Burna Boy, Davido Skip AFRIMA Awards Despite Big Wins

Top Nigerian music stars Burna Boy and Davido were notably absent from the AFRIMA Awards, even though they were among the night’s biggest winners and billed as major headliners.

Burna Boy clinched the Album of the Year award but did not attend the ceremony to receive it, while Davido was also conspicuously missing for reasons known only to him. Their absence was felt strongly, as many fans from across Africa had anticipated seeing both artistes grace the stage, only to be left disappointed.

Despite this, the ceremony remained vibrant, thanks to standout appearances by other African stars including Phyno, Shallipopi, Ghana’s Wendy Shay, and Yemi Alade. The night featured several electrifying performances, highlighted by a reunion between Ghana’s Stonebwoy and Nigeria’s Mr P, who performed their 2025 collaboration “ODO,” a fusion of Afrobeats and dancehall celebrating cross-cultural unity.

Seyi Vibez and Fuji legend Adewale Ayuba delivered surprise performances, while veteran musician Bright Chimezie also thrilled the audience with his signature Zigima Sound, helping to make the event memorable despite the high-profile no-shows.

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