Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
The 2026 AFRIMMA Awards wrapped up on September 12th in spectacular fashion, honoring the continent’s most impactful artists and celebrating African music’s undeniable global reach. This year’s ceremony, presented in a dynamic festival format, recognized both established superstars and emerging voices who’ve been shaping the sound of Africa.
Nigerian duo BNXN and producer Sarz claimed the coveted Song of the Year trophy for their infectious hit “Back Outside,” beating out heavy competition including Davido’s collaboration with Omah Lay on “With You” and Diamond Platnumz’s “Joy” featuring Juma Jux. Meanwhile, Davido secured his own victory in the Album of the Year category with his project 5ive, triumphing over strong contenders like Asake’s M$NEY, Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness, and Omah Lay’s Clarity of Mind. Director Pink from Nigeria took home Best Video Director honors, edging out fellow creatives including TG Omori and Tanzania’s Hanscana.
East African excellence shined brightly as Tanzanian icon Diamond Platnumz and Juma Jux won Best Collaboration for “Joy,” while DR Congo’s legendary Fally Ipupa was recognized with the prestigious Crossing Boundaries with Music Award—a category that also featured nominees like Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Wizkid, and Mali’s Aya Nakamura. The award celebrates artists who’ve successfully brought African sounds to international audiences and broken through cultural barriers with their artistry.
The diverse winner’s list reflects the rich tapestry of sounds currently emanating from the continent, from West African Afrobeats to East African Bongo Flava and Congolese Rumba, proving once again that African music is a global force that refuses to be contained.
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