Manny Ita
LAGOS, Nigeria — The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) officially commenced today in Lagos, marking the start of a five-day series of events intended to celebrate the continent’s musical diversity and economic potential. Running from January 7 to 11, 2026, the awards are themed “Unstoppable Africa” and are organized in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State Government.
The festivities opened on Wednesday with a Welcome Soirée and the Diamond Showcase, an initiative designed to provide a platform for 15 emerging African talents. This will be followed on Thursday by the Africa Music Business Summit at Eko Hotels, where global executives and policymakers are scheduled to discuss “Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution.” The program continues Friday with the AFRIMA Music Village, a large-scale open-air concert at Ikeja City Mall, and a private Nominees & Industry Party on Saturday.
The week-long event will culminate in the Grand Finale Awards Ceremony on Sunday, January 11, at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island. The ceremony is set to be hosted by Nigerian artist and actor Falz alongside French-Senegalese media personality Liliane Maroune. High-profile nominees including Burna Boy and Davido, who lead with five nominations each, are expected to attend, alongside other prominent stars such as Diamond Platnumz, Stonebwoy, and Ayra Starr.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, stated that the state’s support for the event is a strategic investment in the creative economy. She emphasized that the awards serve as a catalyst for “youth empowerment and a way to position Africa’s creative sector as a primary driver for global visibility and economic development.” The final ceremony is expected to reach a global audience, with live broadcasts planned for over 84 countries to showcase the influence of African sound.
