CMC GLADIATORS STORM AFRIMA AWARDS 2026 AS AFRICA CELEBRATES MUSIC, CULTURE & EXCELLENCE IN LAGOS

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By The Gladiators Magazine Correspondent

Lagos, Nigeria – Sunday, 11 January 2026

The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2026 was held in spectacular fashion on Sunday, 11 January 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, marking a historic night of celebration for African music, creativity, and cultural unity.

One of the most prominent and talked-about appearances of the night was that of CMC Gladiators, led by its dynamic Boss, Ambassador Cornell Udofia, who arrived with a powerful 20-man delegation, reinforcing the brand’s influence across entertainment, media, sports, and culture.

AFRIMA 2026 marked the grand finale of a week-long celebration of African music and culture, which ran from January 7 to January 11, in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Lagos State Government as host city.

The ceremony was hosted by Nigerian rapper and actor Falz, alongside French-Senegalese actress and media personality Liliane Maroune, bringing together top musicians, Nollywood stars, global executives, creatives, and fans from across Africa and the diaspora.

CMC GLADIATORS: A STATEMENT OF UNITY & EXCELLENCE

The CMC Gladiators outing at AFRIMA 2026 stood as a statement of unity, leadership, and African excellence. Under the guidance of Ambassador Cornell Udofia, the delegation actively participated in red-carpet engagements, media interactions, strategic networking, and celebration of African talents.

Members of the CMC Gladiators AFRIMA 2026 Delegation Included:

Frank Edoho – Iconic TV host (Who Wants to Be a Millionaire) & Patron, CMC Gladiators
Pastor Blessed Mercy Chinwo’s Husband – Business merchant
Princess Ify Nwosu – PRO, United Queens & Nollywood actress
Debora Salami – Chief of Staff to High Chief Oby Express & movie actress
High Chief Oby Express – President, United Queens Association & Nollywood actress
Mr. Chukky Egbu – Deputy Task Force Chairman, South-West AGN & movie director
Tina Newman – Gospel artist, Cornel Entertainment
DJ Abass – UK-based Nigerian music DJ
Ayo Sonaiya – UK-based Nigerian event consultant
Yomi Shodimu – UK-based Nigerian singer, Love Me Jeje fame
Mazi Sidney Nwachukwu – Chairman, Media Tiger Communication
Isreal Isaa – CMC Bombers Football Team crew
Amaka Udeani – Founder, Fame Net Africa
Eno Egbo-Egbo – Nigeria-born, UK-based entrepreneur
Iyabo Ojo – Nollywood actress & social activist
Boismark – Music content creator
Ime Emmanuel – Presenter, Biscon TV
Chukwuma Erondu – AIT Entertainment
Queen ABG – Founder & CEO, ABG Entertainment
Queeneth Agbor – Nollywood actress, Cornel Entertainment
Abiodun Macaulay – Publisher, Urban View Magazine
Fidelia Alaka – Publisher, HSB Magazine
Prince Ephraim – Poet & inspirational speaker, Cornel Entertainment
Chioma Martins – Nollywood Actress and EntrepreneurEntrepreneur

The presence of the delegation further amplified CMC Gladiators’ growing footprint in African entertainment, media relations, talent development, and diaspora collaboration.

Several celebrities and fans from across the continent and beyond graced the event. Notable Nigerian film personalities in attendance included Iyabo Ojo, Kunle Afolayan, Segun Arinze, Annie Macaulay, and Yvonne Jegede, among many others.

The night was electrified by breathtaking performances, including:

A celebrated reunion performance by Stonebwoy and Mr P on their 2025 collaboration “ODO”
Surprise performances by Shallipopi, Seyi Vibez, and Fuji legend Adewale Ayuba

These performances highlighted AFRIMA’s commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and Africa’s global sound.

Nigerian superstar Rema emerged as the biggest winner of the night, clinching three major awards, including:

Artiste of the Year
Best Male Artiste in Western Africa
Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African R&B & Soul

Other major highlights:

Burna Boy won Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness
Shallipopi featuring Burna Boy won Best African Collaboration for “Laho”, which also took Song of the Year
Phyno won Best African Hip Hop Artiste
Qing Madi emerged as Most Promising Artiste of the Year
Chella won African Fans’ Favourite

Across Africa, winners emerged from all regions, reinforcing AFRIMA’s pan-African reach, while Rwanda made history as Element Eleéh became the country’s first AFRIMA award winner, taking Best Producer of the Year and Wendy Shay from Ghana.

AFRIMA 2026 showcased the unstoppable rise of African music on the global stage, with Afrobeats, Amapiano, Highlife, Hip-Hop, Gospel, and traditional sounds all celebrated in one unforgettable night.

For CMC Gladiators, the AFRIMA outing represented more than attendance—it was a reaffirmation of purpose, partnerships, and commitment to promoting African excellence globally.