Lagos is buzzing with excitement as sixteen of Africa's top musical talents have touched down in the city. Their arrival marks the beginning of the 9th edition of the prestigious All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), a week-long celebration hosted by Lagos State.
Lagos Hosts a Week of Musical Excellence
The event officially commenced on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The itinerary promises a spectacular showcase of African talent. A major highlight is a high-calibre musical concert set for Friday, January 9, at Ikeja City, featuring show-stopping performances from the continent's biggest stars.
The grand finale will be the awards ceremony itself, broadcast live on Sunday, January 11, from the Eko Hotels on Victoria Island. Organisers have promised a dazzling event with world-class production values.
Positioning Culture as an Engine for Growth
At a briefing to herald the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, emphasised the state's commitment. She stated that Lagos is proud to support initiatives that elevate African talent and firmly position culture and entertainment as key drivers of development.
"AFRIMA has grown into one of the most influential platforms for recognising African musical excellence," the Commissioner said. She highlighted its role in fostering cross-cultural collaboration and promoting Africa's creative economy globally.
Mrs Benson-Awoyinka also acknowledged partners like the British High Commission for their collaboration, noting that such partnerships use arts and culture as tools for international dialogue. She stressed that the creative sector is a vital contributor to employment, tourism, youth empowerment, and Africa's global visibility.
Beyond the Glitz: AFRIMA's Economic Mission
The President of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, provided deeper insight into the awards' broader mission. He revealed that the event is not merely for entertainment but is a platform for economic transformation.
Dada pointed out a critical issue: many African artists live famous but die in poverty. "So, what we have tried to do over the last 20 years is to figure out how to reverse that," he explained. The goal is to ensure creators benefit financially from their work, thereby reducing poverty on the continent through cultural exports.
He raised pressing questions about the economic benefits of Africa's booming music scene: "All over the world they are listening to our music, but is the money coming home? Are the governments of African countries getting the right taxes?" These are central topics for discussion at the accompanying Music Summit, which brings together global partners.
Furthermore, Dada highlighted AFRIMA's role in promoting intra-African knowledge and tourism. "The idea is to use AFRIMA’s platform to promote Africa’s cities and destinations to the rest of the world," he said, noting the event is broadcast to 24 countries globally.
With the stars now in town, Lagos is set to deliver an unforgettable celebration of African music that aims to resonate far beyond the stage, impacting the continent's cultural and economic landscape.
