Held in partnership with the African Union Commission, the ceremony once again showcased the continent’s sonic dominance, from Afrobeats and Amapiano to Bongo Flava and Soukous.

The evening was a dazzling display of culture, with high-energy performances, heartfelt tributes, and a red carpet that saw stars stepping out in some of the continent’s finest fashion.

While Nigerian superstars dominated the spotlight, AFRIMA 2025 remained a truly pan-African affair, featuring talent from Rwanda, Senegal, Morocco, South Africa, and beyond.

“Tonight is not just about trophies; it’s about the unity of our culture and the strength of our voice on the global stage,” said AFRIMA President Mike Dada during the opening remarks.

The ceremony blended legendary icons with the “New Wave” of African music, underscoring the continent’s vibrant present and promising future.

Hosts & Media Personalities

• Enioluwa Adeoluwa
• Claudia Naisabwa
• Tosyn (The Style Infidel)
• Ariane Celeste Moua
• Olisa Adibua
• Juliet Ibrahim
• Annie Macaulay

Musicians & Performers

• Rema
• Seyi Vibez
• Shallipopi
• Phyno
• Yemi Alade
• Patoranking
• Falz
• Qing Madi
• Jazzman
• Adewale Ayuba
• Jux
• Cindy Le Coeur
• Gaise Baba
• Kunmie
• Chella
• Element Eleéh
• Weeha

Notable Figures & Dignitaries

• Mike Dada (AFRIMA President)
• Jonny Baxter (British Deputy High Commissioner)
• Simon Field (UK Deputy Head of Mission)
• Ambassador Anna Westerholm (Sweden)
• Toke Benson-Awoyinka (Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism)
• Ayo Animashaun (CEO, HipTV)
• Kenny Ogungbe
• Dayo Adeneye

AFRIMA 2025 was more than an awards show — it was a celebration of African music’s power, diversity, and global influence, uniting performers, industry figures, and dignitaries in a night to remember.

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During a recent visit to the Kennis 104.1 studio, Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, widely known as 2Baba, took a moment to express his deep appreciation for Kenny Ogungbe and Kennis Music, acknowledging their pivotal role in his career.

2Baba fondly recalled how he created his debut album, “Face 2 Face,” in the studio courtesy of Kenny Ogungbe and Kennis Music. He described the atmosphere as nostalgic and expressed gratitude towards Kenny for the opportunity.

Released in 2004, “Face 2 Face” marked 2Baba’s solo debut and quickly became a sensation in Nigeria, selling over 2 million copies in a short period. The album’s popularity also extended internationally, largely due to the smash hit “African Queen.”

2Baba’s visit to the Kennis 104.1 studio and his tribute to Kenny Ogungbe and Kennis Music underscore the significant influence the label has had on the careers of numerous Nigerian musicians, including 2Baba himself. His homage to his debut album serves as a poignant reminder of its enduring impact and the lasting legacy it has carved in the Nigerian music landscape.

 

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Recall, 2Baba has showered praises on his colleague Kizz Daniel and his latest EP, “TZA,” hailing him as a genius in the music industry. Known for his discerning taste, 2Baba expressed admiration for Kizz Daniel’s work, particularly highlighting tracks like “Showa,” “Too Busy To Be Bae,” “Twe Twe,” and “Sooner” from the EP.

This recognition adds to 2Baba’s recent acclaim of Burna Boy as one of the industry’s greatest icons, garnering positive reactions online.

2Baba shared a screenshot of “Showa” on his Instagram story, accompanied by a caption expressing his awe for Kizz Daniel’s talent

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This is a list of some of the popular Nigerian record label owners that are not musicians.

Mp3bullet is out with a list of the popular Nigerian record label owners that are not musicians.

There has been a wide array of beliefs that most record label owners are either singers or producers. This is not true, as there are some people who are strictly entrepreneurs and take this music thing as a core business.

Some of these people don’t even have an idea of what it takes to mix and master a song, nor tactically vocalize a beat, however, they are skilled in making profits off this music business.

Kennis Music – Kenny Ogungbe

This popular record was founded by Kehinde Ogungbe alongside his friend, Dayo D1 Adeneye in the 1990s. Kehinde is a DJ, music producer, and music executive.

He’s collaborated with, impacted the careers of, and discovered artists such as The Remedies (launching the solo careers of both Eedris Abdulkareem and Tony Tetuila), Sound Sultan (late), 2Baba (producing his first two solo albums), and Oritse Femi, to name a few.

Chocolate City – Audu Maikori, Yahaya Maikori

Chocolate City is another Nigerian musical label created in 2005 by Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori, all of whom are lawyers. It is considered one of Africa’s largest and most successful indigenous urban record labels.

M.I Abaga, Nosa, Dice Ailes, Blaqbonez, ClassiQ, CKay, Candy Bleakz, Torna, and many more have all released music on the label.

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HKN Music – Adewale Adeleke (Nigerian record label owners)

HKN Music was founded by Adewale Adeleke (Deekay). He teamed up with his brother, Davido in establishing it into an empire. Adewale is a public figure, philanthropist, and business tycoon.

They built a stable of talented artistes such as Sina Rambo, B. Red, and Orezi before Davido decided to go and establish, DMW.

Five Star Music – Emeka Okonkwo (E Money)

Five Star Music is led by Emeka Okonkwo, the elder brother of Kcee, the label’s most adored singer. Popularly identified as E-Money, Emeka is a music executive and business tycoon.

The record label housed Harrysong, and Skiibii – leading them to fame!

G-Worldwide – Festus Ehimare

This is another top music house, that has produced some of the hottest singers in Nigeria today. Founded by Festus Ehimare in 2007, but started promoting musical talents in 2011 and was reformed in 2013, signing Kiss Daniel as its first recording/performing artist.

Sugarboy, a skilled reggae and RnB phenomenon, was also signed to the label in 2015.

Made Men Music Group (MMMG) – Ubi Franklin

Founded by Ubi Franklin, the manager of the award-winning artiste, ‘Iyanya‘. Iyanya led the group as a crew, and others; Tekno, Emma Nyra, Selebobo and Baci followed.

Popular Nigerian record label owners that are not singers

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Nigerian iconic singer D’banj has revealed how Kennis Music record label boss, Kenny Keke Ogungbe ignored him as an upcoming artist before he met Don Jazzy.

The singer made this revelation during a recent performance, where Ogungbe and his business associate, Dayo D1 Adeneye were guests.

Narrating his experience, Kokomaster told the audience how he saw Ogungbe while somewhere around Isolo, Lagos, and stepped out of his 1990 Golf car to introduce himself but the label owner didn’t pay him desired attention.

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He noted that he eventually gave his demo CD to Ogungbe who threw it on his seat and zoomed off.

D’banj said:

“I was in Isolo going to LASU in my 1990 Golf, I was driving on the other lane, before God and man, Baba Keke passed, I did what any young entrepreneur would do, I turned my car and followed him.

I parked my car and came out with my CD – that time I never meet Don Jazzy oh – I rush go baba car and knocked on the window looking like a traffic thief. I don’t even know my name then.”

He continues: “I kept knocking until he wound down the glass and I gave him my CD which he threw on the seat. Although, I got some calls later but shortly after, I got my visa to the UK where I met Don Jazzy and the story became history. But for even seeing him inspired me.

“Now that I get such requests, I kind of understand his reaction then but at that time, I no understand oh.”

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However, 2Baba is simply a course when analysing the history of the new era in the Nigerian music industry.

When 2Baba launched into the Nigerian music scene in the 90s, read again, I said 90s, he was the chosen one, his story complemented in his craft so well, the story surrounding an artist also contribute to the legendary capabilities.

He stylishly kicked off this new era, new generation, revisiting insightfully, we had others at the peak during this times, they impacted hugely to the culture, the playmakers behind the scene too, all contributed immensely to the growth of the movement.

Editorial Focus

2Baba, born Innocent Ujah Idibia, has not only conquered with his music, but he has also set a new record that generations yet to come may find difficult to surpass, this is beyond musical statistics, is a natural phenomenon.

Hence, it is safe to say that African Queen is the first most continental successful solo song in Nigeria of the new era and beyond if need be.

Over the years, the ‘African Queen’ crooner has exhibited a steadfast passion for reinventing the wheel and the strength of creativity that has come to define the genius that he is, it means that over 2 decades, 2Baba has been consistent in dropping hit songs on reference pace.

As a member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, who alongside groups like The Remedies, (major pioneering Nigerian hip-hop music group. It consisted of Eedris Abdulkareem, Tony Tetuila and Eddy Remedy) kick-started the Afro hip hop revolution of the late 90s that gave birth to what is today known as the Nigerian contemporary sound.

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2Baba gave every artist after him hope, he was the light of the industry, the most consistent at the beginning of the new era are Dbanj, P-Square, three of them was at the pivot in the very beginning.

Insight

From the Idoma ethnic group in the southern part of Benue State, in central Nigeria to the centre of the industry, 2Baba has the most famous background story in the music industry, I mean the grass to grace kind of story that also play important role in street credibility.

He has remained a constant and formidable force as a middle belt star in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Ageing a life of excellence, the songwriter and composer have perfectly inspired many young Nigerians with his inspirational music, came around when music was all about substance and not just vibe snd 80% sound.

Popularly known for his smash hit track, “ African Queen”, a song in praise of the African woman which he released in the early 2000s, under Kenny Ogungbe’s Kennis Music Label, the majority of Nigerians had knowledge of record via  Kenny Ogungbe’s Kennis Music Label.

That’s why 2Baba deserved all the accolades that have trailed his career in music in the past 18 years.

Releasing “African Queen”, was the highlight of his career, the song did not only elevate the status of the superstar but also, went on to earn him the recognition of being one of the most iconic African musicians of all time.

Apart from being used in the soundtrack for the film “Phat Girlz”, which was released internationally, the song later became a somewhat national anthem.

And 2Baba would forever acknowledge the huge mileage and international acclamation the song brought to him.

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Interestingly, the love of his life turned out to become his African Queen, Annie Idibia, who was in the music video.

Indeed, while his music clearly stands the test of time, 2Baba has continued to defy odds as one of the greatest artists of this generation.

Also, even when his contemporaries have fallen by the wayside, the superstar has remained to stand, dishing out evergreen songs consistently, this is not in doubt but I wouldn’t want to go further in this area.

Prospective

In 2017, 2baba as he’s popularly called now also unlocked one of his previous year’s biggest hits, “Gaaga Shuffle” which instantly became a fans’ favourite.

His other hit songs such as Dance in the Rain, “Only Me, True Love, The Ascension, and etc. 2Baba is one the all-time artist with large discography.

The Unstoppable”, his third album, released in 2008 and featured RnB king, R Kelly was repackaged in 2010 and made waves in the international scene.

He went on to release his fifth album, Away and Beyond, which he dropped in 2012, with songs like ‘Spiritual Healing’ and ‘Rainbow’, becoming club banger tracks.

He has done numerous collaborations with both old and young artists. At a time he signed veteran highlife maestro, Sir Victor Uwaifo to his Hypertek Imprint.

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The reason afrobeat is still at this level is because of the nature that surrounds its origin, to be talented, promising young and hardworking is not a dicky bird in Africa where the system tries to shut you down or evacuate the source.

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The spread of Afrobeat into the diaspora is the unquestionable rose that grew from scratch, tracking back from the slightest era that would’ve cracked the global stage with the existence of internet smartphone.

Technological advancements on the continent were much clearer in the pan-African success over the past decade.

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There has been Pre-sonic export in the form of hip-hop and Afropop in the early 2000s to mid-2000s artists like P-square, 2Baba, D’banj, Wande Coal, Duncan Mighty and others championed by Kenny Ogungbe tried to bring it to the centre stage before today.

P-Square was known to have sold over three (3) million records from their albums yet no viable analysis to translate the sales into charts entry, 2baba suffered the same fate on his face2face album.

Zero data analysis, bridge to the international market was in the thin air, Kenny Ogungbe fought but there was no backup factor to fall back to, it lingers till the last phase in the 2010s.

Superstar by Wizkid rounded off the analogue era, It was released in 2011 and was the best selling afrobeat album then, sold over five (5) millions physical copies in the 2011-2012 frame.

Post-2010 to date marked the recent enabling factor caused by internet exposure with the remarkable interrelation social media created.

Now is all fun and exhilarating, especially on Twitter where you get to be like, ‘Wizkid is great’ and someone in your mentions will go, “Um, I’m sorry but I have listened to Davido, and I think you are being dishonest here.” and then someone else pops up saying, “Your silence about Burna Boy is extremely telling.”

Establishing a healthy conversation and competition that fosters and transcend the culture, pre-2010 acts never get to enjoy the advantage during their era.

Internet exposure yielded massively to today’s afrobeat, enhancing notable charts entry, international Collaborations, and most importantly distribution of the project to a wider audience.

Artistes like Rema, Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, Joeboy, and others, that came out post-2010s are greatly flexing on it.

it is now very common to expand without much domestic moonwalk, simply because the jinx has been broken by technological advancements.

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• SEE ALSO: Jaywon – Irin Ajo Ife (Journey Of Love) ft. DMC Ladida [Music]

Yesterday night during the battle of hits between Masterkraft and Pheelz, Masterkraft before playing “Filibe” said he signed a young man to Kennis Music which was Jaywon in question.

This was brought to Jaywon‘s notice and the singer ripped Masterkraft apart on Twitter for saying such. Jaywon called Masterkraft a joke and said that “Fillebe” was originally produced by Jaysleeky another producer and he had not even joined Kennis Music then.

He added that the original “Fillibe” song caught Kenny Ogungbe‘s eye and he got signed Officially after his performance at the Kennis music Easter fiesta at the kuramo beach.

According to Jaywon, it was thanks to his song “Filibe” that Masterkraft was able to reaffirm his position as a producer in Kennis Music.

Jaywon wasn’t done spilling his guts, he also tweeted,

Say make I talk how I begged flavour to work with you before you ever met him. Sunny Nweke calm down ooo and no let this thing enter another level. As I Dey my own ehn make you Dey your own ooo.

He’s a joke lol https://t.co/4AffHRii2K

— Jaywon (@JAYWONJUWONLO) April 1, 2020

Well jay sleek produced the first one that caught @kennyogungbe’s attention doe 🙏🏼🙏🏼 https://t.co/jx3UUN997n

— Jaywon (@JAYWONJUWONLO) April 1, 2020

How can @masterkraft_ forgot so soon that the song Filebe that not only made him but reaffirmed his job with kennis was originally produced by @itz_jaysleeky and that was before I even met Kenny Ogungbe

— Jaywon (@JAYWONJUWONLO) April 1, 2020

Boy you are a fantastic producer but you saying you signed me to kennis is too big for your mouth. Everybody knows I got signed to kennis after my performance at the kennis music Easter fiesta at the kuramo beach and it was even live on tv.

— Jaywon (@JAYWONJUWONLO) April 1, 2020

Say make I talk how I begged flavour to work with you before you ever met him 🤷🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️. Sunny nweke calm down ooo and no let this thing enter another level. As I Dey my own ehn make you Dey your own ooo. H

— Jaywon (@JAYWONJUWONLO) April 1, 2020

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