The African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) has returned after a two-year hiatus, with Nigerian superstar Davido emerging as the most nominated artist for the 2026 edition.

Organisers on Wednesday unveiled the nominees for the awards, which celebrate outstanding African artists, songs, performances, creative impact, and the global influence of African music. The last AFRIMMA ceremony was held in 2023.

Davido secured five nominations across major categories, including Best Male West Africa, Crossing Boundaries With Music Award, Artist of the Year, and AFRIMMA Album of the Year. His collaboration with Omah Lay, With You, also earned nominations in the Best Collaboration and Song of the Year categories.

Burna Boy, Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz, and Ghanaian singer Black Sherif followed closely with four nominations each.

Among female nominees, South African singer Tyla received three nominations, while Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Tems picked up two nods.

Announcing the nominees on Instagram, AFRIMMA founder Anderson Obiagwu said the organisers used the break to improve the awards and expand the event’s offerings.

“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,” he said.

Obiagwu also revealed that the 2026 edition will feature the awards’ first-ever music festival in Dallas, Texas, alongside food and fashion exhibitions.

“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.”

The Artist of the Year category features a strong field comprising Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, Rema, Tems, Tyla, Diamond Platnumz, Fally Ipupa, and Bien.

In the Best Male West Africa category, Davido will compete against fellow Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Wizkid, Asake, Rema, BNXN, and Ruger, as well as Ghana’s Black Sherif and other regional contenders.

The Best Female West Africa category includes Tems, Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, Teni, Moliy, Josey, Hadzi Vodushi, Viviane Chidid, Mariam Ba Lagare, and Soraia Ramos.

Other notable categories include Best Influencer, where Peller, Carter Efe, Nasty Black, Sabinus, Khaby Lame, and others will battle for the prize, while Timini Egbuson, Uzor Arukwe, Bimbo Ademoye, and Uche Montana headline the Best Actor/Actress category.

In the Best Collaboration category, Davido and Omah Lay’s With You will face competition from tracks such as Finale by Bien and Alikiba, Back Outside by BNXN and Sarz, and Jam by Fally Ipupa featuring Wizkid.

The Song of the Year category also includes With You, alongside Back Outside, Joy, Shake It to the Max, So It Goes, and Elumelu.

Other major categories announced include Best Gospel, Best DJ Africa, Music Producer of the Year, Best African Dancer, Best Comedian, Best Hypeman/MC, Community Impact Award, and African Athlete of the Year.

The AFRIMMA Album of the Year category features projects from Davido, Burna Boy, Black Sherif, Omah Lay, Asake, Tyla, Lloyiso, Leigh-Anne, and Himra.

The 2026 AFRIMMA Awards and Music Festival will take place on September 12 at Annette Strauss Square in Dallas, Texas, bringing together artists, dancers, influencers, actors, and other cultural figures from across Africa and the diaspora.