By Olasunkanmi Akoni

At least 16 leading African artists and over 400 delegates, have arrived Lagos, Nigeria to be part of the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA which is being hosted by the Lagos State Government as part of drive to promote music and culture.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who disclosed this on Wednesday, at a press conference in Alausa , Ikeja, to formally unveil AFRIMA 2026 and outline activities for the week-long celebration, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to leveraging arts, culture and creativity as key drivers of economic growth and global engagement.

According to the commissioner, AFRIMA which started on Wednesday January 7, is a week-long event that will be wrapped up on Sunday January 11, 2026.

On Friday January 9, a high musical concert will feature African superstars performing and show-stopping performances from Africa’s biggest stars.

The final day, Sunday 11th, a spectacular live broadcast of Africa’s premier music awards with dazzling performances and world-class production

The Awards come up at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, while Ikeja City will host the concert.

Benson-Awoyinka said, “The All Africa Music Awards has over the years grown into one of the most influential platforms for recognizing African musical excellence, first stream cross-cultural collaboration and promoting Africa’s great economy on the global stage.

“Lagos State is proud to continue its support for initiatives that elevate African talents and position culture as a driver of development.”

She acknowledged other partners, especially the British High Commission for their sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creating diplomacy.

“This type of partnership reinforces our shared vision of using arts and culture as tools for international agreement-making.

“This edition of Africa will bring together artists, producers, industry leaders, policymakers and creative entrepreneurs from over 16 Africa countries and beyond.

“It will also underscore the growing relevance of the creative sector as a contributor to employment, tourism, youth empowerment and global African visibility,” Benson-Awoyinka
stated.

While congratulating the nominees and participants, she noted, “Your creativity, discipline continue to showcase Africa’s strength, its diversity, its global competitiveness and its creative space.

“Africa remains a platform that not only celebrates excellence but also amplifies African voices and stories to the world.

“Lagos State remains Africa’s cultural and creative capital. Through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we are forming, creating and enabling environments that supports creativity, encourages investment and positions Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment and cultural tourism,” she added.

President of AFRIMA, Mike Dada noted, “The African Union deemed it fit, after some deliberations, to give the hosting right to the beautiful city of Lagos for this edition. And with the powerful understanding of true development by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he generously accepted to host the ninth edition of AFRIMA on behalf of Lagos State.”

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.

“The idea of AFRIMA is to showcase African talent, highlight the capacity of the continent and tell the world that Africa is full of excellence,” Dada said.

He explained that beyond music awards, AFRIMA was designed as a platform for peace-building, continental integration and youth empowerment.

“We use music to integrate our people, promote peace and take young people away from the streets. Culture is a powerful driver of development in Africa,” he added.

Dada disclosed that AFRIMA 2026 would feature several activities, including a Welcome Soirée at the British Residence, the African Music Business Summit, AFRIMA Music Village concert, nominees’ party, and the main awards ceremony, which will be broadcast live across multiple countries.

According to him, over 400 delegates, including artists, producers, policymakers, industry stakeholders and celebrities from across Africa and beyond, are expected to attend.

He further explained that the Music Business Summit would focus on the economic dimensions of music, including access to finance, taxation and strategies for African countries to maximise benefits from the global success of African music.

Co-producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Olisa Adibua, commended the Lagos State Government for its consistent and practical support for the creative economy.

“From the beginning, Lagos State understood what we are trying to do. They don’t just talk about supporting the creative economy; they actually do it,” Adibua said.

Describing AFRIMA as a backbone for the African music ecosystem, he stressed the importance of strong institutions and platforms for sustainable industry growth.

“For the music industry to grow in Africa, platforms like AFRIMA are necessary. We are building the infrastructure and the future of African music,” he said.

Adibua urged residents and visitors to participate fully in the week-long celebrations, noting that AFRIMA would significantly boost tourism and the local economy. Organisers also announced 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.