The organisers of the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) have unveiled nominees for the 2026 edition, with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly, Davido emerging as the leading contender after securing five nominations across major categories.
This marks the return of the awards ceremony after a two-year hiatus, with organisers promising a bigger and more innovative experience for fans of African music worldwide.
AFRIMMA founder, Anderson Obiagwu, announced the nominees on Instagram on Wednesday.
He also explained that the break was necessary to improve the event and deliver a more exciting edition.
“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,” Obiagwu said.
He disclosed that the 2026 edition will introduce the first-ever AFRIMMA music festival in Dallas, Texas, featuring performances, food vendors, fashion showcases and entertainment from across Africa.
“This year, we’re adding a music festival, the biggest ever in Dallas. There will be several food vendors, fashion vendors, as well as some of the biggest dancers and musicians from different parts of Africa,” he added.
Davido leads the nominations with five entries, including categories such as Artist of the Year, Best Male West Africa, Crossing Boundaries With Music Award and AFRIMMA Album of the Year.
His hit collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, also earned nominations for Best Collaboration and Song of the Year.
Other top nominees include Burna Boy, Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and Ghana’s Black Sherif, who each received four nominations.
South African singer Tyla leads among female nominees with three nominations, while Nigerian singer Tems earned two.
The Best Influencer category will feature personalities including Peller, Carter Efe, Nasty Black and Sabinus, while actors such as Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe, Bimbo Ademoye and Uche Montana are nominated in the Best Actor category.
The AFRIMMA 2026 awards and music festival are scheduled to hold on September 12, 2026, at Annette Strauss Square in Dallas, Texas.
See full list below:
1. 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)
2. Best Female West Africa
Hadzi Vodushi (Ghana)
Tems (Nigeria)
