President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on hosting the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
The event transformed the city into a global stage for African talent from January 7 to 11, 2026.
In a statement released through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President hailed the event as a masterclass in creative diplomacy.
He noted that the safe and vibrant atmosphere provided for delegates from over 48 African countries has further solidified Lagos’s reputation as the continent’s entertainment nerve centre.
The grand finale, held on January 11, at the Eko Convention Centre, saw Nigerian artists take home the night’s most prestigious trophies.
The President described their success as proud evidence of the depth and global respect currently enjoyed by Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
Major Nigerian artistes dominated the awards night, with Rema emerging as the biggest winner after clinching Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African RnB & Soul.
Burna Boy secured Album of the Year for his latest project, “No Sign of Weakness”, while Shallipopi won Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration, featuring Burna Boy, for the hit track “Laho.”
Yemi Alade was awarded Best Soundtrack for “You Are” from the animated series “Iyanu”, Phyno claimed the Best African Hip-Hop honour, and Qing Madi was recognised as Most Promising Artiste.
In a nod to the industry’s pioneers, the AFRIMA Legendary Award was presented to veteran media moguls Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye (D1).
Tinubu, who was himself honoured as the Pillar of Art and Culture in Africa in 2015, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to utilising the creative economy as a catalyst for youth empowerment and job creation.
“Culture is the soul of a people, and music remains one of Africa’s strongest voices,” the President stated.
“You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths, and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity.”
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The success of AFRIMA adds to a growing list of high-profile international events recently hosted by Lagos, including the E1 Powerboat Race and GITEX 2025.
The 9th edition of AFRIMA saw over 1,216 industry stakeholders participate in a week-long festival that included the Africa Music Business Summit and a massive open-air concert at the Ikeja City Mall Music Village, which drew a crowd of over 20,000 fans.
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