Fans celebrate as Kwate wins AFRIMMA 2026 best artiste

Edo State-born Afrobeats artiste, David Cross, popularly known as Kwate, has won the Best African USA-Based Artiste of the Year award at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards.

His fans have been sending congratulatory messages to him.

Kwate was announced as the winner at the grand finale of the awards held in Dallas, Texas, on September 12.

The award is one of the major international recognitions received by the artiste, who has continued to build his career in the United States while maintaining strong ties with his Nigerian roots.

In his acceptance speech, Kwate described the recognition as a celebration of hard work, resilience and the growing influence of African artistes building careers abroad.

He thanked God, his family, team, fans, DJs, promoters, media professionals and AFRIMMA for supporting his musical journey.

The artiste also urged African musicians in the United States to take their careers seriously and invest in their music, branding, performances and professionalism.

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He said, “To every Afrobeats artiste based in America: stop asking America to take African music seriously when some of us don’t take ourselves seriously.”

Kwate also encouraged upcoming artistes not to depend on external validation.

“Awards don’t build careers. Work does. Don’t wait to be chosen. Choose yourself, build your platform, and let your work make the world notice,” he said.

The singer began his musical journey in Edo State before relocating to Lagos in 1998. His career gained wider attention in 2010 following the release of Party Dey Here, from his debut album, Tami Lorobo.

His recent projects include From Me To You EP and the single, Flower Boy, which continue to attract streams online.