The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has entered a cultural partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria to boost African music globally as preparations for the ninth edition of the awards intensify.
According to the organisers, the partnership is under a Cultural Cooperation Agreement that will see the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos co-host the Welcome Soirée for nominees and international guests on January 7, 2026, the first day of the AFRIMA Awards Week.
The soirée will host African Union officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, creatives, media professionals and global music executives.
AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer Adenrele Niyi said the collaboration aligns with the organisation’s goal of positioning African music as a global force.
“This partnership reflects AFRIMA’s mission to position African music as a global force. Beyond the awards, we are committed to building spaces where creativity meets opportunity and where African talent can confidently engage the world. Working with the British High Commission expands our platform for industry innovation, collaboration, and meaningful cultural exchange,” she said.
She added that this year’s edition will focus heavily on strengthening global creative-industry relationships.
Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Nigeria, Gill Lever, said the UK was pleased to support the project.
She said the UK was “delighted to partner with AFRIMA to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of Africa’s music industry,” adding that the partnership aligns with the country’s commitment to Nigeria’s creative sector.
“Our Jollof and Tea campaign has shown us the power of bringing people together through culture, and we’re excited to build on that spirit. We look forward to a week of celebration that showcases the very best of African music and opens new doors for creative exchange and collaboration,” she added.
The 2026 AFRIMA Awards Week, scheduled for January 7–11 in Lagos, will feature the Diamond Showcase for emerging artistes on January 7–8, the Africa Music Business Summit on January 8, a host city tour and CSR visit, the Music Village Concert on January 9, and the nominees and industry party on January 10.
The main event — the red carpet and grand awards ceremony — will hold on January 11 and will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries.
AFRIMA has continued to deepen its global footprint. In January 2025, the African Union Commission and AFRIMA formalised their long-running collaboration with a Memorandum of Understanding to support African music, cultural exchange and creative-industry development.
The organisation also partnered with bridgeAfric and UNESCO for the 2025 Showbiz101 Global Workshop & Music Creation Camp, which trained young creatives and promoted cross-continental collaborations.
With the UK partnership now sealed, organisers say the 2026 edition is expected to further amplify African music on the world stage.
