President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Nigerian artistes who emerge winners at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), describing their success as fresh evidence of Nigeria’s growing influence in African and global music.
The President says the strong showing by Nigerian artistes reflects the depth of talent, creativity, and resilience within the country’s youthful creative sector, Mediaplusng.com reports. He notes that Nigerian music continues to command respect across Africa and beyond, driven by consistency, innovation, and global appeal.
Nigeria records major wins at the 9th AFRIMA, held from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos State. Lagos hosts the event as the official host city, following its designation by the African Union Commission in April 2025. The ceremony attracts artistes, industry leaders, and delegates from across the continent.
According to Mediaplusng.com, President Tinubu praises the award winners for projecting Nigeria’s culture and strengthening the country’s creative identity on a major continental platform. He says their achievements highlight how music continues to serve as a powerful voice for Nigerian youths and a driver of national pride.
At the awards, Rema clinches Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African RnB and Soul. Burna Boy wins Album of the Year, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s leading music exports. Shallipopi secures Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration for his work with Burna Boy.
Phyno earns the Best African Hip-Hop award, while Qing Madi emerges as Most Promising Artiste. Yemi Alade wins Best Soundtrack, Chella receives the African Fans’ Favourite award, and industry veterans Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye are honoured with the AFRIMA Legendary Award.
President Tinubu says these recognitions reflect years of hard work, discipline, and dedication by Nigerian artistes. He adds that platforms like AFRIMA help showcase African talent, create opportunities, and position African music to compete at the highest global level.
The President commends the artistes not only for winning awards but also for promoting Nigerian culture and inspiring millions of young people across the continent. He urges them to continue using their talents to spread positive messages, unity, and hope, while contributing to national development.
He also congratulates Lagos State for successfully hosting the 9th AFRIMA. Tinubu describes Lagos as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital, noting its capacity to deliver world-class events that attract global attention.
The President praises Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for providing a safe, vibrant, and welcoming environment for artistes, delegates, and guests from different African countries. He says the successful hosting further strengthens Nigeria’s image as a leading hub for arts, culture, and entertainment.
President Tinubu reaffirms his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy. He notes that sectors such as music, film, fashion, and digital arts have strong potential to create jobs, boost tourism, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
He says culture remains the soul of a people and music is one of Africa’s strongest global voices. According to him, sustained government support for creative talents will help unlock more opportunities for young Nigerians and expand the country’s cultural influence worldwide.
Tinubu, who previously receives the Pillar of Art and Culture in Africa Award in 2015, assures stakeholders that his government will continue to support policies and initiatives that promote creativity and innovation.
The All Africa Music Awards, founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission, remains the continent’s biggest music awards platform. The 9th edition records participation from over 1,200 artistes and stakeholders from at least 48 African countries.
The Lagos-hosted event opens with a welcome soiree, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit. Activities continue with live performances at the AFRIMA Music Village, drawing tens of thousands of fans, before culminating in a sold-out grand finale where winners receive the iconic gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.
As Nigeria celebrates its artistes, the success at AFRIMA once again reinforces the country’s position as a leading force in African music and the global creative industry.
