K’wate clinches AFRIMMA award

Edo State-born afrobeats artiste, David Cross, popularly known as K’wate, has won the Best African USA-Based Artist of the Year award at the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards.

K’wate was announced as the winner at the grand finale of the awards, held in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

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

In his acceptance speech, K’wate described the award 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 practitioners and the African Muzik Magazine Awards for supporting his musical journey.

The singer also urged African musicians based in the United States to take their careers seriously by investing 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.”

K’wate further encouraged up-and-coming artistes not to depend on external validation, stressing the importance of building their careers through consistent work.

“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 artiste 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 the From Me To You EP and the single, Flower Boy, which have continued to attract streams online.