A continental win for a South African voice
Nontokozo Mkhize has opened 2026 with a major milestone: Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos, Nigeria, with the 9th edition concluding on 11 January 2026.
In a year where African music keeps moving across borders at speed, this win lands as both recognition and celebration—one artist’s work connecting with audiences beyond home.
The AFRIMA moment
AFRIMA’s regional categories shine a light on artists whose music is travelling across their part of the continent. In published winners coverage, Nontokozo Mkhize is listed as the winner for Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa, placing her in a standout class within a competitive field.
The ceremony’s broader winner list also reflects how Lagos continues to be a major hub for Africa’s music conversation—making the stage, the city, and the audience part of the story.
Why this win hits different at home
Southern Africa has long shaped the continent’s sound—across gospel, maskandi, amapiano, pop, and everything in between. When a Southern African artist is recognised on a pan-African stage, it’s a reminder that the region’s stories, languages, and textures carry.
For fans, it’s pride. For the culture, it’s validation. For the artist, it’s a marker of momentum.
What’s next
Big wins tend to bring a wave: fresh listeners, new interview requests, and more collaboration interest. The opportunity is to keep the focus on the music—while making sure the basics are in place so nothing slows the momentum down.
A quick note on protecting the moment
Awards don’t automatically translate into royalties, but they do increase attention on an artist’s catalogue. That’s why clean credits and clear rights information matter—so opportunities can move smoothly when they come.
Artist spotlight takeaway
Nontokozo Mkhize’s AFRIMA win is a reminder that Southern African artists are not just participating in the continental story—they’re shaping it.
While your music travels, keep your publishing house in order—credits, splits, and catalogue clarity—so your next moment lands clean.
Sources
- Music In Africa — “AFRIMA 2026: All the winners” (published 12 Jan 2026; Africa)
- Premium Times (Nigeria) — “FULL LIST: Rema, Shallipopi, Burna Boy dominate 9th AFRIMA awards” (published 12 Jan 2026; Lagos, Nigeria)
- Independent Online (IOL, South Africa) — “Nontokozo Mkhize celebrates her award at the All Africa Music Awards” (published 13 Jan 2026; South Africa/Nigeria)
- The Guardian (Nigeria) — “AFRIMA 9th edition: … win big (Full list)” (published Jan 2026; Lagos, Nigeria)
- BBC Pidgin — Client-provided link on Nontokozo Mkhize’s AFRIMA win (accessed Jan 2026; Nigeria)
