President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian artistes who emerged winners at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), describing their achievements as “further evidence” of Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s creative and music industries.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the artistes for making the country proud on a continental stage.
He stated that their success reflects the creativity, resilience and global relevance of Nigerian youth.
President Tinubu said the strong showing by Nigerian artistes at AFRIMA underscores the continued growth of Nigeria’s music and creative ecosystem, as well as its capacity to compete favourably on the global stage.
“Nigerian music has become a strong voice for our nation across Africa and beyond. These achievements reflect years of hard work, consistency and exceptional talent,” the President said.
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The 9th AFRIMA was held in Lagos from January 7 to 11, 2026, with Lagos State serving as the official host city, following its designation by the African Union Commission on April 9, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
At the awards ceremony, Rema emerged as the biggest Nigerian winner, clinching Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African R&B and Soul.
Burna Boy won Album of the Year, while Shallipopi secured Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration for his track with Burna Boy.
Other Nigerian winners included Phyno, who won Best African Hip Hop; Qing Madi, named Most Promising Artiste; Yemi Alade, who received Best Soundtrack; and Chella, who claimed the African Fans’ Favourite award.
Media executives Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye were honoured with the AFRIMA Legendary Award.
President Tinubu congratulated the winners, saying their victories go beyond trophies.
“You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity across the continent and beyond,” he said.
He urged Nigerian artistes to continue using their talents to inspire unity and pride while contributing meaningfully to the growth of the creative economy.
The President also commended Lagos State for successfully hosting the event, describing the state as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital.
“I congratulate the Lagos State Government and His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the excellent hosting of Africa’s global music awards and for providing a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment for delegates, artistes and guests from across the continent,” he said.
President Tinubu, who received the Pillar of Art and Culture in Africa Award in 2015 from the African Union Commission and AFRIMA’s International Committee, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and the development of the creative economy.
“Culture is the soul of a people, and music remains one of Africa’s strongest voices. Our government remains fully committed to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the creative economy,” he added.
The AFRIMA Awards, founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission, is regarded as Africa’s biggest music awards platform.
The 9th edition featured over 1,216 artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries.
The week-long celebration opened with a welcome soirée on January 7, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre.
Activities continued at the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, before culminating in a sold-out grand finale on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre, where winners received the 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.
The ceremony was hosted by Nigerian rapper and actor Falz alongside French-Senegalese actress and media personality Liliane Maroune, and attracted musicians, Nollywood stars and industry executives from across Africa and the diaspora.
