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.
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