AFRIMA and African Union Set January 2026 for the 9th Awards Edition in Lagos: A Celebration of Music, Identity and Economic Power
Africa’s biggest music celebration, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), will return for its 9th Awards edition from January 7th – 11th, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. The African Union Commission (AUC) and AFRIMA’s International Executive Committee, just reconfirmed the new dates.
The new dates, which was moved from November 2025 after extensive consultations, are intended to enhance participation, expand artistic collaboration and Africa’s cultural visibility on the global stage.
“This partnership with AFRIMA aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063, which recognizes culture and the creative economy as drivers of youth empowerment, sustainable development and continental unity” – said Ms. Angela Martins, the Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports at the AUC. In this stead, it is believed that AFRIMA will project a cultural and economic force that will transcend the awards ceremony.
What began as an annual music event has evolved into a continental movement, bridging borders through rhythm, sociocultural networking and melody, while creating new business opportunities across Africa’s creative economy.
With the creative industry now contributing billions to Africa’s GDP, AFRIMA’s influence reaches far beyond entertainment. It drives tourism, brand partnerships and SMEs business activities, from fashion and hospitality to media production. The 9th edition in Lagos is expected to inject millions into local businesses, hotels, artisans, vendors, transport operators, logistics, etc., showcasing how creativetainment and arts-culture translates into commerce.
To most young Africans, AFRIMA represents possibility, connectivity and a spectrum of creative-culture export. The inclusion of platforms like the Diamond Showcase, where 15 emerging acts will perform before industry leaders, highlights a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. As verbally noted by Nde Ndifonka – AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa – “AFRIMA is not just an award show, but Africa’s global music stage”. Also, Cameroonian artiste – Wax Dey, said in agreement that – “rescheduling to January 2026, ensures we deliver a world-class celebration that truly reflects Africa’s creative power.”
From January 7th to 11th, 2026, Lagos will become Africa’s cultural heartbeat, exploding an experiential week of music, honour, creatives-exchange, memory, networking and meaningful socialization amongst entertainers. The week-long festival would open with a Welcome Soirée and the Diamond Showcase, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS), a high-level forum for industry dialogue; and Music Icons’ Night, honouring legendary figures who shaped the continent’s sonic heritage.
The lineup also includes community outreach, cultural tours and the AFRIMA Music Village, an open-air concert uniting stars and fans in a carnival of sound. The festivities culminate in the main awards ceremony on January 11th, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre. It will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries. Featuring red-carpet glamour and performances from some of Africa’s biggest artists.
AFRIMA reflects the African Union’s cultural diplomacy in action politically and socially, using music to promote integration, peace and pride in African identity. It will crystalize an enriching-feel to families and fans, as a moment of connection and celebration across generations and borders.
Culturally, the event reinforces Africa’s narrative of innovation, diversity and suppleness. In an age where global pop increasingly borrows from African sounds, AFRIMA serves as a reminder that the continent is not only a source of inspiration but a cultural powerhouse defining the world’s rhythm.
As Lagos prepares to host Africa and the diaspora once again, AFRIMA 2026 promises an awards ceremony with a statement that Africa’s heartbeat, its music, youth and social-spirit, continues to pulse louder than ever.
