The recent successful hosting of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos has garnered significant praise from the African Union (AU) and AFRIMA’s International Executive Committee. This landmark event, which took place from January 7 to 11, AFRIMA 2026, solidified Lagos State’s reputation as a premier hub for cultural events and showcased the immense talent within the continent’s music industry. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along with numerous sponsors, partners, and media organizations, received commendation for their unwavering support, which was instrumental in making the five-day celebration of African music a resounding success. The gathering brought together artists, delegates, and stakeholders from over 48 African countries, further strengthening AFRIMA’s standing as the continent’s leading music awards platform.
What is AFRIMA awards? The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is an annual event established in collaboration with the African Union (AU) to celebrate and reward musical talent, creativity, and cultural expression across the African continent. It aims to promote African music to a global audience and foster unity.
Angela Martins, the Head of Culture at the African Union Commission, emphasized that the success of the awards reflected the undeniable growth and influence of African music on the global stage. Many ask, why is African music growing with such momentum? The answer lies in its authenticity, diverse genres, and increasingly sophisticated production, coupled with robust collaborations between public and private institutions like those seen with AFRIMA. Martins highlighted how AFRIMA consistently projects Africa’s musical and cultural strength to the world, showcasing the continent’s unique stories and creativity through its vibrant sounds.
Lagos State, often referred to as a key center for Africa’s creative economy, once again proved its exceptional capacity to host major international events. The state’s commitment to providing an enabling environment was crucial for the smooth execution of the awards. This dedication positions Lagos as a pivotal location for future large-scale cultural gatherings, making it a focus for any Lagos music events update. Its infrastructure and hospitality are proving invaluable for continental initiatives.
AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, extended profound gratitude to all partners and sponsors, singling out the Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their exemplary support. This collective belief in African music as a potent tool for unity, cultural pride, and economic growth was evident throughout the planning and execution of the 9th edition. For those looking to understand the mechanics of major cultural events, the insights from the African music business summit guide often underscore the importance of such partnerships.
Key sponsors and partners played a vital role in rallying behind Africa’s global music awards institution. These included prominent entities like First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), The Address Homes, Guinness Nigeria, Utilita, and Gobet247. Such a diverse array of supporters highlights the broad appeal and economic impact of AFRIMA.
International cultural support further underscored the event’s global significance, with the UK in Nigeria (British High Commission) and the Embassy of Sweden participating as Cultural Exchange Partners. Additional backing came from a host of other brands and service providers, including Glenfiddich, Jägermeister, Super Travels Limited, Pan – Atlantic Travels, Wakanow, Dorf Travels & Tours Ltd, Vaniti Lagos, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), and Mainland Block Party Lagos. The extensive list of official media partners, from DSTV/Multichoice to numerous radio stations and online platforms, ensured widespread visibility.
The five-day festivities of AFRIMA commenced with a Welcome Soiree at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, setting a tone of international camaraderie. This was followed by the Africa Music Business Summit, held at the Eko Convention Centre. The summit served as a crucial platform for music professionals to deliberate on the future trajectory of African music, offering invaluable insights for anyone interested in the best African music awards for emerging artists and the industry’s growth.
The excitement culminated on Friday, January 9, at the AFRIMA Music Village, located at Ikeja City Mall in Lagos. This vibrant event saw over 25 top artists perform for more than 30,000 enthusiastic fans, creating an unforgettable experience. The grand finale, a spectacular awards night, took place at the Eko Convention Centre and was broadcast to 84 countries, reaching a massive global audience and showcasing the best of African music awards 2026.
The success of the 9th AFRIMA awards reinforces its position as a beacon for African unity and cultural expression. Through music, the continent continues to tell its stories in its own voice, demonstrating the depth of its creativity and strengthening bonds among African countries. The event serves as a powerful reminder that culture remains one of Africa’s strongest tools for integration and development, inspiring discussions like AFRIMA vs Headies in the context of regional influence.
As the industry looks ahead, anticipation builds for future editions. Discussions around AFRIMA 2026 nominations and the overall impact of such events continue to shape the narrative of African music. The commitment shown by Lagos State and its partners ensures that AFRIMA will remain a pivotal event on the global cultural calendar, offering a compelling alternative in discussions such as African music awards vs BET Awards.
In conclusion, the 9th All Africa Music Awards, or AFRIMA 2026, was a monumental success, attributed to strong partnerships, dedicated leadership, and the vibrant spirit of African music. Its impact resonates deeply, projecting Africa’s rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess to the world. For those wondering how to attend AFRIMA awards in the future, staying updated on official announcements and partner channels will be key.
