The Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria, The Address Homes, the Government of Sweden, Gobet247, Utilita, and several other organisations are sponsoring the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), set to hold from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos.
AFRIMA, organised in partnership with the African Union Commission, announced its list of sponsors and partners, showing strong support for African music as a cultural and economic force. The 2026 edition is themed “Unstoppable Africa.”
Lagos will again serve as the Official Host City, reinforcing its position as a hub for Africa’s creative and entertainment industry. The Federal Government of Nigeria has also backed the event.
Utilita and Gobet247 are headlining as National Gold Sponsors, while First Bank, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, and The Address Homes are National Silver Partners. Guinness Nigeria is the Official Beer Sponsor. International support comes from the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Embassy of Sweden, both serving as Cultural Exchange Partners.
Travel and hospitality partners include Wakanow, Pan Atlantic Travels, Dorf Travels & Tours Ltd, Vaniti Lagos, and Knowhere Restaurant. Mainland Block Party Lagos will support the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall on January 9, adding street culture to the week-long festivities.
Media partners include DSTV/Multichoice, HIPTV, Afro Music Pop, Base FM, Beat FM, Classic FM, Hot FM, Lagos Talks, Inspiration FM, Traffic Radio, Radio Lagos, Eko FM, Lasgidi FM, Television Continental, Legit.ng, and others.
Speaking on FirstBank’s support, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, said:
“At FirstBank, we are dedicated to promoting Africa’s vibrant creative industry, and our partnership with AFRIMA reflects this commitment. Through our First@Arts initiative, we have consistently supported projects across the creative value chain, nurturing talent and enabling production. In doing this, we preserve Africa’s rich cultural heritage while promoting unity, education and entertainment.”
H.E. Anna Westerholm, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, said:
“Sweden is proud to join AFRIMA in celebrating the richness and global impact of African music. In 2026, we will mark 65 years of diplomatic relations with Nigeria, highlighting our strong ties. As the world’s third-largest music exporter, we believe in the power of collaboration and idea exchange.”
Yinka Bakare, Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Nigeria, added:
“Guinness has been woven into Africa’s most iconic cultural moments for decades, and our sponsorship of AFRIMA’s 9th edition reinforces that heritage. AFRIMA celebrates the extraordinary artistry that defines Africa, and we are proud to support a platform that showcases the continent’s greatness to the world.”
Dr. Bisi Onasanya, Founder and Chairman of The Address Homes, said:
“AFRIMA represents the spirit of African excellence and innovation. At The Address Homes, we believe that culture, creativity and enterprise must work together to drive sustainable growth. Supporting AFRIMA is our way of building and investing in Africa’s talents, strengthening cultural pride and opening new opportunities for creative young people and business partnerships across the continent.”
Edwidge Goli, Director of Partnerships at AFRIMA, described the sponsorship as a strong vote of confidence in African music:
“This is more than sponsorship. It is a historic show of belief in the power of African music, the brilliance of our talents and the future of our creative industries.”
The 9th AFRIMA will begin with Nominees and Guests Welcome Soirees on January 7, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit on January 8 at Eko Convention Centre. The AFRIMA Music Village Concert and Diamond Showcase will hold on January 9 at Ikeja City Mall, leading to the grand Awards Ceremony on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre. Red carpet begins at 3:30 pm (WAT). The event will be broadcast to audiences in over 84 countries.
