Davido, Tems lead Nigeria’s AFRIMMA 2026 triumph
Nigerian music stars dominated the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards, with Davido, Tems, Phyno and several other homegrown artistes emerging among the major winners.
The awards were held on 12 September 2026 in Dallas, Texas, with artistes and entertainers from across Africa and the diaspora recognised in 41 categories.
Abimbola Joseph
Nigerian music stars dominated the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards, with Davido, Tems, Phyno and several other homegrown artistes emerging among the major winners.
The awards were held on 12 September 2026 in Dallas, Texas, with artistes and entertainers from across Africa and the diaspora recognised in 41 categories.
Davido won Album of the Year for 5ive, while Tems took Best Female West Africa and Ruger won Best Male West Africa.
Phyno claimed Best Male Rap Act, while Mercy Chinwo won Best Gospel.
Other Nigerian winners included Fola, who won Best Newcomer; DJ Tunez, Best DJ Africa; Patoranking, Best Male Reggae/Dancehall; and Real Warri Pikin, Best Comedian.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen also received the Athlete of the Year award, while Victony won the AFRIMMA Fans Choice Award.
The Nigerian winners were:
Album of the Year: Davido — 5ive
Best Female West Africa: Tems
Best Male West Africa: Ruger
Best Male Rap Act: Phyno
Best Newcomer: Fola
Best Gospel: Mercy Chinwo
Best DJ Africa: DJ Tunez
Best Male Reggae/Dancehall: Patoranking
Best Comedian: Real Warri Pikin
Athlete of the Year: Victor Osimhen
AFRIMMA Fans Choice Award: Victony
Best Video Director: Director Pink
Music Producer of the Year: London
Best Influencer: Nasty Blaq
Best Actor/Actress: Uche Montana
Best African USA-Based Artist: Kwate
Best African DJ USA: DJ Prince
Other major winners included Fally Ipupa, who took Artist of the Year and Crossing Boundaries with Music Award, while Bnxn and Sarz won Song of the Year.
Timaya received the Timeless Impact Award, while Diamond Platnumz and Juma Jux won Best Collaboration.
Other winners included Eno Barony, Shenseea, Dope Nation, Ghetto Kids, Marioo, Nikita Kering, Gerilson Israel, Emma’a, DJ Maphorisa, Tyla, DJ Snake, Latifa, Big Smart, Esther Mathew Tonlagha, Innoss’ B, Florito and Didi B.
The 2026 ceremony further underscored the growing influence of African music and entertainment on the global stage, with Nigerian artistes accounting for a significant share of the honours.
