The heartbeat of African music has shifted to Lagos as 416 elite musicians from across the continent stormed the city for the highly anticipated 9th Edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
Hosted by the Lagos State Government, the five-day continental extravaganza, which began on January 7 and runs through January 11, 2026, is set to solidify the state’s reputation as the “Creative Capital of Africa.”
The festival is more than a red-carpet spectacle; it represents a deliberate effort to strengthen Africa’s creative economy.
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Its itinerary begins on Thursday with the AFRIMA Music Business Summit, which brings together industry leaders, producers and policymakers to deliberate on the future of the African music ecosystem.
On Friday, activities continue with the AFRIMA Music Village, a large-scale concert at Ikeja City Mall expected to attract thousands of music fans.
The celebrations will culminate on Sunday with the main award ceremony, the grand finale holding at Eko Hotels and Suites on Lagos Island, where musical excellence from across the continent will be honoured.
Addressing a world press conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, emphasised that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration views music and culture as primary drivers of development.
“Lagos remains Africa’s cultural and creative capital,” Benson-Awoyinka declared. “We are committed to creating an enabling environment that supports creativity, encourages investment, and positions Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment, and cultural tourism.”
The commissioner also highlighted the role of Creative Diplomacy, acknowledging the British High Commission for its partnership in using arts as a tool for international engagement and economic innovation.
Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, revealed that Lagos was selected as the host city by the African Union (AU) following rigorous deliberations on infrastructure, capacity, and cultural influence.
He noted that the event aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063, aimed at projecting Africa’s cultural heritage to the world.
“Beyond music awards, AFRIMA was designed as a platform for peace-building, continental integration, and youth empowerment,” Dada explained.
Echoing this sentiment, co-producer Olisa Adibua praised the Lagos State Government for its “practical support,” noting that the state “actually does” what others only talk about. To ensure the youth are not left out, the government has made 6,000 free tickets available for the Music Village concert at Ikeja.
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With over 400 artists and hundreds of delegates, producers, and entrepreneurs in town, the event is expected to provide a significant boost to Lagos’ tourism and hospitality sectors.
The festival serves as a global stage to amplify African voices and prove the continent’s competitiveness in the global creative space.
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