416 African artists storm Lagos for AFRIMA

Etim Ekpimah

No fewer than 416 African musicians have arrived in Lagos for the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The week-long event, scheduled to run from January 7 to 11, is being hosted by the Lagos State Government as part of efforts to strengthen the music ecosystem in Nigeria and across the continent.

Activities lined up for the celebration include the AFRIMA Music Business Summit on Thursday, the AFRIMA Music Village concert at Ikeja City Mall, and the grand awards ceremony on Sunday on Lagos Island.

Speaking at a press conference to herald the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would continue to support the creative industry by strengthening its ecosystem.

According to her, Lagos remains Africa’s cultural and creative capital, a position that underscores the state’s commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and the use of music and culture as drivers of development.

Benson-Awoyinka noted that AFRIMA has grown into one of the continent’s most influential platforms for recognising musical excellence, fostering collaboration, and promoting Africa’s creative economy on the global stage.

She said the state government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, remains committed to creating an enabling environment that supports creativity, attracts investment, and positions Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment and cultural tourism.

The commissioner also acknowledged strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creative diplomacy, describing such partnerships as vital to international engagement, innovation and economic growth.

She added that the 2026 edition of AFRIMA would bring together artists, producers, industry leaders, policymakers and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond, while highlighting the creative sector’s growing contribution to employment, tourism, youth empowerment and global visibility for the continent.

Benson-Awoyinka congratulated all nominees and participants, commending their creativity, discipline and impact in projecting Africa’s diversity and global competitiveness in the creative space.

Also speaking, the President and Chief Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, said Lagos emerged as the host city after extensive deliberations by the African Union and key stakeholders, in recognition of the state’s capacity, infrastructure and cultural influence.

He explained that AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union, supports key developmental frameworks such as Agenda 2063, while projecting Africa’s cultural heritage.

Dada added that beyond music awards, AFRIMA was conceived as a platform for peace-building, continental integration and youth empowerment.

In his remarks, AFRIMA co-producer, Mr Olisa Adibua, commended the Lagos State Government for its consistent and practical support for the creative economy.

According to him, the state has demonstrated a genuine commitment to the growth of the sector beyond rhetoric, urging residents and visitors to participate fully in the week-long celebrations.

Adibua also disclosed that about 6,000 free tickets would be made available through the Lagos State Government to enable young people to attend the AFRIMA Music Village concert, noting that the event would significantly boost tourism and the local economy.