The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have confirmed that the 9th edition of the continental awards will now take place from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The organisers announced that the new date replaces the earlier schedule of November 25–30, 2025, following consultations with partners, artistes and stakeholders across Africa and the diaspora.
“The African Union Commission is proud to continue its partnership with AFRIMA in celebrating Africa’s creative excellence and global influence,” said Ms. Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports and Head of the Culture and Sport Division, AUC.
“This relationship aligns perfectly with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and the AU Agenda 2063, which prioritise the creative economy as a driver of sustainable development, youth empowerment, and continental integration. The new dates for the 9th AFRIMA in January 2026 provide an exciting opportunity to further showcase the rich diversity, innovation, and unity of Africa’s music and culture to the world.”
Explaining the shift, Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa and Cameroonian singer popularly known as Wax Dey, said the new dates would allow for greater participation and ensure a top-quality experience for attendees.
“AFRIMA is not just an award show; it is Africa’s global music stage,” said Ndifonka, who is also a lawyer.
“Rescheduling the 9th edition to January allows us to deliver the kind of world-class celebration that truly reflects Africa’s creative power. It also ensures that more of our stakeholders, artistes, fans, media, and partners can participate fully. This is about giving African music the grand platform it deserves.”
The 9th AFRIMA, held in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria as the Official Host Country and Lagos State as the Official Host City, will feature a week-long lineup of music, culture and entertainment.
Festivities will begin on Wednesday, January 7 with the exclusive Welcome Soirée for nominees, delegates, guests, and international media.
The event will offer a premium networking space for artistes, industry leaders, sponsors, and media professionals.
That same day, the 9th AFRIMA Diamond Showcase will spotlight 15 emerging African talents, giving them an opportunity to connect their sounds to a larger audience and break into mainstream success.
On Thursday, January 8, the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS)-AFRIMA’s flagship conference on thought leadership and collaboration-will take centre stage.
Later in the evening, guests will attend the Music Icons’ Night, a celebration of legendary figures who have shaped Africa’s music heritage.
Friday, January 9 will feature community outreach visits to schools, a host city cultural tour, and a courtesy reception with the Lagos State Government. The day will close with the AFRIMA Music Village, a star-studded concert and open-air festival showcasing live performances from top acts.
The excitement will continue on Saturday, January 10, with the 9th AFRIMA Nominees & Industry Party, a glamorous night dedicated to past winners, nominees, sponsors and partners.
The week-long celebration will climax on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with the live broadcast of the 9th AFRIMA Awards Ceremony at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.
The grand finale will feature red carpet moments and electrifying performances from some of Africa’s biggest stars, airing live in over 84 countries around the world.
