The African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) have officially unveiled the nominees for their 2026 edition, marking the awards’ return after a two-year hiatus, with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, emerging as the most nominated artist.
The organisers released the nominees on Wednesday, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the continent’s biggest celebrations of African music after the awards took a break to revamp the event.
reports that Davido leads the pack with five nominations across some of the ceremony’s biggest categories, reaffirming his status as one of Africa’s most celebrated music stars.
Davido Dominates Major Categories
The singer earned nominations for Artist of the Year, Best Male West Africa, Crossing Boundaries With Music Award, and AFRIMMA Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed album, 5ive.
His hit collaboration with fellow Nigerian singer Omah Lay, With You, also secured nominations in the Best Collaboration and Song of the Year categories.
The multiple nominations cap another remarkable year for Davido, whose album and international collaborations have continued to strengthen Afrobeats’ global influence.
Burna Boy, Black Sherif, And Diamond Platnumz Follow Closely
Closely trailing Davido are Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy, Ghanaian rap star Black Sherif and Tanzanian music icon Diamond Platnumz, who each received four nominations.
South African sensation Tyla emerged as the most nominated female artiste with three nods, while Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems earned two nominations.
The nominations reflect the growing diversity and international appeal of African music, with artistes from across the continent recognised for their achievements over the past year.
Tyla’s inclusion among the leading nominees comes on the back of her rapid rise on the global music scene.
The South African singer gained worldwide recognition after her smash hit Water became an international success, making history as one of the few African songs to break into the US Billboard Hot 100.
Known for blending amapiano, pop and R&B, Tyla has continued to expand her international profile with a string of successful releases and major award wins.
Tems also maintained her impressive run, building on a career that has seen her evolve into one of Africa’s most recognised female voices.
The Nigerian singer has earned widespread acclaim for her soulful sound and international collaborations, further cementing her place among the continent’s leading music exports.
Burna Boy also remains one of Africa’s biggest global stars, with consistent commercial success and international recognition.
The Grammy-winning singer has continued to headline major festivals, dominate streaming platforms, and set new milestones for African music worldwide, reinforcing his influence beyond the continent.
Explaining the awards’ absence over the past two years, AFRIMMA Founder Anderson Obiagwu said the organizers intentionally suspended the event to reposition it for a stronger return.
Announcing the nominees on his Instagram page on Wednesday, Obiagwu assured fans that this year’s edition would deliver an enhanced experience.
“For the last two years, AFRIMMA took a break to make it even bigger and create something sensational. AFRIMMA is coming back bigger and better this year. It’s going to be epic, one of a kind,” he said.
Below is the full list of the 2026 AFRIMMA Nominations:
Best Male West Africa
Davido (Nigeria)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
BNXN (Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Asake (Nigeria)
Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Djodje (Cape Verde)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Ruger (Nigeria)
Dino Santiago (Cape Verde)
Best Female West Africa
Hadzi Vodushi (Ghana)
Tems (Nigeria)
Josey (Ivory Coast)
Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Moliy (Ghana)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Mariam Ba Lagare (Mali)
Teni (Nigeria)
Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)
Best Male East Africa
Lij Michael (Ethiopia)
Marioo (Tanzania)
Eddy Kenzo (Uganda)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Juma Jux (Tanzania)
Bien (Kenya)
Mbosso (Tanzania)
Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
Single Dee (South Sudan)
Barnaba (Tanzania)
Best Female East Africa
Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
Veronica Adane (Ethiopia)
Bridget Blue (Kenya)
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Nikita Kering (Kenya)
Ariel Wayz (Rwanda)
Njerae (Kenya)
Winnie Nwagi (Uganda)
Salemia (Ethiopia)
Best Male Central Africa
Matias Damásio (Angola)
Dadju (DR Congo)
TayC (Cameroon)
Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)
Calema (São Tomé & Príncipe)
Gims (DR Congo)
Gerilson Israel (Angola)
Ko-C (Cameroon)
Best Female Central Africa
Anna Joyce (Angola)
Rebo (DR Congo)
Krys M (Cameroon)
Blanche Bailly (Cameroon)
Cindy Le Coeur (DR Congo)
Espoir La Tigresse (Gabon)
Jessy B (Republic of the Congo)
Emma’a (Gabon)
Best Male Southern Africa
Scott Maphuma (South Africa)
Nutty O (Zimbabwe)
Yo Maps (Zambia)
DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
Zeze Kingston (Malawi)
Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
William Last KRM (Botswana)
Kabza De Small (South Africa)
Best Female Southern Africa
Mawhoo (South Africa)
Tamy Moyo (Zimbabwe)
Charma Gal (Botswana)
Babalwa M (South Africa)
Hanna (Zimbabwe)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Bombshell Grenade (Zambia)
Makhadzi (South Africa)
Tyla (South Africa)
Best Male North Africa
Wegz (Egypt)
Stormy (Morocco)
Adviser (Mauritania)
Amr Diab (Egypt)
Marwan Moussa (Egypt)
ElGrandeToto (Morocco)
DJ Snake (Algeria)
Cheb Momo (Algeria)
Best Female North Africa
Marwa Loud (Morocco)
Chirine Lajmi (Tunisia)
Manal (Morocco)
Souhila Ben Lachhab (Algeria)
Sherine (Egypt)
Latifa (Tunisia)
Kenza Morsli (Algeria)
Zina Daoudia (Morocco)
Crossing Boundaries with Music Award
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Aya Nakamura (Mali)
Rema (Nigeria)
Davido (Nigeria)
Toby Nwigwe (Nigeria)
Flavour (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)
Odeal (Nigeria)
Best Newcomer
Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde)
Mavo (Nigeria)
Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
6uff (Nigeria)
Lava Lava (Tanzania)
Florito (Angola)
Toxic Lyrikali (Kenya)
Fola (Nigeria)
Artist of the Year
Asake (Nigeria)
Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Tyla (South Africa)
Tems (Nigeria)
Davido (Nigeria)
Bien (Kenya)
Best Gospel
Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
Prosper Germoh (Cameroon)
Christina Shusho (Tanzania)
Miguel Buila (Angola)
Bidemi Olaoba (Nigeria)
Deborah Lukalu (DR Congo)
Joel Lwaga (Tanzania)
Moïse Mbiye (DR Congo)
Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye (Nigeria)
Best Female Rap Act
Rosa Ree (Tanzania)
Eno Barony (Ghana)
Bombshell Grenade (Zambia)
Freda Rhymz (Ghana)
Moozlie (South Africa)
Ssaru (Kenya)
Ami Yerewolo (Mali)
Candy Bleakz (Nigeria)
Best Male Rap Act
Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
Jeriq (Nigeria)
Ninho (DR Congo)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
A-Reece (South Africa)
6uff (Nigeria)
Blxckie (South Africa)
Yung Lunya (Tanzania)
Phyno (Nigeria)
Himra (Ivory Coast)
Best Collaboration
Bien & Alikiba — Finale
BNXN & Sarz — Back Outside
Davido & Omah Lay — With You
Diamond Platnumz ft. Juma Jux — Joy
Patoranking ft. Ruger — Shake That
Fally Ipupa ft. Wizkid — Jam
Jazzworx & Tukuthela — Bengicela
Flavour ft. Baaba Maal — Afroculture
Marvais Djo ft. Kano Choir — Pile
Song of the Year
Davido ft. Omah Lay — With You
BNXN & Sarz — Back Outside
Bien & Alikiba — Finale
Diamond Platnumz ft. Juma Jux — Joy
Moliy ft. Shenseea & Skillibeng — Shake It to the Max
Black Sherif — So It Goes
Ciza — Isaka (6AM)
Young Jonn — Elumelu
DopeNation — Kakalika
Marvais Djo ft. Kano Choir — Pile
DJ Kedjevara — Ça Fait Mal
Best Video Director
Hanscana (Tanzania)
Director Pink (Nigeria)
Elias Belkader (Algeria)
Mateo Da Silva (Cameroon)
TG Omori (Nigeria)
Babs Direction (Ghana)
Jake Zaral (Zimbabwe)
Dammy Twitch (Nigeria)
Best DJ Africa
DJ Spinall (Nigeria)
DJ Dollar (Senegal)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
DJ Obi (Nigeria)
DJ Tunez (Nigeria)
DJ Sly King (Ghana)
DJ Commissioner Wysei (Nigeria)
DJ Nelasta (Angola)
Major League DJs (South Africa)
DJ Kaywise (Nigeria)
DJ Dope Caesar (Nigeria)
DJ Moh (Kenya)
Best African DJ USA
DJ Kuncept (Nigeria)
DJ Akua (Ghana)
DJ Prince (Nigeria)
DJ Bode (Nigeria)
DJ Chelsea (Canada)
DJ Shinski (Kenya)
DJ Birame BB L’amour (Ivory Coast)
DJ Oreo (Nigeria)
Lex and Answer (Zimbabwe)
DJ Nani (Nigeria)
Music Producer of the Year
Masterkraft (Nigeria)
Andre Vibez (Nigeria)
207 (Uganda)
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Magicsticks (Nigeria)
MOG Beatz (Ghana)
Xduppy (South Africa)
London (Nigeria)
Best African Dancer
Masaka Dance Kids (Uganda)
Incredible Zigi (Ghana)
Poco Lee (Nigeria)
Ghetto Kids (Uganda)
Angel Nyigu (Tanzania)
Hope Ramafalo (South Africa)
Wet Bad Gang (Angola)
Dancegod Lloyd (Ghana)
Hooliboy (Ghana)
Best Male Reggae/Dancehall
Valiant (Jamaica)
Mr. Killa (Grenada)
Patoranking (Nigeria)
Shatta Wale (Ghana)
Skillibeng (Jamaica)
Vybz Kartel (Jamaica)
Popcaan (Jamaica)
Kranium (Jamaica)
Best Female Reggae/Dancehall
Shenseea (Jamaica)
Jada Kingdom (Jamaica)
Moliy (Ghana)
Spice (Jamaica)
Koffee (Jamaica)
Lila Iké (Jamaica)
Shaneil Muir (Jamaica)
Vanessa Bling (Jamaica)
Best African Group
Disco Misr (Egypt)
Calema (São Tomé & Príncipe)
Show Dem Camp (Nigeria)
Toofan (Togo)
DopeNation (Ghana)
Team Paiya (Ivory Coast)
Mi Casa (South Africa)
Bracket (Nigeria)
AFRIMMA Album of the Year
Black Sherif — Top of The Morning Era
Omah Lay — Clarity of Mind
Asake — M$NEY
Tyla — A-Pop
Burna Boy — No Sign of Weakness
Lloyiso — Never Thought I Could
Davido — 5ive
Leigh-Anne – My Ego Told Me To
Himra — SORRY I’M BAD
Best African USA-Based Artist
Kwate (Nigeria)
Bills (Nigeria)
Mannywellz (Nigeria)
Moses Sumney (Ghana)
Libianca (Cameroon)
Palmwine Tappers Band (Nigeria)
Detty K (Ivory Coast)
J Pako (DR Congo)
Emma Nyra (Nigeria)
AFRIMMA Timeless Impact Award
Timaya (Nigeria)
Amr Diab (Egypt)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Nameless (Kenya)
Oskido (South Africa)
Kcee (Nigeria)
Slap Dee (Zambia)
Bebe Cool (Uganda)
Flavour (Nigeria)
Mafikizolo (South Africa)
African Athlete of the Year
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Pascal Siakam (Cameroon)
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya)
Nnamdi Madubuike (Nigeria)
Best Influencer
Peller (Nigeria)
Carter Efe (Nigeria)
Khaby Lame (Senegal)
Nasty Black (Nigeria)
Lasizwe Dambuza (South Africa)
Ilyas El Maliki (Morocco)
Crazy Kennar (Kenya)
Sabinus (Nigeria)
Best Actor/Actress
Timini Egbuson (Nigeria)
Uzor Arukwe (Nigeria)
Bimbo Ademoye (Nigeria)
Uche Montana (Nigeria)
Elizabeth Michael “Lulu” (Tanzania)
Zander Adika (Kenya)
Pallance Dladla (South Africa)
Masali Baduza (South Africa)
Best Comedian
Basketmouth (Nigeria)
Bovi (Nigeria)
Warri Pikin (Nigeria)
Eric Omondi (Kenya)
Trevor Noah (South Africa)
Godfrey (Nigeria)
Patrick “Salvado” Idringi (Uganda)
Ty Ngachira (Kenya)
Best Hypeman/MC
Big Smart (Nigeria)
Shody (Nigeria)
Ogee The MC (Ghana)
MC Wild (Kenya)
Robot Boii (South Africa)
Balaa MC (Tanzania)
MC Mignon (DR Congo)
Do2dtun (Nigeria)
Community Impact Award
Ester Mathew Tonlagha Foundation (Nigeria)
Noella Foundation (Nigeria)
FAWE – Forum for African Women Educationalists (Kenya)
Educate! (Uganda)
IkamvaYouth (South Africa)
Street Child (Sierra Leone)
Tony Elumelu Foundation (Nigeria)
