Nigerian global sensation Rema dominated the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held in Lagos this past Sunday. The “Calm Down” star solidified his status as the king of the new school by walking away with the most prestigious award of the night.
The Rema AFRIMA Artist of the Year win was part of a triple victory for the young artist. In addition to the top prize, he also secured:
- Best Male Artist in Western Africa
- Best African Artist, Duo or Group in R&B & Soul (for his hit track “Baby (Is It a Crime?)”) Burna Boy and Shallipopi Secure Major Honors
While Rema took the spotlight for individual performance, other Nigerian heavyweights also claimed significant trophies. Burna Boy added to his legendary trophy cabinet by winning Album of the Year for his latest project, No Sign of Weakness.
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The breakout star of the night was arguably Shallipopi. The “Pluto Presido” won the highly competitive Song of the Year for his viral hit “Laho.” Furthermore, his partnership with Burna Boy on “Laho Il” earned them the award for Best African Collaboration, proving that Shallipopi’s unique sound has successfully merged with the mainstream.
Regional Excellence: Ghana’s Wendy Shay Shines
The awards were not just a Nigerian affair. Ghana’s Wendy Shay delivered one of the most memorable moments of the evening. She was named Best Female Artist in Western Africa, beating out several top contenders.
Wendy Shay accepted her award in a stunning kente-inspired gown, paying homage to her Ghanaian heritage. During her speech, she thanked God and her nation for their unwavering support. Her win highlighted the rich musical diversity present across the West African region.
High-Energy Performances and Nigerian Dominance
The ceremony, which featured over 40 categories, showcased the immense growth of the African music industry. Throughout the night, the stage was lit up by high-energy performances from artists like Stonebwoy, who kept the audience on their feet.
Nigerian acts led the field across most categories, reflecting the country’s current influence on global music charts. However, the 9th AFRIMA also emphasized unity, with artists from across the continent celebrating each other’s successes.
Conclusion: A New Standard for African Music
The Rema AFRIMA Artist of the Year victory marks a new era for the industry. As Rema and his peers continue to break records internationally, awards like AFRIMA serve as a vital reminder of the talent breeding on the continent.
With the 9th edition now concluded, the focus shifts to the upcoming year of music. If the performances in Lagos were any indication, African music is only getting bigger, louder, and more influential on the world stage.
