The Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to host the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s music ecosystem and promoting Africa’s creative economy.
The week-long continental event will run from January 7 to January 11, with activities taking place across different locations in Lagos. Highlights include the AFRIMA Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village concert at Ikeja City Mall, and the grand award ceremony scheduled for Sunday at Eko Hotels and Suites.
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to supporting the creative industry by strengthening the enabling environment for artists and stakeholders.
According to her, Lagos continues to maintain its status as Africa’s cultural and creative capital, deliberately encouraging cross-cultural collaboration while positioning music and culture as critical drivers of economic growth and development.
She noted that AFRIMA has evolved into one of the continent’s most influential platforms for celebrating African musical excellence, fostering collaboration across borders, and promoting Africa’s creative economy on the global stage.
“Lagos State is proud to continue supporting initiatives that elevate African talent and position culture as a tool for development,” Benson-Awoyinka said. “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I wish to appreciate our strategic partners, especially the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creative diplomacy.”
She added that such partnerships align with the state’s vision of leveraging arts and culture for international engagement, innovation and economic growth.
The commissioner explained that this edition of AFRIMA would bring together artists, producers, industry leaders, policymakers and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond, while highlighting the growing relevance of the creative sector in employment generation, tourism, youth empowerment and global visibility for the continent.
Congratulating nominees and participants, Benson-Awoyinka commended their creativity and impact, describing AFRIMA as a platform that amplifies African voices and stories to the world. She further assured stakeholders of the state’s commitment to sustaining Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment and cultural tourism, while calling for constructive media engagement to ensure a successful AFRIMA 2026.
Also speaking, the President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, said Lagos was selected as the host city after extensive deliberations by the African Union and key stakeholders, citing the state’s infrastructure, capacity and strong cultural influence.
Dada noted that AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union, supports key continental development frameworks, including Agenda 2063, while projecting Africa’s cultural heritage globally. He added that beyond awards, AFRIMA serves as a platform for peace-building, continental integration and youth empowerment.
Similarly, AFRIMA Co-Producer, Mr. Olisa Adibua, praised the Lagos State Government for its consistent and practical support for the creative economy, noting that the state has demonstrated action beyond rhetoric.
He urged residents and visitors to actively participate in the celebrations, disclosing that about 6,000 free tickets would be made available through the Lagos State Government for young people to attend the AFRIMA Music Village concert.
Over 16 artists, 277 crew members and 130 stakeholders are expected to participate in the week-long event, which will climax with the award ceremony on Sunday on Lagos Island.
