The organisers of the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) have announced the nominees for the 2026 edition, with Nigerian music star Davido emerging as the highest-ranked nominee after earning five nominations across major categories.
The nominations, unveiled on Wednesday, signal the return of the annual awards after a two-year break.
According to AFRIMMA founder Anderson Obiagwu, the hiatus was used to redesign the event and introduce new attractions aimed at enhancing the experience for fans of African music.
Davido will compete for top honours, including Artist of the Year, Best Male West Africa, Crossing Boundaries With Music Award and AFRIMMA Album of the Year for 5ive.
His collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, also secured nominations in the Best Collaboration and Song of the Year categories.
Close behind are Burna Boy, Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif and Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz, who each received four nominations. <a href="https://absafricatv.com/march-and-marchs-andile-mvuyelwa-somgxada-shot-special-south-african-police-team-to-investigate-killing-of-anti/" title="March and March's Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada shot: Special South African police team to investigate killing of anti”>South African sensation Tyla leads the female nominees with three nominations, while Nigerian singer Tems was nominated twice.
Obiagwu disclosed that this year’s event will feature the maiden AFRIMMA Music Festival in Dallas, Texas, bringing together leading African musicians, dancers, fashion exhibitors and food vendors in what he described as the biggest edition of the event so far.
Beyond music, the awards also recognised personalities from other sectors of entertainment.
Nigerian content creators Peller, Carter Efe, Nasty Black and Sabinus were nominated in the Best Influencer category, while actors Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe, Bimbo Ademoye and Uche Montana earned nominations for Best Actor/Actress.
The 2026 AFRIMMA Awards and Music Festival is scheduled to hold on September 12 at Annette Strauss Square in Dallas, Texas, where winners across more than 30 categories will be honoured for their contributions to African entertainment and culture.
