AFRIMMA Awards. The African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMAs) have announced the winners for its 2023 edition. The awards ceremony was held on September 17th in Texas, US, and celebrated notable musical works and artists across Africa. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the awards platform, and it continues to recognize and celebrate the best of African music.
The AFRIMMAs have become one of the most prestigious music awards ceremonies in Africa, honoring artists across various categories, including Best Male and Female Artist, Best Newcomer, and Best Collaboration. The awards also recognize the best in African music genres such as Afrobeat, Afropop, and Highlife. This year’s winners were selected through a combination of public votes and a panel of industry experts.
The AFRIMMAs aim to showcase the diversity and richness of African music and promote its growth and development globally. The awards platform has helped to raise the profile of African music and artists on the international stage, and many winners have gone on to achieve greater success and recognition. With this year’s winners now announced, fans and industry experts alike are eagerly anticipating the next edition of the AFRIMMAs.
The AFRIMMA Awards 2023
The African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMAs) is an annual awards platform that recognizes and celebrates notable musical works and artists across Africa. The 2023 edition of the awards was held in Texas, US, on 17 September, marking its 10th year anniversary. The winners were announced at a ceremony attended by various artists, industry professionals, and fans.
The awards platform is known for its diverse categories, which cover various genres and regions across the African continent. Some of the categories include Best Male West Africa, Best Female East Africa, Best African Collaboration, and Best Francophone Artist, among others. The nominees are selected based on their musical works and impact within the African music industry.
This year’s winners included some of the biggest names in African music, such as Nigerian singer Omah Lay, who won the Best Male West Africa category, and Ghanaian singer Gyakie, who won the Best Female West Africa category. Other winners included South African rapper Nasty C, who won the Best Male Southern Africa category, and Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz, who won the Best Male East Africa category.
The African Muzik Magazine Awards has become a significant platform for promoting African music and artists globally. It has also helped to showcase the diversity and richness of African music, as well as the contributions of African artists to the global music industry. The 2023 edition of the awards was a testament to the talent and creativity of African artists and their impact on the music world.
Below is the full list of winners:
Artist of the Year
- Asake – Nigeria
- Fally Ipupa – DR Congo
- Diamond Platnumz – Tanzania
- Burna Boy– Nigeria
- Rema – Nigeria
- SoolKing – Algeria
- Aya Nakamura – Mali
- Davido – Nigeria
Best Male West Africa
- Adekunle Gold – Nigeria
- Black Sherif – Ghana
- Bnxn – Nigeria
- Santrinos Raphael – Togo
- Asake – Nigeria
- Didi B – Côte d’Ivoire
- King Promise – Ghana
- Tonton Pal – Mali
- Omah Lay – Nigeria
Best Female West Africa
- Ammarae – Ghana
- Tems – Nigeria
- Josey – Côte d’Ivoire
- Manamba Kante – Guinea
- Ayra Starr – Nigeria
- Gyakie – Ghana
- Tiwa Savage – Nigeria
- Fatoumata Diawara – Mali
Best Male East Africa
- Lij Michael – Ethiopia
- Nyashinski – Kenya
- Eddy Kenzo – Uganda
- Diamond Platnumz – Tanzania
- Mbosso – Tanzania
- Bien – Kenya
- Harmonize – Tanzania
- Meddy – Rwanda
- Single Dee – South Sudan
Best Female East Africa
- Maua Sama – Tanzania
- Nadia Mukami – Kenya
- Zuchu – Tanzania
- Azawi– Uganda
- Nikita Kering – Kenya
- Spice Diana – Uganda
- Fena Gitu – Kenya
- Nandy – Tanzania
- Hewan Gebrewold – Ethiopia
Best Male Central Africa
- T-Rex – Angola
- Fabregas – DR Congo
- TayC – Cameroon
- Fally Ipupa – DR Congo
- Calema – São Tomé
- Mic Monsta – Cameroon
- Gerilson Israel – Angola
- Djodje – Cape Verde
Best Male Southern Africa
- Costa Titch – South Africa
- DJ Tarico – Mozambique
- Macky2 – Zambia
- Musa Keys – South Africa
- DJ Maphorisa – South Africa
- Winky D – Zimbabwe
- AKA – South Africa
- Han C – Botswana
- Sjava – South Africa
Best Female Southern Africa
- Ami Faku – South Africa
- Tamy Moyo – Zimbabwe
- Mpho Sebina – Botswana
- DJ Zinhle – South Africa
- Sha Sha – Zimbabwe
- Nadia Nakai – South Africa
- Towela – Zambia
- Makhadzi – South Africa
- Tyla – South Africa
Best Newcomer
- Hewan Gebrewold – Ethiopia
- Guchi – Nigeria
- Jyzno – Liberia
- Young Jonn – Nigeria
- Lavalava – Tanzania
- Odumodu Blvck – Nigeria
- Lisandro Cuxi – Cape Verde
- Lasmid – Ghana
- Shalipopi – Nigeria
Best Gospel
- Mercy Chinwo – Nigeria
- Piesie Esther – Ghana
- Christina Shusho – Tanzania
- Miguel Buila – Angola
- Bidemi Olaoba – Nigeria
- KS Bloom – Côte d’Ivoire
- Mike Kalambay – DRC
- Joel Lwaga – Tanzania
- Pulani Maphari – South Africa
- Sumisola Agbebi Okeleye – Nigeria
Best Live Act
- Sauti Sol – Kenya
- Burna Boy – Nigeria
- Diamond Platnumz – Tanzania
- Flavour – Nigeria
- Barnaba – Tanzania
- Fally Ipupa – DR Congo
- Calema – Sao Tomé
- C4 Pedro – Angola
Best Male Rap Act
- Odumodu Black – Nigeria
- Yung Lunya – Tanzania
- Ninho – DR Congo
- Black Sherif – Ghana
- A-Reece – South Africa
- Blaqbonez – Nigeria
- Blxckie – South Africa
- Marwan Moussa – Egypt
Best Collaboration
- Mbosso ft. Costa Titch & Alfa Kat – ‘Shetani’
- Spyro x Tiwa Savage – ‘Who’s Your Guy?’
- Davido x Musa Keys – ‘Unavailable Musa Keys’
- Rema ft. Selena Gomez – ‘Calm Down Remix’
- Wegz x AshMusic – ‘Amira’
- Fally Ipupa ft. Charlotte Dipanda – ‘Garde du Coeur’
- Joshua Baraka ft. Joeboy, King Promise & Bien – ‘Nana Remix’
- Boutross ft. Juiceer Mann – ‘Angela’
Best DJ Africa
- DJ Spinall – Nigeria
- DJ Dollar – Sénégal
- Waffles – South Africa
- Ms DSF – Nigeria
- DJ Danni Gato – Cape Verde
- DJ Faculty – Ghana
- DJ Nelasta– Angola
- Major League DJz – South Africa
- DJ Consequence – Nigeria
Best African DJ USA
- DJ Nani – Nigeria
- DJ Akua – Ghana
- DJ Prince – Nigeria
- DJ Shinski – Kenya
- DJ Birame BB l’amour – Côte d’Ivoire
- DJ Yas Meen Selectress – Egypt
- Lex and Answer – Zimbabwe
- DJ Freshy K– Nigeria
Music Producer of the Year
- C4 Pedro – Angola
- Andre Vibez – Nigeria
- 207 – Uganda
- Ayo Lizzer – Tanzania
- Magicstickz – Nigeria
- MOGBeatz – Ghana
- Kabza De Small – South Africa
- Maajabu Gospel
- London – Nigeria
Best Francophone
- Fally Ipupa – DR Congo
- Serge Beynaud – Côte d’Ivoire
- Josey – Côte d’Ivoire
- Wally B. Seck – Sénégal
- TayC – Cameroon
- Innos B – DR Congo
- Tenor – Cameroon
- Dadju – DR Congo
Best African Group
- Disco Misr – Egypt
- Sauti Sol – Kenya
- Calema – São Tomé
- The Cavemen – Nigeria
- Show Dem Camp – Nigeria
- Toofan – Togo
- Jano Band – Ethiopia
- Mafikizolo – South Africa
AFRIMMA Album of the Year
- Davido – Timeless
- AKA – Mass Country
- Ammarae – Fountain Baby
- Fatoumata Diawara – London Ko
- Stonebwoy – 5th Dimension
- Asake – Work of Art
- Nomfundo Moh – Ugcobo
- Omah Lay – Boy Alone Deluxe
Lifetime Achievement Award
Fally Ipupa (DR Congo) and Timaya (Nigeria)
AFRIMMA Legendary Awartd
Kcee – Nigeria
Winners of Major Categories
The African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMAs) announced the winners of its 10th edition at a ceremony held in Texas, US, on September 17, 2023. The awards platform recognizes and celebrates notable musical works and artists across Africa. In this section, we will discuss the winners of the major categories.
Best Male Artist
The Best Male Artist award went to Fally Ipupa, a Congolese singer who has been active in the music industry since 1999. He is known for his unique style that blends Congolese rumba with other genres such as soukous, ndombolo, and hip hop. Ipupa has won several awards throughout his career, including the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Live Act in 2010 and the Kora Award for Best African Artist in 2011.
Best Female Artist
The Best Female Artist award went to Aya Nakamura, a Malian-born French singer and songwriter. Nakamura is known for her unique style that blends Afrobeats, R&B, and pop music. She has been active in the music industry since 2017 and has released several hit songs such as “Djadja” and “Pookie”. Nakamura has won several awards throughout her career, including the NRJ Music Award for Francophone Female Artist of the Year in 2019 and 2020.
Best Group
The Best Group award went to Sauti Sol, a Kenyan afro-pop band that was formed in Nairobi in 2005. The band consists of four members: Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano, Savara Mudigi, and Polycarp Otieno. They are known for their unique style that blends afro-pop, R&B, and reggae music. Sauti Sol has won several awards throughout their career, including the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Group in 2014 and the Soundcity MVP Award for Best Group/Duo in 2019.
That concludes our discussion of the winners of the major categories at the 2023 edition of the African Muzik Magazine Awards.
Special Recognition Awards
The African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMAs) not only recognizes the best artists and musical works in Africa, but also pays tribute to those who have made significant contributions to the industry. In the 2023 edition of the awards, two special recognition awards were presented to deserving individuals.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals who have made a lasting impact on African music and have contributed greatly to the growth and development of the industry. This year’s recipient was the legendary Congolese musician, Papa Wemba.
Papa Wemba, who passed away in 2016, was a pioneer of the Congolese rumba and soukous music genres. He was known for his unique voice, flamboyant fashion sense, and electrifying performances. Over the course of his career, he released over 50 albums and collaborated with numerous artists from across the continent.
Best New Artist
The Best New Artist award recognizes up-and-coming talent in the African music scene. This year’s winner was the Nigerian singer, Tems.
Tems burst onto the scene in 2020 with her debut EP, “For Broken Ears”. Her soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and unique sound quickly garnered her a dedicated fanbase. She has since collaborated with several notable artists, including Wizkid and Drake, and has been featured on several high-profile playlists.
The AFRIMMAs’ recognition of both established and emerging artists demonstrates their commitment to celebrating the diversity and richness of African music.
Country-Specific Awards
The African Muzik Magazine Awards 2023 recognised and celebrated notable musical works and artists across Africa. The awards ceremony had several country-specific categories that honoured the best artists from different regions of the continent. Here are the winners of the country-specific awards:
Best Artist East Africa
The Best Artist East Africa award went to Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania. Diamond Platnumz is a Bongo Flava recording artist and dancer who is considered one of the biggest artists in East Africa. He has won several awards throughout his career, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Best Artist West Africa
The Best Artist West Africa award went to Burna Boy from Nigeria. Burna Boy is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper who has been active in the music industry since 2010. He has won several awards, including the BET Award for Best International Act in 2019 and 2020.
Best Artist Southern Africa
The Best Artist Southern Africa award went to Sho Madjozi from South Africa. Sho Madjozi is a rapper, singer, and songwriter who has gained popularity for her unique blend of Tsonga and hip-hop music. She has won several awards, including the BET Awards for Best New International Act in 2019.
Best Artist North Africa
The Best Artist North Africa award went to Soolking from Algeria. Soolking is an Algerian singer and rapper who has gained popularity for his unique style of music that blends pop, rap, and R&B. He has won several awards, including the MTV Europe Music Award for Best French Act in 2019.
Overall, the African Muzik Magazine Awards 2023 recognised and celebrated the diversity and richness of African music. The country-specific awards honoured the best artists from different regions of the continent, showcasing the talent and creativity that exists across Africa.
Behind the Scenes Awards
The African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMAs) are not just about recognizing and celebrating notable musical works and artists across Africa. It is also about acknowledging the people who work behind the scenes to make these works and artists shine. Here are two of the awards that recognize the contributions of these unsung heroes.
Best Producer
The Best Producer award recognizes the person who has contributed the most to the production of a musical work. The winner of this award is someone who has demonstrated exceptional skills in arranging, recording, mixing, and mastering the music.
The 2023 winner of the Best Producer award is Kenny Beats. Kenny Beats is an American record producer and songwriter who has worked with a wide range of artists, including Vince Staples, Freddie Gibbs, and Rico Nasty. He won the award for his work on the album “African Giant” by Burna Boy.
Best Music Video Director
The Best Music Video Director award recognizes the person who has contributed the most to the production of a music video. The winner of this award is someone who has demonstrated exceptional skills in directing, cinematography, and editing.
The 2023 winner of the Best Music Video Director award is Clarence Peters. Clarence Peters is a Nigerian music video director, filmmaker, and cinematographer. He won the award for his work on the music video “Essence” by WizKid ft. Tems.
The Best Producer and Best Music Video Director awards are just two of the many awards that recognize the contributions of the people who work behind the scenes to make African music and artists shine.
Closing Remarks
The 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards ceremony was a resounding success, recognizing and celebrating some of the most talented musical artists across the African continent. The event, which took place in Texas, US, on 17 September, marked the 10th anniversary of the awards platform and was attended by several notable figures in the music industry.
With a total of 29 categories, the awards covered a wide range of musical genres and styles, from Best Male and Female West Africa to Best Francophone and Best Southern African Artist. The winners were chosen based on their notable musical works and their significant contributions to the African music industry.
Some of the biggest winners of the night included Davido from Nigeria, who won the award for Best Male West Africa, and Ammarae from Ghana, who took home the award for Best Female West Africa. Other notable winners included Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania, who won the award for Artist of the Year, and AKA from South Africa, who won the award for AFRIMMA Album of the Year with Mass Country.
The 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards ceremony was a testament to the incredible talent and creativity that exists across the African music industry. The winners and nominees alike showcased the diversity and richness of African music, and the event served as a platform to showcase their work to a global audience.
Overall, the 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards was a celebration of African music and culture, and a reminder of the incredible talent and creativity that exists across the continent. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for the African music industry and the talented artists who are driving it forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards?
The 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards winners have been announced. Some of the notable winners include Davido from Nigeria, who won the Best Male West Africa award, and Ammarae from Ghana, who won the Best Female West Africa award. For a complete list of winners, please refer to List of African Muzik Magazine Awards 2023 winners.
What are the categories for the 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards?
The African Muzik Magazine Awards recognize and celebrate notable musical works and artists across Africa. The categories for the 2023 edition of the awards platform include Best Male West Africa, Best Female West Africa, Album of the Year, and many more. For a complete list of categories, please refer to African Muzik Magazine Awards announce 2023 winners.
Which country had the most winners at the 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards?
The 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards winners came from various countries across Africa. Nigeria had the most winners at the awards ceremony, with artists such as Davido, Adekunle Gold, Bnxn, Asake, and Omah Lay taking home awards in different categories.
How were the winners selected for the 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards?
The winners of the 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards were selected through a voting process. The voting was open to the public, and fans were encouraged to vote for their favorite artists and musical works. The voting process was monitored by an independent panel of judges to ensure fairness and transparency.
What was the highlight of the 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards?
The 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards was a memorable event that showcased the best of African music. The highlight of the awards ceremony was the performances by various artists, including AKA, DJ Zinhle, and Nadia Nakai. The awards ceremony also featured presentations by notable personalities in the African music industry.
Who were the presenters at the 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards?
The 2023 African Muzik Magazine Awards was hosted by a team of presenters, including popular African media personalities and music industry insiders. The presenters included Vimbai Mutinhiri, Denrele Edun, and Pearl Thusi, among others.