The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging arts, culture and creativity as key drivers of economic growth and global engagement, as it announced the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), scheduled to hold in the state.
Speaking on Wednesday at a press conference in Lagos to formally unveil AFRIMA 2026 and outline activities for the week-long celebration, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described AFRIMA as one of Africa’s most influential cultural platforms and a strategic tool for promoting the continent’s creative economy on the global stage.
The ninth edition of AFRIMA will run from January 7 to January 11, with activities spread across Lagos. The programme includes an AFRIMA Music Business Summit on Thursday, an AFRIMA Music Village concert at Ikeja City Mall, and the award ceremony on Sunday, to be held on Lagos Island.
Benson-Awoyinka said the state was proud to continue hosting the prestigious awards, noting that Lagos had firmly established itself as Africa’s cultural and creative capital.
“AFRIMA is more than an award ceremony; it is a strategic platform that amplifies African voices, showcases our diversity and positions culture as a strong driver of development,” she said.
She added that the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, remained committed to creating an enabling environment that supports creativity, encourages investment and positions the state as a hub for arts, entertainment and cultural tourism.
The commissioner also commended AFRIMA’s strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creative diplomacy.
“This partnership reinforces our shared vision of using arts and culture as tools for international engagement,” she noted, while congratulating nominees and participants for showcasing Africa’s creativity and global competitiveness.
In his remarks, Chairman 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.
“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.