Tinubu hails Rema, Burna Boy, Shallipopi as Nigeria dominates 9th AFRIMA awards

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Nigerian music stars Rema, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, and others for their sweeping victories at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), calling their triumphs a testament to Nigeria’s rising global creative clout.

The Lagos-hosted event, which held from January 7 to 11, saw Nigerian artistes claim top honours, underscoring the vibrancy of the country’s youth-driven music scene.

Rema scooped Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African RnB & Soul. Burna Boy grabbed Album of the Year, while Shallipopi won Song of the Year and Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy. Phyno earned Best African Hip-Hop, Qing Madi was crowned Most Promising Artiste, Yemi Alade took Best Soundtrack, Chella won African Fans’ Favourite, and radio legends Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye received the AFRIMA Legendary Award.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the winners for elevating Nigeria’s cultural voice. “I warmly congratulate our outstanding Nigerian artistes for their remarkable achievements at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards. Your success on this great continental stage is a proud moment for our nation and a strong reflection of the depth of talent, creativity and hard work that define Nigeria’s music industry,” the President said.

He added, “You have not only won awards; you have projected our culture, amplified the voice of our youths and strengthened Nigeria’s creative identity across the continent and beyond. I commend each of you for your dedication and urge you to continue to use your talents to inspire hope, unity and pride, while contributing meaningfully to the growth of our creative economy and the development of our nation.”

Tinubu also lauded Lagos State, the official host designated by the African Union Commission, for staging a world-class spectacle. “I commend Lagos State for once again proving its capacity as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital. I congratulate the Lagos State Government and His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the excellent hosting of Africa’s global music awards and for providing a safe, vibrant and welcoming environment for delegates, artistes and guests from across the continent,” he noted.

The President, a 2015 recipient of AFRIMA’s Pillar of Art and Culture in Africa Award, reaffirmed his administration’s push for youth empowerment and creative sector growth. “Culture is the soul of a people, and music remains one of Africa’s strongest voices. I remain deeply committed to supporting initiatives that promote our culture and empower our creative talents. Our government is fully committed to empowering young Nigerians and strengthening the creative economy,” Tinubu declared.

Founded in 2014 by the International Committee of AFRIMA and the African Union, the awards drew over 1,216 participants from 48 countries. Highlights included a welcome soiree, the Africa Music Business Summit, performances by 25 top artistes for 20,000 fans at Ikeja City Mall and a sold-out finale at Eko Convention Centre, where winners received 23.9-carat gold-plated trophies.