By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Nigerian music stars dominated the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), with Davido, Tems, Phyno, Ruger and several others emerging among the winners.
The awards ceremony held on September 12, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, featured artistes and entertainers from across Africa and the diaspora competing in 41 categories.
Davido claimed Album of the Year for 5ive, while Tems won Best Female West Africa. Ruger took Best Male West Africa, with Phyno winning Best Male Rap Act.
Other Nigerian winners included Mercy Chinwo, who won Best Gospel; Fola, Best Newcomer; and DJ Tunez, Best DJ Africa. Patoranking won Best Male Reggae/Dancehall, while Real Warri Pikin was named Best Comedian.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was honoured as Athlete of the Year, while Victony won the AFRIMMA Fans Choice Award. Director Pink took Best Video Director, and London was named Music Producer of the Year.
Nasty Blaq won Best Influencer, Uche Montana took Best Actor/Actress, Kwate won Best African USA-Based Artist, and DJ Prince claimed Best African DJ USA.
Fally Ipupa emerged Artist of the Year and also won the Crossing Boundaries with Music Award. Bnxn and Sarz won Song of the Year, while Timaya received the Timeless Impact Award.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Nigeria: Davido — Album of the Year; Tems — Best Female West Africa; Ruger — Best Male West Africa; Phyno — Best Male Rap Act; Fola — Best Newcomer; Mercy Chinwo — Best Gospel; DJ Tunez — Best DJ Africa; Patoranking — Best Male Reggae/Dancehall; Real Warri Pikin — Best Comedian; Victor Osimhen — Athlete of the Year; Victony — Fans Choice Award; Director Pink — Best Video Director; London — Music Producer of the Year; Nasty Blaq — Best Influencer; Uche Montana — Best Actor/Actress; Kwate — Best African USA-Based Artist; DJ Prince — Best African DJ USA.
Other Winners: Fally Ipupa — Artist of the Year and Crossing Boundaries with Music Award; Bnxn and Sarz — Song of the Year; Timaya — Timeless Impact Award; Diamond Platnumz and Juma Jux — Best Collaboration; Eno Barony — Best Female Rap Act; Shenseea — Best Female Reggae/Dancehall; Dope Nation — Best African Group; Ghetto Kids — Best African Dancer; Marioo — Best Male East Africa; Nikita Kering — Best Female East Africa; Gerilson Israel — Best Male Southern/Lusophone and Best Male Central Africa; Emma’a — Best Female Central Africa; DJ Maphorisa — Best Male Southern Africa; Tyla — Best Female Southern Africa; DJ Snake — Best Male North Africa; Latifa — Best Female North Africa; Big Smart — Best Hypeman; Esther Mathew Tonlagha — Community Impact Award; Innoss’ B — Best Francophone; Florito — AFRIMMA Rising Star; Didi B — Francophone Viewers Choice Award.
