The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) just wrapped up, and oh boy, did it deliver the drama and the dazzling wins! Nigerian music sensation Rema has officially claimed the coveted title of Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul, proving once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with. But hold on, the night wasn’t without its shocks! In a twist that had everyone talking, rising Ethiopian star Weeha managed to pull off a stunning victory, beating none other than the global superstar Wizkid in the Best African Dance Choreography category. This year’s AFRIMA wasn’t just about handing out trophies; it was a powerful reminder of the electrifying talent brewing across the continent and how this platform is catapulting artists to international stardom.
Here’s a quick rundown of the night’s biggest moments:
- Rema’s stellar win in the African RnB/Soul category.
- Weeha’s surprising defeat of Wizkid for Best African Dance Choreography.
- A look at how AFRIMA has historically launched careers into the stratosphere.
- Spotlight on past winners who went on to achieve massive global success.
Rema’s Royal Victory
Divine Ikubor, better known by his stage name Rema, absolutely crushed it, fending off stiff competition to secure the Best African Artiste, Duo or Group award in the African RnB/Soul category. He went head-to-head with some seriously talented artists, but Rema’s unique blend of Afrobeats and R&B clearly resonated with the judges and fans alike. It’s a massive achievement for the young star, solidifying his place at the top of the African music scene.
Weeha’s Unforgettable Upset
Talk about an underdog story! Ethiopian artist Weeha threw a curveball at AFRIMA 2026 by defeating Nigerian heavyweight Wizkid for the Best African Dance Choreography award. While Wizkid is a global icon, Weeha’s win is a testament to the growing diversity and talent emerging from different corners of Africa. This win is not just for Weeha, but for Ethiopia and all the artists pushing boundaries in dance and choreography across the continent.
Who else was nominated?
In Rema’s winning category, he was up against fellow Nigerian Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Pete (Kunmie), Azana from South Africa, Emma’a (France/Cameroon), Calema (São Tomé and Príncipe), Bensoul & V-Be (Kenya/Ghana), and Manal (Morocco). It was a truly pan-African lineup!
For the Best African Dance Choreography, Weeha faced some stiff competition including Jaylann (“Ha Wlidi”), Lady Ponce (“Je Veux Danser”), Rebo (“Mobambo”), Serge Beynaud (“Taper Dedans”), Toofan (“Deodorant”), Tyla (“Push 2 Start”), Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq (“Zenzele”), and Werrason (“Tout Se Paie Ici Bas”).
AFRIMA: The Launchpad to Stardom
Since its inception back in 2014, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has done more than just celebrate African artists. It’s become a crucial stepping stone, transforming local recognition into continental and even global superstardom. Winning at AFRIMA often opens doors to lucrative tours, exciting collaborations with international artists, and access to wider audiences that were previously out of reach.
Success Stories from the AFRIMA Stage
Many artists have seen their careers skyrocket after gracing the AFRIMA stage. Let’s take a look at a few shining examples:
Nandy (Tanzania)
Dubbed “The African Princess,” Nandy bagged the Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa award in 2017. Her hit single “Nagusagusa” wasn’t just a banger; it catapulted her to continental fame and introduced her to international fans. AFRIMA provided her with a platform to perform at major festivals and collaborate with stars like Harmonize and Joeboy, cementing her status as one of Tanzania’s premier female artists.
Betty G (Ethiopia)
Betty G made history at AFRIMA 2018, clinching both Album of the Year and Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa. Her wins put a spotlight on the vibrant Ethio-jazz and fusion music scenes, leading to collaborations that spanned borders and reinforced her role as a cultural ambassador for Ethiopia.
Davido (Nigeria)
At the very first AFRIMA ceremony in 2014, Davido swept multiple awards, including Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Artist of the Year. This early recognition came at a pivotal moment in his career, significantly boosting his global reach. The success paved the way for collaborations with giants like Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, and Meek Mill, while infectious hits like “Aye” and “If” have made him a household name worldwide.
Olamide (Nigeria)
Olamide walked away with the Album of the Year award in 2014. Already a legend in the Nigerian street music scene, AFRIMA broadened his influence far beyond Nigeria’s borders. The award strengthened his record label, YBNL Nation, empowering him to mentor and launch the careers of other incredible talents such as Fireboy DML, Asake, and Adekunle Gold.
The Road Ahead for African Music
The AFRIMA awards continue to be a beacon for African talent, highlighting the incredible diversity and innovation coming from the continent. With more artists like Rema and Weeha rising to prominence, the future of African music on the global stage looks incredibly bright. One can only imagine the incredible talent that will emerge and be celebrated in the coming years!
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