Rema emerged as the night’s biggest winner at the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards, securing three major prizes at a star-studded ceremony held on Sunday at the Eko Hotels and Suites Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The 24-year-old singer, whose global hit “Calm Down” has redefined the reach of Afrobeats on the international stage, won Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Artiste of the Year, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul. His victories came in categories that featured some of Nigeria’s most established names, including Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, and Asake.
Burna Boy, despite missing out on the Artiste of the Year crown, claimed the Album of the Year award for “No Sign of Weakness,” reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s most consistent hitmakers. The Grammy-winning artist also shared the Best African Collaboration award with fast-rising singer Shallipopi for “Laho.”
Shallipopi, who has rapidly ascended the Nigerian music scene with his distinctive style, had a breakout night at the awards. He won Song of the Year for “Laho” and picked up the Best African Collaboration prize alongside Burna Boy, marking a significant milestone in his relatively young career.
Other Nigerian winners included veteran rapper Phyno, who won Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, and Yemi Alade, whose track “You Are” from the animated series “Iyanu” won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary. Chella was named African Fans’ Favourite, while Qing Madi and Valorant jointly received the Most Promising Artiste of the Year award.
The awards ceremony, which showcased the breadth of musical talent across the African continent, featured performances from several notable artistes and highlighted the diversity of sounds emerging from different regions.
Beyond Nigeria’s dominance in several categories, artistes from across the continent claimed recognition for their contributions to African music. Tanzanian singer Jux won Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa, while Zambian artiste Yo Maps took home Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa. In the Northern Africa category, Egyptian singer Sherine won Best Female Artiste, and Moroccan rapper El Grande Toto secured the Best Male Artiste prize.
Central Africa was represented by Congolese singer Singuila, who won Best Male Artiste in Central Africa, and Cindy Le Coeur of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who claimed Best Female Artiste in the same region. Madagascar’s Denise won Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa, while South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize won Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa.
Ghana’s Wendy Shay won Best Female Artiste in Western Africa, beating competition from Nigeria’s Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage, among others. The inspirational music categories saw victories for Milo of Côte d’Ivoire and Morijah, also from Côte d’Ivoire, in the male and female categories respectively.
In technical categories, Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson of Rwanda jointly won Producer of the Year, while Bakhaw Dioum of Senegal won Songwriter of the Year for “Choix,” performed by Mia Guissé featuring Wally B. Seck. Algeria’s DJ Moh Green was named Best African DJ.
South Africa’s Ciza won Breakout Artiste of the Year, while Didi B of Côte d’Ivoire claimed Best African Lyricist Rapper. Ethiopia’s Weeha won Best African Dance/Choreography for “Dimama,” and Tanzania’s Mbosso won Best African Video of the Year for “Ova.”
Team Paiya of Côte d’Ivoire won Best African Duo, Group or Band, while Guinea’s Takana Zion won Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall for “On My Eyes.” Ethiopia’s Haddinqo was named Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz, and Benin’s Axel Merryl won Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary.
The All Africa Music Awards, established in 2014 by the African Union Commission and the International Committee of AFRIMA, aims to recognise and reward excellence in African music while promoting the continent’s cultural heritage. The awards have become one of the most prestigious platforms for celebrating African musical talent across various genres and regions.
Lagos has now hosted the ceremony three times, cementing Nigeria’s position as a central hub for African music. Previous editions of the awards have been held in cities including Accra, Ghana, and Dakar, Senegal, as part of efforts to showcase Africa’s musical diversity across different nations.
