Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
The African music scene gathered in full force on September 12, 2026, as the AFRIMMA Awards transformed into a festival-style celebration that honored the continent’s most influential sounds. From Lagos to Kinshasa, Accra to Dar es Salaam, the night belonged to artists pushing African music to unprecedented global heights.
BNXN and producer Sarz claimed the prestigious Song of the Year trophy for their infectious anthem “Back Outside,” beating out stiff competition from Davido’s “With You” featuring Omah Lay and Black Sherif’s introspective “So It Goes.” Meanwhile, Davido secured his own victory in the Album of the Year category with 5ive, edging past impressive projects from Burna Boy (No Sign of Weakness), Asake (M$NEY), and South Africa’s rising star Tyla with A-Pop. On the visual front, Nigerian director Director Pink took home Best Video Director, outshining renowned cinematographers including TG Omori and Hanscana.
East African excellence shone through as Diamond Platnumz and Juma Jux’s feel-good collaboration “Joy” captured Best Collaboration, while DR Congo’s legendary Fally Ipupa earned the Crossing Boundaries with Music Award—a recognition of his decades-long impact in bringing African sounds to international audiences. The award acknowledged his influence alongside fellow nominees including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, and France-based Malian superstar Aya Nakamura. The night’s diverse winner list—spanning Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, and Central Africa—reinforced African music’s expanding reach and the richness of its regional sounds.
As African artists continue breaking barriers and redefining global music conversations, nights like AFRIMMA 2026 remind us that the continent’s creative renaissance is just beginning.
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