Lagos State is buzzing with excitement as the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) officially kicks off in Nigeria’s vibrant commercial hub. This major African music celebration commenced on Wednesday, January 7, and is set to conclude on Sunday, January 11, 2026, bringing together artists, industry leaders, and music lovers from across the continent and beyond. The event promises a dynamic schedule, beginning with a Welcome Soiree for nominees and guests hosted by the British High Commission in Nigeria. The Africa Music Business Summit is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, offering insights into the industry’s future. A highly anticipated highlight is the AFRIMA Music Village on Friday, January 9, at Ikeja City Mall, featuring performances from over 25 A-list artistes and DJs. The grand finale, the Main Awards Ceremony, will take place on Sunday, January 11, at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. The awards will be broadcast live to an international audience in more than 84 countries, showcasing African talent on a global stage. The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, speaking on behalf of the state government, hailed AFRIMA as a remarkable celebration of creativity, excellence, and the unifying power of music across Africa and the world. She emphasized that this gathering represents a powerful convergence of cultures, ideas, and possibilities, allowing Africa to speak to the world through its rhythms and storytelling. Lagos, she stated, is deeply honored to host such an exceptional assembly of talents, industry leaders, policymakers, and creative visionaries. The Commissioner further noted the significant role music and culture play in driving economic growth and fostering global connections, expressing Lagos’ pride in hosting an event that shapes narratives and bridges continents. What is AFRIMA? AFRIMA stands for the All Africa Music Awards, a premier platform dedicated to celebrating and showcasing African music talent to the global community. It aims to promote the continent’s rich musical diversity and foster peace and integration through the universal language of music. AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mr Mike Dada, elaborated on the organization’s mission, explaining that AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, is the longest and biggest-running African music platform designed to promote and showcase African talent worldwide. He highlighted that after extensive deliberations, Lagos was awarded the hosting rights for the 9th edition, following the previous event held in Dakar, Senegal. The core objective of AFRIMA extends beyond mere entertainment; it seeks to demonstrate the continent’s immense capacity and assure the world of Africa’s excellence. The platform actively works to promote peace and integration, demonstrating how music can provide positive avenues for young people, steering them away from potential street-related challenges. Mr Dada also stressed AFRIMA’s role in promoting African cities and tourism, noting that many globally are more familiar with cities like London and Paris than with African destinations. Through AFRIMA, the aim is to shine a spotlight on African locales, encouraging international recognition and tourism. This global reach is facilitated by the event’s broadcast to over 30 countries. Furthermore, AFRIMA is committed to accessibility, having provided approximately 6,000 tickets to the Lagos State Government through the Ministry for distribution across all local government areas and LCDAs. This initiative ensures that young people who might otherwise be unable to afford it can attend the AFRIMA Music Village free of charge, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere and performances. AFRIMA Associate Producer, Mr Olisa Adibua, underscored the critical importance of award platforms for the growth of the music industry. He drew parallels with other regions where industries flourish due to robust infrastructure and systems that reward excellence. Adibua asserted that for African music to truly thrive, awards like AFRIMA are indispensable, serving as the backbone and a vital component of the industry’s future. The event’s scale and impact are designed to elevate African artists and their contributions to the global music scene.
