Lagos State Government has announced that it will host the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, in collaboration with the African Union, further reinforcing the state’s position as Africa’s leading hub for creativity, culture, and entertainment.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, alongside key AFRIMA stakeholders, representatives of the British High Commission, senior government officials, and members of the media.
Speaking at the briefing, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka described AFRIMA as Africa’s flagship platform for celebrating musical excellence, creativity, and cultural influence on the global stage. She said the press conference was convened to formally brief the public on the forthcoming awards, outline Lagos State’s role as host city, and highlight the cultural and economic value of the event to the creative industry and the state.
According to her, AFRIMA has become one of the continent’s most influential platforms for recognising African musical excellence, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and promoting Africa’s creative economy worldwide. She reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to initiatives that elevate African talent and position culture as a catalyst for sustainable development.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their continued support for cultural exchange and creative diplomacy. She noted that AFRIMA 2026 will bring together artists, producers, policymakers, and innovative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond, while also serving as a major driver of employment, tourism, youth empowerment, and Africa’s global visibility.
Congratulating nominees and participants, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka stressed that AFRIMA remains a platform that not only celebrates excellence but amplifies African voices and stories on the world stage. She reaffirmed Lagos’ status as Africa’s cultural and creative capital and called for sustained media engagement to ensure a successful hosting of the event.
Also speaking, President and Founder of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada, described the awards, established in partnership with the African Union Commission, as the continent’s longest-running and largest music awards platform dedicated to promoting and showcasing African talent globally.
Mr. Dada disclosed that Lagos was awarded the hosting rights following deliberations by the African Union, with the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu accepting to host in line with its strong commitment to creative sector development. He said AFRIMA goes beyond an awards ceremony, serving as a tool for continental integration, youth empowerment, peace-building, and economic transformation.
Providing details of the programme, he announced that activities would begin with a Welcome Soirée at the British Residence in partnership with the British High Commission. Other highlights include the African Music Business Summit, the African Music Village concert expected to attract between 10,000 and 20,000 attendees, the Nominees’ Party, and the grand AFRIMA Awards Ceremony, to be broadcast live to a global audience.
Co-Founder of AFRIMA, Mr. Olisa Adibua, commended the Lagos State Government for its unwavering support for the creative economy, describing AFRIMA as a backbone of the African music ecosystem. He said Lagos’ deep investment in the sector makes it an ideal host city and invited residents and visitors to participate in what he described as “the biggest week for African music.”
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, appreciated all partners, stakeholders, and members of the media for their collaboration toward the successful hosting of AFRIMA 2026.
AFRIMA 2026 is expected to attract thousands of delegates, artists, industry professionals, and music enthusiasts from across Africa and beyond, further cementing Lagos’ position as the nucleus of African music, creativity, and cultural excellence.
