- Tinubu Commends Nigerian Artistes, Lagos Govt Over Historic AFRIMA Hosting
- President Tinubu described the strong showing by Nigerian musicians as further evidence of the country’s growing influence
- Rema emerged as Artiste of the Year
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the successful hosting of the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), held in Lagos from January 7 to 11, Eko Hot Blog reports.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Lagos State for delivering a world-class event and commended Nigerian artistes for their outstanding performances and multiple award wins at the ceremony’s grand finale on January 11.
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President Tinubu described the strong showing by Nigerian musicians as further evidence of the country’s growing influence and global recognition in the music and creative industries.
“I commend Lagos State for once again demonstrating its capacity as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital,” the President said. “I congratulate the Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the excellent hosting of Africa’s premier music awards and for providing a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment for artistes, delegates and guests from across the continent.”
Nigeria dominated the awards at the 9th AFRIMA, hosted by Lagos as the official host city designated by the African Union Commission on April 9, 2025. Rema emerged as Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African RnB & Soul. Burna Boy clinched Album of the Year, while Shallipopi won Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy.
Phyno was named Best African Hip-Hop Artiste, Qing Madi won Most Promising Artiste, and Yemi Alade received the award for Best Soundtrack. Chella emerged as African Fans’ Favourite, while industry veterans Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye were honoured with the AFRIMA Legendary Award.
According to President Tinubu, the achievements reflect years of dedication, creativity and consistency, noting that Nigerian music has become a powerful cultural ambassador for the country across Africa and beyond.
“You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity globally,” the President said, urging artistes to continue inspiring unity, pride and economic growth through their talents.
President Tinubu, who was honoured in 2015 with the Pillar of Art and Culture in Africa Award by the African Union Commission and AFRIMA, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and the development of the creative economy, including music, film and fashion, as key drivers of jobs, tourism and national growth.
Lagos State has continued to reinforce its global profile, having previously hosted Africa’s first E1 powerboat race and GITEX 2025, the world’s largest technology and innovation gathering.
Founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission, the awards attracted over 1,216 artistes, delegates and industry stakeholders from at least 48 African countries at this year’s edition, underscoring its continental reach and significance.
The 9th AFRIMA opened with a welcome soirée at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre. Activities continued at the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, where over 25 artistes performed before more than 20,000 fans,
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