Entertainment

Tanzanian Singer Juma Jux Beats Diamond Platnumz and Bien to Claim Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa at AFRIMA 2025

LAGOS — Nigerian superstar Rema emerged as the biggest winner at the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), claiming three prestigious honors during the ceremony held in Lagos on Sunday night.

The rising star secured the coveted Artiste of the Year award alongside Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Best African Artiste in RnB & Soul, cementing his position as one of the continent’s leading musical talents.

Nigerian Artists Lead Winners’ List

Nigeria dominated the awards ceremony, with several artists taking home top honors. Burna Boy won Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed project “No Sign of Weakness,” while veteran performer Yemi Alade earned Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary for her track “You Are,” featured in the animated series Iyanu.

Shallipopi made a significant impact by winning Song of the Year for his hit “Laho” and sharing the Best African Collaboration award with Burna Boy for the same track. Phyno claimed the title of Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, demonstrating the genre’s continued strength in the region.

Breakthrough artist Chella was crowned African Fans’ Favourite, while Qing Madi impressed by securing Most Promising Artiste of the Year, outperforming contenders including Cysoul, Joshua Baraka, and L’Oiseau Rare.

Regional Winners Across the Continent

Tanzania’s Juma Jux captured the Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa award, competing against nominees including Kenya’s Bien, Diamond Platnumz, and Joshua Baraka from Uganda.

In the female Eastern Africa category, Madagascar’s Denise took the honors, prevailing over competitors from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

Other regional winners included Singuila from The Congo for Best Male Artist in Central Africa, while Cindy Le Coeur from the Democratic Republic of Congo won Best Female Artiste in Central Africa.

Southern and Northern Africa Recognition

Zambia’s Yo Maps claimed Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa, while South Africa’s Nontokozo Mkhize won the female category in the same region. Ghana’s Wendy Shay secured Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.

In Northern Africa, Egypt’s Sherine took the female artiste award, continuing the country’s strong representation at the continental awards.

Technical and Production Categories

The technical awards recognized excellence behind the scenes. Rwanda’s Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson shared the Producer of the Year award, while Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum won Songwriter of the Year for “Choix,” performed by Mia Guissé featuring Wally B. Seck.

Algeria’s DJ Moh Green was named Best African DJ, and Tanzania’s Mbosso won Best African Video of the Year for “Ova.”

Genre-Specific Recognition

Specialized categories highlighted diverse musical styles across the continent. Côte d’Ivoire’s Milo won Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music, while his compatriot Morijah claimed the female category.

Ethiopia’s Haddinqo earned Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz, and Benin’s Axel Merryl won Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary.

Guinea’s Takana Zion took home Best African Act Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall, while Côte d’Ivoire’s Didi B was recognized as Best African Lyricist Rapper. Ethiopia’s Weeha won Best African Dance/Choreography for “Dimama.”

The 2025 AFRIMA awards celebrated musical excellence across all five African regions, with Nigeria’s strong showing reflecting the country’s continued influence on the continent’s entertainment landscape. The ceremony brought together artists, producers, and industry professionals to recognize outstanding achievements in African music over the past year.