-
FULL LIST: Rema, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade win big as Nigerian stars dominate at 9th AFRIMA Awards
Nigeria’s music dominance once again took centre stage on Sunday night as the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) lit up the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos.
Hosted by rapper and actor Falz, the ceremony brought together Africa’s biggest stars for a night that celebrated sound, culture and continental excellence.
Stealing the spotlight was Rema, whose name echoed repeatedly through the hall after he emerged as one of the biggest winners of the evening.
The Afrobeats superstar clinched three major awards, underlining his growing influence across Africa and beyond. Rema was crowned Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artist in Western Africa, and Best African Artistin R&B and Soul, a clean sweep that set the tone for the night.
While Rema dominated individual honours, Burna Boy walked away with one of the ceremony’s most coveted prizes. The Grammy-winning star won Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s most consistent global exports.
Burna Boy also shared another moment of triumph through collaboration, picking up Best African Collaboration alongside Shallipopi.
Shallipopi had a memorable night of his own, adding Song of the Year to his growing list of accolades with his viral hit Laho. His wins reflected the increasing influence of street-pop sounds on the African music landscape.
Veteran rapper Phyno continued to represent African hip-hop proudly after winning Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop. At the same time, Yemi Alade showcased her versatility by securing Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series, or Documentary for her song You Are, featured in the animated series Iyanu.
The future of African music was also well represented. Rising star Qing Madi was named Most Promising Artist of the Year, edging out a competitive list of nominees including Cysoul, Joshua Baraka, King Luca, L’Oiseau Rare, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Massamba Amadeus, Rym, Kunmie, and Fola. Meanwhile, fast-rising singer Chella earned the crowd’s love after emerging African Fans’ Favourite.
Other Nigerian acts who recorded wins on the night include Yemi Alade, Qing Madi, Phyno and Chella, reinforcing Nigeria’s strong presence at the pan-African awards ceremony.
With electrifying performances, emotional acceptance speeches and a celebration of Africa’s diverse sounds, AFRIMA 2025 once again lived up to its reputation.
The Lagos-hosted ceremony not only honoured chart-toppers and rising stars but also told a bigger story — one of Africa’s music industry continuing to grow louder, bolder and more influential on the global stage.
Below is the full list of winners.
Continental Winners at AFRIMA Awards 2025
- Artiste of the Year: Rema (Nigeria)
- Album of the Year: No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Song of the Year: “Laho” – Shallipopi (Nigeria)
- Best African Collaboration: Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho” (Nigeria)
- Most Promising Artiste of the Year: Qing Madi (Nigeria)
- African Fans’ Favourite: Chella (Nigeria)
- Producer of the Year: Element Eleéh & Mugisha Fred Robinson (Rwanda)
- Songwriter of the Year: Bakhaw Dioum – “Choix” (Senegal)
- Best African DJ: Uncle Waffles (Eswatini)
- Best African Act in African Hip-Hop: Phyno (Nigeria)
- Best African Artiste in RnB & Soul: Rema (Nigeria)
- Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall: Takana Zion – “On My Eyes” (Guinea)
- Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary: Axel Merryl (Benin)
- Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz: Haddinqo (Ethiopia)
- Best Soundtrack in Movie, Series or Documentary: Yemi Alade – “You Are” from Iyanu (Nigeria)
- Best African Dance/Choreography: Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia)
- Best African Video of the Year: “Ova” – Mbosso (Tanzania)
Genre & Special Categories
- Best Artiste in African Hip-Hop: Phyno (Nigeria)
- Best Artiste in RnB & Soul: Rema (Nigeria)
- Best Artiste in African Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall: Takana Zion (Guinea)
- Best Artiste in African Contemporary: Axel Merryl (Benin)
- Best Artiste in African Inspirational Music: Milo (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Best Soundtrack (Movie/Series): Yemi Alade – “You Are” (Iyanu)
- Best African Dance/Choreography: Weeha – “Dimama” (Ethiopia)
- Best African Video: “Ova” – Mbosso (Tanzania)
Best Regional AFRIMA Awards 2025 winners
- Best Male Artiste in Western Africa: Rema (Nigeria)
- Best Female Artiste in Western Africa: Wendy Shay (Ghana)
- Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa: Jux (Tanzania)
- Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa: Denise (Madagascar)
- Best Male Artiste in Central Africa: Singuila (Congo)
- Best Female Artiste in Central Africa: Cindy Le Coeur (DRC)
- Best Male Artiste in Northern Africa: El Grande Toto (Morocco)
- Best Female Artiste in Northern Africa: Sherine (Egypt)
- Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa: Yo Maps (Zambia)
- Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa: Makhadzi (South Africa)