The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA has entered into a strategic cultural partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria to deepen creative exchange, strengthen cultural ties, and further amplify African music on the global stage as the 9th AFRIMA Awards draw closer.
The collaboration, sealed through a newly signed Cultural Cooperation Agreement, confirms that the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos will co-host the Welcome Soirée for AFRIMA nominees and guests on January 7, 2026, the official opening event of the 9th AFRIMA Awards Week.
The exclusive gathering will bring together AU officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, international guests, nominees, creatives and media professionals for an evening dedicated to networking and cultural connection.
Organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State Government as Host City, the 9th AFRIMA is widely recognised as Africa’s flagship global music awards.
AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer (CXO), Adenrele Niyi, described the partnership as a significant step in advancing cultural diplomacy through music.
“This partnership reflects AFRIMA’s mission to position African music as a global force,” Niyi said. “Beyond the awards, we are committed to building spaces where creativity meets opportunity and where African talent can confidently engage the world.
Working with the British High Commission expands our platform for industry innovation, collaboration and meaningful cultural exchange.”
She noted that the 2026 edition of AFRIMA would focus strongly on strengthening global creative-industry relationships, adding that collaborations such as this underscore the rising global relevance of African music.
The agreement was signed by Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires of the British High Commission Nigeria, who reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s and Africa’s creative economies.
“The UK is delighted to partner with AFRIMA to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of Africa’s music industry,” she said. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the UK and Nigeria, and across the African continent. Our Jollof and Tea campaign has shown the power of bringing people together through culture, and we are excited to build on that spirit.”
The 9th AFRIMA Awards Week will run from January 7–11, 2026, featuring a series of high-profile events including the Diamond Showcase (Jan 7–8), Africa Music Business Summit (Jan 8), Host City Tour and CSR Visit, Music Village Concert (Jan 9), the Nominees & Industry Party (Jan 10), and the Red Carpet and Grand Awards Night (Jan 11).
The awards ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries.
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