Nigerian music sensation Divine Ikubor, globally celebrated as Rema, has emerged victorious at the prestigious All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held in 2026. The talented rapper and singer secured the award for Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul, fending off a formidable lineup of continental stars.
A Competitive Victory for the Nigerian Star
Rema's win in the highly contested category underscores his growing influence and the quality of his musical output. He triumphed over fellow Nigerian Afrobeats artist Kunmie, whose real name is Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Pete. The category also featured other powerful nominees from across Africa and the diaspora, including South Africa's Azana, France-Cameroon's Emma'a, São Tomé and Príncipe's Calema, the Kenya-Ghana collaboration Bensoul & V-Be, and Morocco's renowned artiste, Manal.
In another surprising and significant result from the awards ceremony, Ethiopian artiste Weeha claimed the award for Best African Dance Choreography. This victory saw Weeha outshine Nigerian superstar Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid. The category was packed with talent, featuring nominees like Jaylann with "Ha Wlidi," Lady Ponce with "Je Veux Danser," Rebo's "Mobambo," and global sensation Tyla with "Push 2 Start," among others including Serge Beynaud, Toofan, Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq, and Werrason.
AFRIMA: A Launchpad for African Musical Greatness
Since its inception in 2014, the All Africa Music Awards has evolved beyond a mere recognition platform. It has firmly established itself as a critical springboard that propels African artists from local acclaim to continental and international stardom. Winning or even being nominated at AFRIMA often leads to increased visibility, lucrative international tours, high-profile collaborations, and access to new global audiences.
The awards ceremony, which kicked off slightly behind schedule this year, has a proven track record of elevating careers. Here is a look at some African superstars whose global journeys received a significant boost from AFRIMA recognition:
Artists Catapulted to Global Fame by AFRIMA
Nandy (Tanzania): Crowned Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa in 2017, Nandy, "The African Princess," used the platform to amplify her hit Nagusagusa. This led to performances at major festivals and collaborations with stars like Harmonize and Joeboy, cementing her status among Tanzania's top female artistes.
Betty G (Ethiopia): She made history at AFRIMA 2018 by winning Album of the Year and Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa. Her victory spotlighted the unique sounds of Ethio-jazz, facilitated international collaborations, and strengthened her role as a cultural ambassador for Ethiopia.
Davido (Nigeria): At the very first AFRIMA in 2014, Davido won multiple awards, including Best Male Artiste in West Africa and Artist of the Year. This recognition was a crucial career catalyst, boosting his global reach and paving the way for collaborations with international heavyweights like Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill, and Popcaan. Global hits like Aye and If soon followed.
Olamide (Nigeria): His 2014 Album of the Year win at AFRIMA expanded his influence far beyond Nigeria's streets. The accolade added immense prestige to his YBNL label, empowering him to nurture and launch the careers of future stars like Fireboy DML, Asake, and Adekunle Gold.
A Celebration of African Musical Excellence
The 2026 edition of AFRIMA continues this legacy, highlighting both established and emerging talents. While Rema and Weeha celebrated their wins, the event also saw strong competition from Ivorian artistes, who outperformed Nigerian gospel acts Gaise Baba, Mercy Chinwo, and Lawrence Oyor in their categories. The awards night, reported by Eniola Daniel, remains a pivotal calendar event for the African music industry, celebrating the rich diversity and explosive creativity the continent has to offer to the world.
