Major organisations have emerged as leading sponsors of the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, scheduled to take place in Lagos from January 7 to 11, 2026.
They include the Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria, The Address Homes, the Government of Sweden, Gobet247, Utilita, and several other notable organizations.
AFRIMA, organised in partnership with the African Union Commission, AUC, unveiled an impressive sponsorship and partnership line-up, reflecting growing confidence in African music as a powerful cultural and economic force.
The 2026 edition, themed “Unstoppable Africa,” has attracted support from key sectors including finance, real estate, beverages, digital platforms, media, hospitality, and international cultural institutions.
Following the acceptance of the hosting offer by the Lagos State Government from the African Union, Lagos will once again serve as the Official Host City, further reinforcing its status as Africa’s leading creative and entertainment hub.
With the backing of the Federal Government of Nigeria and continued support from the African Union Commission as AFRIMA’s legacy institutional partner, the 9th edition is expected to be a landmark celebration of African music and culture.
At the top tier of sponsorship, digital payments and lifestyle platform Utilita and gaming and entertainment brand Gobet247 are headlining as National Gold Sponsors.
First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, LIRS, and The Address Homes have been confirmed as National Silver Partners, while Guinness Nigeria joins as the Official Beer Sponsor.
International cultural support for the awards includes the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Embassy of Sweden, serving as Cultural Exchange Partners.
In travel and hospitality, Wakanow, Pan Atlantic Travels, and Dorf Travels & Tours Ltd have been named Official Travel Partners, while Vaniti Lagos and Knowhere Restaurant will host nominees and special guests as Hospitality Partners.
Mainland Block Party Lagos will also add youth culture and community energy to the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall on January 9, 2026.
AFRIMA has also confirmed a strong coalition of media organisations as Official Media Partners across radio, television, digital, print, and out-of-home platforms.
These include DSTV/Multichoice, HIPTV, Afro Music Pop, Base FM, Beat FM, Classic FM, Hot FM, Kennis FM, Lagos Talks, Inspiration FM, Traffic Radio, Radio Lagos, Eko FM, Lasgidi FM, Max FM, Nigeria Info, Nigezie, Television Continental (TVC), Yanga FM, Legit.ng, and The Culture Newspapers, alongside major outdoor advertising firms such as MotoMedia, Yartview Ltd, Optimus Exposure, Plural Media, Folham Nigeria Limited, and Nimbus Media.
Speaking on FirstBank’s support, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the partnership aligns with the bank’s long-standing commitment to Africa’s creative industry through its First@Arts initiative.
From the international community, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, H.E. Anna Westerholm, described the partnership as an opportunity to celebrate African music while strengthening cultural and business ties between Sweden and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc, Yinka Bakare, said the brand’s sponsorship reflects its deep roots in African culture and commitment to showcasing African excellence on a global stage.
Founder and Chairman of The Address Homes, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, described AFRIMA as a vital platform for African creativity, innovation, and cultural identity, noting that the partnership supports talent development and sustainable growth across the continent.
Announcing the sponsorship line-up in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, AFRIMA’s Director of Partnerships, Ms. Edwidge Goli, described the support as a strong vote of confidence in African music and its future, while thanking the Lagos State Government, sponsors, international partners, and media organisations for their commitment.
The 9th AFRIMA will commence with the Nominees and Guests Welcome Soirees on January 7, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit on January 8 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
The AFRIMA Music Village Concert and Diamond Showcase will hold on January 9 at Ikeja City Mall, ahead the grand Awards Ceremony on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel, Lagos, with the red carpet scheduled for 3:30 p.m. (WAT).
The awards ceremony and live performances will be broadcast to audiences in over 84 countries worldwide.
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