- The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)’s 9th edition started in Lagos on Wednesday, January 7, and closes on Sunday, January 11
- The Lagos state government, as the host, bought 6,000 tickets shared among its citizens across all its local government councils
- AFRIMA fosters unity among Africans while promoting music from the continent to the global stage, supported by the African Union Commission
The Lagos State Government has officially welcomed Africa and the global music community as the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) commenced in the state, reaffirming the city’s status as a leading cultural and creative hub in Africa. The prestigious African music celebration event runs from Wednesday, January 7, and is expected to end on Sunday, January 11.
AFRIMA opened with a welcome soirée hosted by the British High Commission in Nigeria. The five-day programme includes the Africa Music Business Summit on January 8, the AFRIMA Music Village featuring performances by over 25 top African artistes and DJs on January 9 at Ikeja City Mall, and the Main Awards Ceremony on January 11 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
AFRIMA will be broadcast live to audiences in more than 84 countries worldwide.
Lagos celebrates creativity, unity across Africa with AFRIMA
Speaking at a press conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described AFRIMA as a powerful platform that celebrates creativity, excellence, and unity across Africa and the world. She noted that music and culture are key drivers of economic growth, youth empowerment, and global connection, adding that Lagos is proud to host an event that continues to shape Africa’s global narrative. She said:
“This gathering is a powerful convergence of cultures, ideas and possibilities. It is a moment where Africa speaks to the world through rhythm, melody and storytelling, and Lagos is deeply honoured to host this gathering of exceptional talents, industry leaders, policymakers and creative visionaries.”
AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, said the awards, organised in partnership with the African Union Commission, remain the continent’s largest and longest-running music platform. He explained that hosting rights for the 9th edition were awarded to Lagos after the previous event in Dakar, Senegal, and accepted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on behalf of Lagos residents.
View this post on Instagram
Lagos government buys 6,000 tickets for Lagosians
Dada added that AFRIMA goes beyond entertainment by promoting African excellence, peace, and integration, while also boosting African cities and tourism globally. He disclosed that 6,000 tickets have been made available through the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to enable young people across all local governments and LCDAs to attend the AFRIMA Music Village free of charge.
“The goal of AFRIMA goes beyond entertainment. The idea is to showcase African music talent, demonstrate the capacity of the continent, and tell the world that Africa is full of excellence. We also use this platform to promote peace and integration, and to show that music can take young people away from the streets.”
Dada added that AFRIMA also promotes African cities and tourism.
“Many of us know London and Paris more than we know African cities. Through AFRIMA, we promote African destinations to the world, which is why the event is broadcast to over 30 countries.”
Also speaking, AFRIMA Associate Producer, Olisa Adibua, highlighted the importance of credible awards platforms in strengthening the African music industry and rewarding excellence.
