Manny Ita
Lagos State has reinforced its position as Africa’s “Creative Capital” as the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) enters its final phase. To herald the main ceremony, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted a series of diplomatic soirees, convening international delegates, policymakers, and over 1,216 creative industry professionals. Supported by partners including the British High Commission, these engagements are intended to utilize “creative diplomacy” to position the music industry as a driver of continental economic integration and peace-building. The week-long festival previously featured the Africa Music Business Summit and a 25-artist “Music Village” concert at Ikeja City Mall, leading up to the main awards ceremony scheduled for Sunday, January 11.
The red carpet event commenced at 3:30 PM (WAT) at the Eko Convention Centre, hosted by Nigerian media personality Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Kenyan actress Claudia Naisabwa. The pre-show gained significant traction on social media for its “Fashion Police” segment, led by stylist Tosyn of Style Infidel and fashion critic Ariane Celeste Moua. The segment provided real-time commentary on attendee attire, highlighting the intersection of African couture and global luxury. Associate Producer Victoria Nkong stated that the hosts and critics were selected to reflect a vision of “class, color, and unforgettable African excellence.”
The main awards ceremony is scheduled for a live broadcast to over 84 countries and will feature performances from a curated list of A-list African talent. This hosting coincides with the implementation of the state’s “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” through which the Sanwo-Olu administration has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the local creative ecosystem. Government officials noted that events such as AFRIMA serve as a bellwether for Africa’s global cultural visibility and provide a structured platform for the continent’s artistic output.
