean) (Nigeria)
* Ferre Gola – “Amour Illusoire” (DRC)
* Mohammed Ismail Sharrif – “Rebel Music” (Black Sherif) (Ghana)
* Mugisha Fred Robinson – “Tombé” (Element Eleéh) (Rwanda)
* Olamide Adedeji – “Hassibunallah” (Olamide) (Nigeria)
* Prince Omoferi & Nwamu Francis Chukwudubem – “It Hurts” (Johnny Drille & Don Jazzy) (Nigeria)
* Victor Ngatuvese Kaune – “Oputuri ‘Queens’” (One Blood Namibia) (Namibia)
Best Global Act
* Rosé (South Korea/USA)
* Joé Dwèt File (Haiti)
* Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (USA)
* Fantomel & Kate Linn (Romania)
* Drake (Canada)
* Alex Warren (USA)
* Doechii (USA)
* Ed Sheeran (UK)
* Yung Bredda (Trinidad & Tobago)
African Fans’ Favourite
* Ali Jita (Nigeria)
* Barnaba (Tanzania)
* BNXN & Rema (Nigeria)
* Chella (Nigeria) – Winner
* Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
* Innoss’b (DRC)
* Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
* Parazar (Algeria)
* Faceless (Nigeria)
* Tul8te (Egypt)
Best African DJ
* DJ Malvado (Angola)
* DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
* DJ Moh Green (Algeria)
* DJ Mombochi (The Congo)
* DJ Tunez (Nigeria)
* DJ YK Mule (Nigeria)
* Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
* Oscar Mbo (South Africa)
* Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
* Woodblock Djs (South Africa)
Producer of the Year
* Beneth Seraphin Akatché Koffi (Senegal)
* Butternut, Xolani Majoz (South Africa)
* Dina One (Mali)
* Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Rwanda)- Winner
* Jazzworx (South Africa)
* Progrex (Nigeria)
* DaVinci (Angola)
* Tempoe (Nigeria)
* Themba Sekowe, Gomolemo Joy Gumede, Kabelo Motha (South Africa)
Album of the Year
* Ebtadena – Amr Diab (Egypt)
* No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria)- Winner
* 5ive – Davido (Nigeria)
* Diyilem & Bazarhoff: Genius – Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Ngomoya – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy (South Africa)
* Salgoat – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Big Aka 4 Aka Kai – Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
* Idrache (Traces of the Past) – Tinariwen (Mali)
Best African Video of the Year
* “Rebel” – Black Sherif (Ghana)
* “Meta” – Nomcebo Zikode & Sofiya Nzau (South Africa)
* “Ki Lo Wa Wa” – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
* “Timpi Tampa” – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
* “Tori Ife” – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
* “Ova” – Mbosso (Tanzania) –
* “Ololufe” – Juma Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)- Winner
* “Shaolin” – Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
* “Stk Stk” – Dizzy Dros, Kekra & Norfafrica (Morocco)
Song of the Year
* “Isaka (6AM)” – Ciza, Jazzworx & Thukuthela (South Africa)
* “Bengicela” – Mawhoo Gl Ceejay & Thukuthela (South Africa)
* “Choix” – Mia Guissé (Senegal)
* “Diplomatico” – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* “Kaay Waay” – VJ (Senegal)
* “Laho” – Shallipopi (Nigeria) – Winner
* “Ololufe Mi” – Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
* “Push 2 Start” – Tyla (South Africa)
* “Shake it to the Max” – Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy (Ghana)
* “With You” – Davido (Nigeria)
Best African Dance/Choreography
* Jaylann – “Ha Wlidi” (Morocco)
* Lady Ponce – “Je veux danser” (Cameroon)
* Rebo – “Mobambo” (DRC)
* Serge Beynaud – “Taper Dedans” (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Toofan – “Deodorant” (Togo)
* Tyla – “Push 2 Start” (South Africa)
* Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
* Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia) – Winner
* Werrason – “Tout se paie ici bas” (DRC)
* Wizkid – “Kese” (Nigeria)
Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall
* Magasco – “Dirty Whine” (Cameroon)
* Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy – “Shake it to the Max” (Ghana)
* Ruger & Kranium – “Dudu” (Nigeria)
* Sean Morgan – “Vuu” (Malawi)
* Black Sherif – “Rebel Music” (Ghana)
* Takana Zion – “On My Eyes” (Guinea) – Winner
* Tiwa Savage – “Forgiveness” (Nigeria)
* Wakadinli – “Kum Baba” (Kenya)
* Yemi Alade – “Baddie” (Nigeria)
* Iyani, Mwanaa & Cedo – “Kifo cha Mende” (Kenya)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Rock
* Laeke – “Eskeneka” (Ethiopia)
* Izlan – “Amezyan” (Algeria)- Winner
* Franck Biyong – “Struggle 4 Money” (Cameroon)
* Rash – “Do or Die” (Kenya)
* Mdou Moctar – “Imouhar” (Niger)
* Chrissy Zebby Tembo & The Ngozi Family – “I Am Not Made of Iron” (Zambia)
Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Traditional
* Big Zulu – “Ng’sale Nobani” (South Africa)
* Chirine Lajmi – “Echeh Echeh” (Tunisia)
* Lady Ponce – “Je veux danser” (Cameroon)
* Lama Shreif – “Jayek Lahsseb” (Tunisia)
* Larry Gaaga, Flavour & Queen Theresa Onuorah – “Obodo” (Nigeria)
* Sona Tata – “Nainai Bana” (Guinea)
* Stonebwoy – “Jejereje” (Ghana)
* Tinariwen – “Amoss Idjraw” (Mali)
* Tonton Pal & Binguini Bakhaga – “Couronne” (Mali)
* Veronica Adane – “Kante Lela” (Ethiopia)- Winner
Best African Collaboration
* Blanche Bailly & Lady Ponce – “Lève toi” (Cameroon)
* Goon Flavour, Master Kg & Eemoh – “Ngishutheni” (South Africa)
* Mia Guissé ft. Wally Seck – “Choix” (Senegal)
* Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – “Shake It to the Max” (Ghana)
* Paki Chenzu ft. Himra – “Assaut” (Togo/Côte d’Ivoire)
* Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho” (Nigeria) – Winner
* Uncle Waffles ft. Cowboii, Royal Musiq, Uncool MC & Xduppy – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
* Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You” (Nigeria)
* Mawhoo, GL Ceejay & Thukuthela ft. Jazzworx – “Bengicela” (South Africa)
* Benny Adam & Khadija El Warzazia – “Mok Ya Mok” (Morocco)
Most Promising Artiste of the Year
* Cysoul (Cameroon)
* Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
* King Luca (Cameroon)
* L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
* Lwah Ndlunkulu (South Africa)
* Massamba Amadeus (Senegal)
* Qing Madi, Valorant (Nigeria) – Winner
* Rym (Morocco)
* Kunmie (Nigeria)
* Fola (Nigeria)
Artiste of the Year
* Amr Diab (Egypt)
* Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
* Burna Boy (Nigeria)
* Davido (Nigeria)
* DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
* El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Fally Ipupa (DRC)
* Jux (Tanzania)
* Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
* Shallipopi (Nigeria)
* Tyla (South Africa)
Breakout Artiste of the Year
* Blaq Major (South Africa)
* Ciza (South Africa) – Winner
* Eboloko (Gabon)
* Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Marioo (Tanzania)
* Mawhoo (South Africa)
* Moliy (Ghana)
* Shallipopi (Nigeria)
* Trap King (Algeria)
* VJ (Senegal)
Best African Lyricist Rapper
* ALA (Tunisia)
* Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* Jessy B (Congo B)
* Klassafan le Melangeur (Guinea)
* Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
* Nyashinski (Kenya)
* Reminisce (Nigeria)
* Sarkodie (Ghana)
* Switch (Libya)
* Yacou B OG (Mali)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hiphop
* ALA ft. Mootjeyek (Tunisia)
* Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
* Eboloko (Gabon)
* El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Phyno (Nigeria) – Winner
* Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
* Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
* Sarkodie (Ghana)
* Suspect 95 (Côte d’Ivoire)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul
* Bensoul & V- Be (Kenya)
* Big Zulu ft. Malungelo (South Africa)
* Braye (Nigeria)
* Calema (Sao Tome)
* Emma’a (Gabon)
* Kunmie (Nigeria)
* Manal (Morocco)
* Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele (South Africa)
* Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
* Wegz ft. Tayc (Egypt)
Best African Duo, Group or Band
* Babylone (Algeria)
* Blaq Diamond (South Africa)
* Celema (Sao Tome & Principe)
* Team Paiya (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* The Cavemen (Nigeria)
* Tinariwen (Mali)
* Toofan (Togo)
* Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)
* Wapendwa Muziki (Kenya)
* We Are Nubia (Kenya)
See Full List of Winners
REGIONAL CATEGORY
Best Male Artist in Central Africa
* C4 Pedro (Angola)
* Eboloko (Gabon)
* Gims (DRC)
* Gerilson Insrael (Angola)
* Kocee (Cameroon)
* L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
* Fally Ipupa (DRC)
* Magasco (Cameroon)
* Singuila (The Congo) – Winner
* Werrason (DRC)
Best Female Artiste in Central Africa
* Anna Joyce (Angola)
* Blanche Bailly (Cameroon)
* Charlotte Dipanda (Cameroon)
* Cindy Le Coeur (DRC) -Winner
* Deborah Lukalu (DRC)
* Emma’a (Gabon)
* Jessy B (The Congo)
* Krys M (Cameroon)
* Liriany (Angola)
* Rebo (DRC)
Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa
* Bien (Kenya)
* Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
* Element Eleéh (Rwanda)
* Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
* Jux (Tanzania) – Winner
* Marioo (Tanzania)
* Mbosso (Tanzania)
* Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
* Sat-B (Burundi)
* Yared Negu (Ethiopia)
Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa
* Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
* Bridget Blue (Kenya)
* Denise (Madagascar)- Winner
* Haleluya Tekletsadik (Ethiopia)
* Lady Jaydee (Tanzania)
* Mahlet Wendimu (Ethiopia)
* Salemia (Ethiopia)
* Weeha (Ethiopia)
* Winnie Nwagi (Uganda)
* Zuchu (Tanzania)
Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa
* A.L.A. (Tunisia)
* Adviser (Mauritania) – Winner
* Amr Diab (Egypt)
* Cheb Momo (Algeria)
* El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Hamza Namira (Egypt)
* Lbenj (Morocco)
* Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)
* Stormy (Morocco)
* Wegz (Egypt)
Best Female Artiste in Northern Africa
* Chirine Lajmi (Tunisia)
* Inez (Morocco)
* Jannat (Egypt)
* Jaylann (Morocco)
* Manal (Morocco)
* Meryem Aboulouafa (Morocco)
* Sherine (Egypt)- Winner
* Zina Daoudia (Morocco)
Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa
* Anderson Mário (Mozambique)
* Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
* Manana (Eswatini)
* Nasty C (South Africa)
* Teddy Makadi (Malawi)
* Tyler ICU (South Africa)
* Wanitwamos (South Africa)
* Yo Maps (Zambia) – Winner
* Zeze Kingston (Malawi)
* Kazba De Small (South Africa)
Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa
* Babalwa M (South Africa)
* Hanna (Zimbabwe)
* Makhadzi (South Africa)
* Nkosazana Daughter (South Africa)
* Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa) – Winner
* Sha Sha (Zimbabwe)
* Temwah (Malawi)
* Tyla (South Africa)
* Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
* Zee Nxumalo (South Africa)
Best Male Artiste in Western Africa
* Asake (Nigeria)
* Axel Merryl (Benin)
* Black Sherif (Ghana)
* Burna Boy (Nigeria)
* Davido (Nigeria)
* Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Djodje (Cape Verde)
* Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
* VJ (Senegal)
* Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Female Artiste in Western Africa
* Amaarae (Ghana)
* Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
* Djelykaba Bintou (Guinea)
* Josey (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Mariam Ba Lagaré (Mali)
* Mia Guissé (Senegal)
* Moliy (Ghana)
* Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
* Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
* Wendy Shay (Ghana)- Winner
CONTINENTAL CATEGORY
Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music
* Christian Mukuna (DRC)
* Djunny Beatz (Mozambique)
* Gaise Baba (Nigeria)
* Israel Mbonyi (Rwanda)
* Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe)
* Joel Lwaga (Tanzania)
* Kocee (Cameroon)
* Lawrence Oyor (Nigeria)
* Milo (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* Sjava (South Africa)
Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music
* Ada Ehi (Nigeria)
* Choisie Basolua (DRC)
* Krys M (Cameroon)
* Martha Mwaipaja (Tanzania)
* Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
* Morijah (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa)
* Roseline Layo (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz
* Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Ghana)
* Haddinqo (Ethiopia) – Winner
* Mádé Kuti (Nigeria)
* Rorisang Sechele (South Africa)
* Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane (South Africa)
* The Cavemen (Nigeria)
* Alune Wade (Senegal)
* Nomfundo Xaluva (South Africa)
* Kyle Shepherd Trio (South Africa)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Pop
* Adviser (Mauritania)
* Amadeus (Senegal)
* Amr Diab (Egypt)
* Burna Boy (Nigeria)
* Gims (Congo DRC)
* Lbenj (Morocco)
* Manamba Kanté (Guinea) – Winner
* Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
* Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt)
* Saad Lmjarred (Morocco)
Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary
* Fireboy DML (Nigeria)
* Axel Merryl (Benin) – Winner
* Espe Bass (Congo B)
* Bien (Kenya)
* Jaylann (Morocco)
* Kizz Daniel, Angélique Kidjo & Johnny Drille (Nigeria)
* Mbosso (Tanzania)
* Ferre Gola & Rayvanny (DRC)
* Didine Canon 16 (Algeria)
* Wendy Shay (Ghana)
Best Soundtrack in Movie, Series, or Documentary
* Igho’le Trap Mix Version (“To Kill a Monkey”: Series) – Oscar Heman-Ackah (Ghana)
* El Ma2as (“The Start”: Film) – Tamer Hosny, Reda Elbahrawy (Egypt)
* You Are (“Iyanu”: The Animated Series) – Yemi Alade (Nigeria) – Winner
* Timpi Tampa (“Timpi Tampa”: The Film) – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
* Tori Ife (“Seven Doors”: Series) – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
* Saatte Ragouj (“The Last of the Mohicans” Film) – Kafon (Tunisia)
Songwriter of the Year
* Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Mia Guissé ft. Wally B. Seck) (Senegal) – Winner
* Emel, Jehanny Beth & Camille Berthomier – “Fall in the Light” (Tunisia)
* Emma’a – “Trop d’amour” (Gabon)
* Emmanuel Ayobami Alli-Hakeem – “Za” (Anendlessocean) (Nigeria)
* Ferre Gola – “Amour Illusoire” (DRC)
* Mohammed Ismail Sharrif – “Rebel Music” (Black Sherif) (Ghana)
* Mugisha Fred Robinson – “Tombé” (Element Eleéh) (Rwanda)
* Olamide Adedeji – “Hassibunallah” (Olamide) (Nigeria)
* Prince Omoferi & Nwamu Francis Chukwudubem – “It Hurts” (Johnny Drille & Don Jazzy) (Nigeria)
* Victor Ngatuvese Kaune – “Oputuri ‘Queens’” (One Blood Namibia) (Namibia)
Best Global Act
* Rosé (South Korea/USA)
* Joé Dwèt File (Haiti)
* Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars (USA)
* Fantomel & Kate Linn (Romania)
* Drake (Canada)
* Alex Warren (USA)
* Doechii (USA)
* Ed Sheeran (UK)
* Yung Bredda (Trinidad & Tobago)
African Fans’ Favourite
* Ali Jita (Nigeria)
* Barnaba (Tanzania)
* BNXN & Rema (Nigeria)
* Chella (Nigeria) – Winner
* Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
* Innoss’b (DRC)
* Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
* Parazar (Algeria)
* Faceless (Nigeria)
* Tul8te (Egypt)
Best African DJ
* DJ Malvado (Angola)
* DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
* DJ Moh Green (Algeria) – Winner
* DJ Mombochi (The Congo)
* DJ Tunez (Nigeria)
* DJ YK Mule (Nigeria)
* Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
* Oscar Mbo (South Africa)
* Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
* Woodblock Djs (South Africa)
Producer of the Year
* Beneth Seraphin Akatché Koffi (Senegal)
* Butternut, Xolani Majoz (South Africa)
* Dina One (Mali)
* Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Rwanda)- Winner
* Jazzworx (South Africa)
* Progrex (Nigeria)
* DaVinci (Angola)
* Tempoe (Nigeria)
* Themba Sekowe, Gomolemo Joy Gumede, Kabelo Motha (South Africa)
Album of the Year
* Ebtadena – Amr Diab (Egypt)
* No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria)- Winner
* 5ive – Davido (Nigeria)
* Diyilem & Bazarhoff: Genius – Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Ngomoya – DJ Maphorisa & XDuppy (South Africa)
* Salgoat – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Big Aka 4 Aka Kai – Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Thato Ya Modimo – Kelvin Momo (South Africa)
* Idrache (Traces of the Past) – Tinariwen (Mali)
Best African Video of the Year
* “Rebel” – Black Sherif (Ghana)
* “Meta” – Nomcebo Zikode & Sofiya Nzau (South Africa)
* “Ki Lo Wa Wa” – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
* “Timpi Tampa” – Ismaël Lo (Senegal)
* “Tori Ife” – Tolu Obanro (Nigeria)
* “Ova” – Mbosso (Tanzania) –
* “Ololufe” – Juma Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)- Winner
* “Shaolin” – Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
* “Stk Stk” – Dizzy Dros, Kekra & Norfafrica (Morocco)
Song of the Year
* “Isaka (6AM)” – Ciza, Jazzworx & Thukuthela (South Africa)
* “Bengicela” – Mawhoo Gl Ceejay & Thukuthela (South Africa)
* “Choix” – Mia Guissé (Senegal)
* “Diplomatico” – El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* “Kaay Waay” – VJ (Senegal)
* “Laho” – Shallipopi (Nigeria) – Winner
* “Ololufe Mi” – Jux & Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
* “Push 2 Start” – Tyla (South Africa)
* “Shake it to the Max” – Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy (Ghana)
* “With You” – Davido (Nigeria)
Best African Dance/Choreography
* Jaylann – “Ha Wlidi” (Morocco)
* Lady Ponce – “Je veux danser” (Cameroon)
* Rebo – “Mobambo” (DRC)
* Serge Beynaud – “Taper Dedans” (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Toofan – “Deodorant” (Togo)
* Tyla – “Push 2 Start” (South Africa)
* Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
* Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia) – Winner
* Werrason – “Tout se paie ici bas” (DRC)
* Wizkid – “Kese” (Nigeria)
Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall
* Magasco – “Dirty Whine” (Cameroon)
* Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy – “Shake it to the Max” (Ghana)
* Ruger & Kranium – “Dudu” (Nigeria)
* Sean Morgan – “Vuu” (Malawi)
* Black Sherif – “Rebel Music” (Ghana)
* Takana Zion – “On My Eyes” (Guinea) – Winner
* Tiwa Savage – “Forgiveness” (Nigeria)
* Wakadinli – “Kum Baba” (Kenya)
* Yemi Alade – “Baddie” (Nigeria)
* Iyani, Mwanaa & Cedo – “Kifo cha Mende” (Kenya)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Rock
* Laeke – “Eskeneka” (Ethiopia)
* Izlan – “Amezyan” (Algeria)- Winner
* Franck Biyong – “Struggle 4 Money” (Cameroon)
* Rash – “Do or Die” (Kenya)
* Mdou Moctar – “Imouhar” (Niger)
* Chrissy Zebby Tembo & The Ngozi Family – “I Am Not Made of Iron” (Zambia)
Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Traditional
* Big Zulu – “Ng’sale Nobani” (South Africa)
* Chirine Lajmi – “Echeh Echeh” (Tunisia)
* Lady Ponce – “Je veux danser” (Cameroon)
* Lama Shreif – “Jayek Lahsseb” (Tunisia)
* Larry Gaaga, Flavour & Queen Theresa Onuorah – “Obodo” (Nigeria)
* Sona Tata – “Nainai Bana” (Guinea)
* Stonebwoy – “Jejereje” (Ghana)
* Tinariwen – “Amoss Idjraw” (Mali)
* Tonton Pal & Binguini Bakhaga – “Couronne” (Mali)
* Veronica Adane – “Kante Lela” (Ethiopia)- Winner
Best African Collaboration
* Blanche Bailly & Lady Ponce – “Lève toi” (Cameroon)
* Goon Flavour, Master Kg & Eemoh – “Ngishutheni” (South Africa)
* Mia Guissé ft. Wally Seck – “Choix” (Senegal)
* Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea – “Shake It to the Max” (Ghana)
* Paki Chenzu ft. Himra – “Assaut” (Togo/Côte d’Ivoire)
* Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho” (Nigeria) – Winner
* Uncle Waffles ft. Cowboii, Royal Musiq, Uncool MC & Xduppy – “Zenzele” (Eswatini)
* Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You” (Nigeria)
* Mawhoo, GL Ceejay & Thukuthela ft. Jazzworx – “Bengicela” (South Africa)
* Benny Adam & Khadija El Warzazia – “Mok Ya Mok” (Morocco)
Most Promising Artiste of the Year
* Cysoul (Cameroon)
* Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
* King Luca (Cameroon)
* L’Oiseau Rare (Gabon)
* Lwah Ndlunkulu (South Africa)
* Massamba Amadeus (Senegal)
* Qing Madi, Valorant (Nigeria) – Winner
* Rym (Morocco)
* Kunmie (Nigeria)
* Fola (Nigeria)
Artiste of the Year
* Amr Diab (Egypt)
* Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
* Burna Boy (Nigeria)
* Davido (Nigeria)
* DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
* El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Fally Ipupa (DRC)
* Jux (Tanzania)
* Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
* Shallipopi (Nigeria)
* Tyla (South Africa)
Breakout Artiste of the Year
* Blaq Major (South Africa)
* Ciza (South Africa) – Winner
* Eboloko (Gabon)
* Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Marioo (Tanzania)
* Mawhoo (South Africa)
* Moliy (Ghana)
* Shallipopi (Nigeria)
* Trap King (Algeria)
* VJ (Senegal)
Best African Lyricist Rapper
* ALA (Tunisia)
* Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* Jessy B (Congo B)
* Klassafan le Melangeur (Guinea)
* Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
* Nyashinski (Kenya)
* Reminisce (Nigeria)
* Sarkodie (Ghana)
* Switch (Libya)
* Yacou B OG (Mali)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Hiphop
* ALA ft. Mootjeyek (Tunisia)
* Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
* Eboloko (Gabon)
* El Grande Toto (Morocco)
* Himra (Côte d’Ivoire)
* Phyno (Nigeria) – Winner
* Nasty C & Usimamane (South Africa)
* Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
* Sarkodie (Ghana)
* Suspect 95 (Côte d’Ivoire)
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul
* Bensoul & V- Be (Kenya)
* Big Zulu ft. Malungelo (South Africa)
* Braye (Nigeria)
* Calema (Sao Tome)
* Emma’a (Gabon)
* Kunmie (Nigeria)
* Manal (Morocco)
* Naledi Aphiwe & Mawelele (South Africa)
* Rema (Nigeria) – Winner
* Wegz ft. Tayc (Egypt)
Best African Duo, Group or Band
* Babylone (Algeria)
* Blaq Diamond (South Africa)
* Celema (Sao Tome & Principe)
* Team Paiya (Côte d’Ivoire) – Winner
* The Cavemen (Nigeria)
* Tinariwen (Mali)
* Toofan (Togo)
* Vestine & Dorcas (Rwanda)
* Wapendwa Muziki (Kenya)
* We Are Nubia (Kenya)
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Joeboy Stars on Easter Edition of Glo-Powered African Voices
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 3, 2026By
Eric
Nigeria-born Afro-pop star, Joeboy, whose melodies now ripple across continents, takes centre stage this week on the Easter edition of African Voices, the Globacom-sponsored CNN magazine programme.
In a captivating session from Lagos, show anchor Larry Madowo drew out the rhythm of Joeboy’s journey, tracing the arc from a starry-eyed university dreamer to a maestro whose songs now traverse the globe like whispered secrets carried on the wind.
Born Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus in 1997, Joeboy—affectionately dubbed Afrobeats’ “lover boy”—embarked on his musical odyssey in 2017 with a viral reinterpretation of Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You.
This pivot from rap to melodious crooning caught the discerning eye of Nigerian artiste and entrepreneur Mr Eazi, who, upon discovering him on Instagram, extended an invitation to join the emPawa Africa Talent Incubation initiative—a sanctuary for budding African talents where raw potential is nurtured into brilliance.
The partnership bore fruit in 2018 with the release of Fààjí, featuring Mr Eazi, and soon after, Joeboy was signed to Warner Music Africa. From there, his ascent became a symphony of milestones: the intoxicating single Baby in 2019, followed by Beginning, which amassed over 23 million views on YouTube, and Love & Light the same year.
Collaborations with Mayorkun yielded the spirited tracks Don’t Call Me and All for You, further cementing his place in the Afrobeats constellation.
Joeboy’s debut album, Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic, unfurled in February 2021, a melodic tapestry of youth, hope, and desire. By 19 May 2023, he unveiled his sophomore studio effort, Body & Soul, preceded by the evocative singles Sip (Alcohol), Contour, Body & Soul, and Duffel Bag. In 2023, he teased the world with Only God Save Me and the extended EP Body, Soul and Spirit, offering listeners a window into the essence of his artistic spirit.
February 2024 marked another milestone as he launched his own imprint, Young Legend, soon releasing Osadebe, a track that resonated nationwide with the familiar warmth of homegrown brilliance.
Joeboy’s dedication has been richly rewarded. He clinched Best Artiste in African Pop at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards and Best Pop at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival. His music has earned numerous nominations, including at the City People Entertainment Awards and The Headies, affirming his status as a luminary of contemporary African sound.
The Easter edition of African Voices featuring Joeboy will air on DSTV Channel 401 at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, with repeats at 11 a.m.; Sunday at 3:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Monday at 3 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.; and Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. The schedule will be mirrored the following week, culminating in Monday at 3 a.m., giving audiences multiple opportunities to bask in the artistry of a musician whose voice carries the pulse of a continent.
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Hollywood Action Movie Superstar Chuck Norris Dies at 86
Published
1 month agoon
March 20, 2026By
Eric
Chuck Norris, the US martial artist and Hollywood action star most famous for his role in “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died, his family said Friday. He was 86 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning,” the family said in a statement on Instagram.
“He lived his life with faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Through his work, discipline, and kindness, he inspired millions around the world and left a lasting impact on so many lives,” the statement said.
Norris reportedly fell ill on Thursday on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Norris turned 86 last week, marking the event with a video of him boxing on social media and saying, “I don’t age. I level up.”
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Great Facts About the Forthcoming Oscars You Need to Know
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March 14, 2026By
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