Lagos State has shared details as it hosts the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), a continental event celebrating musical excellence across Africa.
The week-long programme began on Wednesday, January 7, and continues through Sunday, with activities taking place at several locations in the city.
At a press briefing held on Wednesday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, said the Sanwo-Olu administration will continue to support the creative industry by strengthening its ecosystem.
She described Lagos as “Africa’s cultural and creative capital” and said the state will use music and culture as drivers of development.
She added that the week includes the AFRIMA Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village Concert at Ikeja City Mall, and the main award ceremony at Eko Hotels and Suites on Sunday. The events bring together artistes, producers, industry leaders, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond.
Benson-Awoyinka said:
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I wish to acknowledge and appreciate our strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creative diplomacy.”
Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, said Lagos was selected as the host city after extensive deliberations by the African Union and key stakeholders. He said the choice reflects the state’s infrastructure, capacity, and cultural influence on the continent.
Olisa Adibua, co-producer of AFRIMA, commended the Lagos government for consistent support for the creative economy and encouraged residents and visitors to take part in the celebrations. About 6,000 free tickets have been made available for the AFRIMA Music Village concert.
Reports say 16 artistes and hundreds of delegates from across Africa are attending. Several sponsors, including FirstBank and Guinness, have signed up to support the awards. Nigerian artiste Falz and French-Senegalese media personality Liliane Maroune have been named hosts of the main ceremony. Online voting continues across 39 award categories.
AFRIMA remains one of Africa’s largest music platforms, promoting African music and connecting the continent’s creative industries.
