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The 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) have officially concluded, bringing together some of the biggest names in African music, entertainment and culture for a night celebrating the continent’s creative excellence.

The awards returned in 2026 after a two-year break, with this year’s ceremony taking place on September 12 at Annette Strauss Square in Dallas, Texas, as part of the expanded AFRIMMA MusicFest.

The 2026 edition saw artists from across Africa and the diaspora compete across regional, musical and cultural categories, with 41 honors ultimately presented.

DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night, taking home Artist of the Year and the Crossing Boundaries with Music Award. Nigeria’s Davido won Album of the Year for 5ive, while BNXN and Sarz took home both Song of the Year and, alongside Diamond Platnumz and Juma Jux, competed among the year’s biggest collaborations.

Other notable winners included Tems, Ruger, Tyla, Marioo, Nikita Kering, Fola, Phyno, Mercy Chinwo, Eno Barony, DJ Tunez, London, Patoranking, Shenseea, Dope Nation, Victor Osimhen, Victony and Didi B. 

Full AFRIMMA 2026 Winners List

Regional Awards

Best Male West Africa
Nominees: Davido, Black Sherif, BNXN, Rema, Asake, Didi B, Djodje, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ruger, Dino Santiago
Winner: Ruger 

Best Female West Africa
Nominees: Hadzi Vodushi, Tems, Josey, Viviane Chidid, Ayra Starr, Moliy, Tiwa Savage, Mariam Ba Lagare, Teni, Soraia Ramos
Winner: Tems 

Best Male East Africa
Nominees: Lij Michael, Marioo, Eddy Kenzo, Diamond Platnumz, Juma Jux, Bien, Mbosso, Joshua Baraka, Single Dee, Barnaba
Winner: Marioo 

Best Female East Africa
Nominees: Abigail Chams, Veronica Adane, Bridget Blue, Zuchu, Nikita Kering, Ariel Wayz, Njerae, Winnie Nwagi, Salemia
Winner: Nikita Kering 

Best Male Central Africa
Nominees: Matias Damásio, Dadju, TayC, Fally Ipupa, Calema, Gims, Gerilson Israel, Ko-C
Winner: Gerilson Israel 

Best Female Central Africa
Nominees: Anna Joyce, Rebo, Krys M, Blanche Bailly, Cindy Le Coeur, Espoir La Tigresse, Jessy B, Emma’a
Winner: Emma’a 

Best Male Southern Africa
Nominees: Scott Maphuma, Nutty O, Yo Maps, DJ Maphorisa, Zeze Kingston, Cassper Nyovest, William Last KRM, Kabza De Small
Winner: DJ Maphorisa 

Best Female Southern Africa
Nominees: Mawhoo, Tamy Moyo, Charma Gal, Babalwa M, Hanna, Uncle Waffles, Bombshell Grenade, Makhadzi, Tyla
Winner: Tyla 

Best Male North Africa
Nominees: Wegz, Stormy, Adviser, Amr Diab, Marwan Moussa, ElGrandeToto, DJ Snake, Cheb Momo
Winner: DJ Snake 

Best Female North Africa
Nominees: Marwa Loud, Chirine Lajmi, Manal, Souhila Ben Lachhab, Sherine, Latifa, Kenza Morsli, Zina Daoudia
Winner: Latifa

https://twitter.com/streamdorm/status/2098331224028631489?s=46

Music Awards

Crossing Boundaries with Music Award
Nominees: Burna Boy, Aya Nakamura, Rema, Davido, Toby Nwigwe, Flavour, Wizkid, Fally Ipupa, Odeal
Winner: Fally Ipupa

Best Newcomer
Nominees: Lisandro Cuxi, Mavo, Abigail Chams, 6uff, Lava Lava, Florito, Toxic Lyrikali, Fola
Winner: Fola

Artist of the Year
Nominees: Asake, Fally Ipupa, Diamond Platnumz, Burna Boy, Rema, Tyla, Tems, Davido, Bien
Winner: Fally Ipupa

Best Gospel
Nominees: Mercy Chinwo, Prosper Germoh, Christina Shusho, Miguel Buila, Bidemi Olaoba, Deborah Lukalu, Joel Lwaga, Moïse Mbiye, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye
Winner: Mercy Chinwo

Best Female Rap Act
Nominees: Rosa Ree, Eno Barony, Bombshell Grenade, Freda Rhymz, Moozlie, Ssaru, Ami Yerewolo, Candy Bleakz
Winner: Eno Barony

Best Male Rap Act
Nominees: Odumodublvck, Jeriq, Ninho, Black Sherif, A-Reece, 6uff, Blxckie, Yung Lunya, Phyno, Himra
Winner: Phyno

Best Collaboration
Nominees: 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”
Winner: Diamond Platnumz & Juma Jux — “Joy”

Song of the Year
Nominees: 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”
Winner: BNXN & Sarz — “Back Outside”

Best Video Director
Nominees: Hanscana, Director Pink, Elias Belkader, Mateo Da Silva, TG Omori, Babs Direction, Jake Zaral, Dammy Twitch
Winner: Pink

Best DJ Africa
Nominees: DJ Spinall, DJ Dollar, Uncle Waffles, DJ Obi, DJ Tunez, DJ Sly King, DJ Commissioner Wysei, DJ Nelasta, Major League DJs, DJ Kaywise, DJ Dope Caesar, DJ Moh
Winner: DJ Tunez

Best African DJ USA
Nominees: DJ Kuncept, DJ Akua, DJ Prince, DJ Bode, DJ Chelsea, DJ Shinski, DJ Birame BB L’amour, DJ Oreo, Lex and Answer, DJ Nani
Winner: DJ Prince

Music Producer of the Year
Nominees: Masterkraft, Andre Vibez, 207, Dlala Thukzin, Magicsticks, MOG Beatz, Xduppy, London
Winner: London

Best African Dancer
Nominees: Masaka Dance Kids, Incredible Zigi, Poco Lee, Ghetto Kids, Angel Nyigu, Hope Ramafalo, Wet Bad Gang, Dancegod Lloyd, Hooliboy
Winner: Ghetto Kids

Best Male Reggae/Dancehall
Nominees: Valiant, Mr. Killa, Patoranking, Shatta Wale, Skillibeng, Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Kranium
Winner: Patoranking

Best Female Reggae/Dancehall
Nominees: Shenseea, Jada Kingdom, Moliy, Spice, Koffee, Lila Iké, Shaneil Muir, Vanessa Bling
Winner: Shenseea

Best African Group
Nominees: Disco Misr, Calema, Show Dem Camp, Toofan, DopeNation, Team Paiya, Mi Casa, Bracket
Winner: Dope Nation

Album of the Year
Nominees: 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
Winner: Davido — 5ive

Best African USA-Based Artist
Nominees: Kwate, Bills, Mannywellz, Moses Sumney, Libianca, Palmwine Tappers Band, Detty K, J Pako, Emma Nyra
Winner: Kwate

AFRIMMA Music Without Borders Award
Winner: Juma Jux

AFRIMMA Timeless Impact Award
Nominees: Timaya, Amr Diab, Sarkodie, Nameless, Oskido, Kcee, Slap Dee, Bebe Cool, Flavour, Mafikizolo
Winner: Timaya

Culture & Impact Awards

African Athlete of the Year
Nominees: Victor Osimhen, Serhou Guirassy, Ademola Lookman, Achraf Hakimi, Pascal Siakam, Faith Kipyegon, Nnamdi Madubuike
Winner: Victor Osimhen 

Best Influencer
Nominees: Peller, Carter Efe, Khaby Lame, Nasty Blaq, Lasizwe Dambuza, Ilyas El Maliki, Crazy Kennar, Sabinus
Winner: Nasty Blaq 

Best Actor/Actress
Nominees: Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe, Bimbo Ademoye, Uche Montana, Elizabeth Michael “Lulu”, Zander Adika, Pallance Dladla, Masali Baduza
Winner: Uche Montana 

Best Comedian
Nominees: Basketmouth, Bovi, Warri Pikin, Eric Omondi, Trevor Noah, Godfrey, Patrick “Salvado” Idringi, Ty Ngachira
Winner: Warri Pikin 

Best Hypeman/MC
Nominees: Big Smart, Shody, Ogee The MC, MC Wild, Robot Boii, Balaa MC, MC Mignon, Do2dtun
Winner: Big Smart 

Community Impact Award
Nominees: Ester Mathew Tonlagha Foundation, Noella Foundation, FAWE, Educate!, IkamvaYouth, Street Child, Tony Elumelu Foundation
Winner: Esther Mathew Tonlagha

The remaining special recognition categories were also revealed as part of AFRIMMA’s expanded 2026 honors.

Best Francophone – Innoss’B
Best Lusophone – Gerilson Israel
AFRIMMA Fans Choice Award – Victony
AFRIMMA Rising Star – Florito
Francophone Viewers Choice Award – Didi B 

The French media giant Canal+, in the early hours of 13th October, announced it has acquired over 90% of Africa and South Africa’s media giant, MultiChoice Group.

The company, which initiated its buyout and takeover of MultiChoice Group, now owns 94.39% of MCG shares.

It now plans to squeeze out the remaining shareholders of the company, as a result owning 100% of the company shares and voting power.

The company also plans to terminate MultiChoice from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, replacing it with CANAL+, solidifying itself as a solid competitor in South Africa and Africa.

In the official press release, CANAL+ CEO Maxime Saada said, “We are pleased with the overwhelming success of the offer. Following this outcome, we will now acquire the remaining shares in MultiChoice and seek a secondary inward listing of CANAL+ in Johannesburg, in addition to our primary listing in London. We were clear the day we launched the acquisition of MultiChoice that this was a commitment we wanted to make. Given the important role CANAL+ will now play in South Africa and across the African continent, we believe it is critically important that domestic investors have the are able to have exposure to a leading media and entertainment company on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange while investors continue to get access to CANAL+ through the London Stock Exchange platform.”

MultiChoice Group is now valued at #3.2 billion.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially announced the registration dates for its 2025 Batch B Stream II orientation exercise. According to the timetable released on the NYSC portal, the registration process will commence on Monday, September 8, 2025, and will run until Saturday, September 13, 2025.

This announcement is crucial for all prospective corps members (PCMs), both locally trained and foreign-trained graduates, who are expected to participate in the scheme’s one-year mandatory national service.

Key Dates and Activities

Event	Dates
Online Registration (Local & Foreign-Trained Graduates)	September 8 – 13, 2025
Pre-camp Physical Verification (Foreign-Trained Graduates)	September 14 – 18, 2025
ICT Department Processing of Data	September 17 – 20, 2025
Printing of Deployment & Call-up Letters (Institutions & PCMs)	September 21 – 23, 2025

Registration Guidelines for PCMs

To ensure a smooth process, PCMs are advised to take note of the following:

1. NYSC Portal: Registration should be done strictly on the official NYSC portal (www.nysc.gov.ng). Avoid unofficial sites to prevent scams.
2. Required Information for Local Graduate: Valid email address and phone number, NIN (National Identification Number, Matriculation/JAMB number for verification, Recent passport photograph (white background recommended)
3. Requirements for Foreign-Trained Graduates: – International passport and student visa, Original degree or HND certificate, WAEC/NECO/GCE results with scratch cards for verification, Transcript (if applicable), Physical verification at designated centers between September 14 and 18, 2025.
4. Biometric Capture: During registration, all PCMs are expected to complete biometric fingerprint capture.
5. Call-Up Letter Printing: From September 21 to 23, 2025, PCMs will be able to print their call-up letters. Those who paid during registration can print directly from the portal, while others must collect from their respective institutions.

After registration and call-up letter issuance, PCMs will be deployed to various states across Nigeria for the orientation camp exercise. The official camp opening date for Batch B Stream II will be communicated by the NYSC in due course.

During the three-week camp, PCMs will undergo:

• Orientation and training
• Lectures on national integration and youth development
• Skills acquisition programs
• Parade and drills
• Swearing-in ceremony

Prospective corps members are advised to begin preparations early, gather all necessary documents, and strictly adhere to NYSC guidelines. Timely registration is essential, as the portal will automatically close after the set deadline of September 13, 2025.

For updates, always check the official NYSC website and verified media outlets.

Nigerian actor and creative advocate Bucci Franklin has announced plans for the first edition of the Creative Continuum Africa Summit (CCA Summit), scheduled to take place on 16 September 2025 at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, which Franklin describes as a platform for performers and creatives, is expected to focus on themes of sustainability, empowerment, and legacy within Africa’s creative industries. In a note shared on his social media pages and titled ‘My letter to You… A Creative Continuum Africa Ode,‘ he expressed hopes that the gathering would provide a space for artists to reflect on their journeys and find pathways toward long-term wellbeing.

Promotion for the summit has emphasized punctuality, with organizers stating it will begin promptly at 8:00 AM and close by 12:00 PM. Registration is free, with access available through Franklin’s official social media channels.

While detailed information on the program, speakers, or partners has not yet been released, the announcement has generated interest among creative professionals and audiences online. Many see it as a timely initiative as discussions on the sustainability of Africa’s creative economy continue to grow.

The Creative Continuum Africa Summit 2025 will be the first of its kind under Franklin’s leadership, and further details are expected in the weeks leading up to the event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bucci Franklin (@buccifranklin)

Why I Think This Matters

Africa’s creative industries, from film and music to fashion and digital storytelling continue to expand into billion-dollar markets. Yet, performers often face gaps in wellbeing, sustainability, and structural support. By initiating this summit, Franklin aims to connect these realities to solutions, offering a continuum where creative work is not only celebrated but also sustained across generations.

14 years ago, one of the worst occurrences in gaming history took place—we lost the PlayStation Network and sadly for 23 days. 14 years later, it will seem history is about to repeat itself.

The last time PSN was down, Sony said they were hacked, but this time around there’s been no indication on what could be the issue.

This can’t be labelled a “9/11” event for gamers; popular networks go down from time to time. This is the same for Sony’s PlayStation Network. It’s been over 15 hours since it was first reported that PSN was down, and players are getting worried.

The issues for the last few hours include the inability to access online functionality, sign in, check stores, or even boot up games that require an internet connection.

PlayStation via the @AskPlayStation Twitter/X account official response was: “We are aware some users might be currently experiencing issues with PSN. For more details: https://status.playstation.com.”