Naledi Aphiwe Nominated Against African Giants at 9th All Africa Music Awards

Naledi Aphiwe started 2026 with gratitude after being nominated for Best African Duo or Group in R&B alongside Mawelele at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (Afrima), which concluded in Lagos on Sunday, 11 January. At just 18, she competed against African stars including Nigeria’s Kunmie, Morocco’s Manal, and 2024 Grammy Award-nominee Rema, marking a major milestone in her rapidly rising career.

“This nomination is an indication of great things to come this year. It shows that hard work will never go unnoticed. Seeing my name next to international artists means there is a place for me in the world and in other African countries,” Naledi said. Her journey, titled From a Township Classroom to Global Stages, highlights the impact of talent and perseverance. With an expanding discography and growing fanbase, she is poised to make a lasting mark on the music industry.

In 2025, her hit song “Romeo & Juliet” with Mawelele earned nominations for Best African Song and Best R&B Song at the Metro FM Music Awards. In 2024, she won the Sofn’free Africa Afro Pop Artist of the Year at the Basadi Music Awards. With a loyal fanbase of 4.9 million and a combined digital reach of over 4 million on TikTok and Instagram, Naledi is positioned to become a global music superstar.

In a recent interview, Naledi expressed her excitement about being recognized alongside top African artists. She said the nomination motivates her to expand her reach internationally and confirmed plans to release more music, including her debut album, and to start touring in other countries. She emphasized that her music reflects her personal experiences and moods, aiming to connect deeply with her listeners while maintaining focus on her craft rather than awards alone.

Naledi Aphiwe’s Afrima nomination underscores her growing influence in African music and sets the stage for a pivotal year in her career.