2026 AFRIMMA awards: Full list of nominees

As I scrolled through the list of nominees for the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and pride in the diversity and richness of African music. The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMMA) has been a beacon of recognition for the continent's most talented artists, producers, DJs, and other music professionals, and this year's nominations are no exception. With some of the industry's biggest names set to compete across multiple categories, it's clear that the organizers have done an excellent job of celebrating the achievements of African music over the past year.

The AFRIMMA Awards have always been a highlight of the African music calendar, and this year's ceremony promises to be just as thrilling. The nominees for the 2026 edition are evidence of the continent's vibrant musical landscape, with artists from West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa, and North Africa all represented. Let's take a closer look at the nominees for each category.

This category is a veritable who's who of West African music, with Davido, Black Sherif, BNXN, Rema, Asake, Didi B, Djodje, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ruger, and Dino Santiago all vying for the top spot. It's clear that the organizers have recognized the incredible talent that's emerging from the region, and it's going to be a tough competition to predict who will take home the award.

The female nominees in this category are equally impressive, with Hadzi Vodushi, Tems, Josey, Viviane Chidid, Ayra Starr, Moliy, Tiwa Savage, Mariam Ba Lagare, Teni, and Soraia Ramos all making the cut. It's going to be fascinating to see how these talented artists stack up against each other, and who will ultimately be crowned the best female West African artist of the year.

The AFRIMMA Awards are more than just a celebration of African music, they're a recognition of the continent's rich cultural heritage and the incredible talent that's emerging from the region. By spotlighting the best in African music, the awards help to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, and provide a platform for artists to share their music with a global audience.

The AFRIMMA Awards have had a significant impact on the African music industry, providing a boost to the careers of many artists who have gone on to achieve international recognition. By recognizing the achievements of African music, the awards help to promote the continent's rich musical heritage and provide a platform for artists to share their music with a global audience.

As I looked through the list of nominees for the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and optimism about the future of African music. The diversity and richness of the continent's musical landscape are evidence of the incredible talent and creativity that's emerging from the region. Whether it's the Afrobeat of West Africa, the Bongo Flava of East Africa, or the Kizomba of Central Africa, African music is a vibrant and dynamic force that's shaping the global music industry.

• The AFRIMMA Awards have been recognizing the best in African music since 2014.
• The awards ceremony is held annually in a different African country.
• Previous winners of the AFRIMMA Awards include artists such as Davido, Tiwa Savage, and Wizkid.

As the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards approaches, it's clear that the organizers have done an excellent job of celebrating the achievements of African music over the past year. Whether it's the nominees for the Best Male West Africa category or the Best Female East Africa category, the diversity and richness of the continent's musical landscape are evidence of the incredible talent and creativity that's emerging from the region. As a writer, I'm excited to see how the awards ceremony unfolds, and who will ultimately be crowned the best in African music.