Yomi Durojaye
The Lagos State Government is set to host the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) to enhance the growth of the music ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa.
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| M: HC, Toke-Benson, L: President, AFRIMA, Mike Dada and Co-Producer, Olisa |
A week long AFRIMA will run from January 7 to January 11, with activities spread across Lagos. The programme includes AFRIMA Music Business Summit, which will hold on Thursday, AFRIMA Music Village concert featuring African superstars performing and show-stopping performances from Africa’s biggest stars at Ikeja City Mall and the award ceremony, scheduled to hold at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites on Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, on Wednesday to herald the AFRIMA Awards, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, declared that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration will continue to support the creative industry by strengthening the ecosystem.
Benson-Awoyinka said Lagos remains Africa's cultural and creative capital, hence its stance to encourage cross-cultural collaboration and position music and culture as drivers of development.
Speaking on the significance of AFRIMA, Lagos State’s role as host, and the broader cultural and economic value of the continental event to the creative industry and the State at large, Benson-Awoyinka said Lagos State is proud to continue its support for initiatives that elevate African talent and position culture as a driver of development.
The Commissioner said the All Africa Music Awards has, over the years, grown into one of the most influential platforms for recognising African musical excellence, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and promoting Africa’s creative economy on the global stage.
She said: "On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I wish to acknowledge and appreciate our strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creative diplomacy.
"This type of partnership reinforces our shared vision of using arts and culture as tools for international engagement, innovation, and economic growth.
"This edition of AFRIMA will bring together artists, producers, industry leaders, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond. It will also underscore the growing relevance of the creative sector as a contributor to employment, tourism, youth empowerment, and global visibility for Africa.
"I want to use this medium to congratulate all the nominees and participants for this award. Your creativity, discipline, and impact continue to showcase Africa’s strength, diversity, and global competitiveness in the creative space. AFRIMA remains a platform that not only celebrates excellence but also amplifies African voices and stories to the world."
Benson-Awoyinka stressed further that, "Lagos State remains Africa’s cultural and creative capital. Through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we are committed to creating an enabling environment that supports creativity, encourages investment, and positions Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment, and cultural tourism.
"As the programme of events unfolds, we look forward to constructive media engagement, positive coverage, and continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure a successful and impactful AFRIMA 2026."
Also speaking, the President and 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 said the event, in partnership with the African Union, supports key developmental frameworks, including Agenda 2063, projecting cultural heritage.
Dada explained that beyond music awards, AFRIMA was designed as a platform for peace-building, continental integration and youth empowerment.
"All over the world they are listening to our music, but is the money coming home? Is the government of Nigeria getting taxes from those revenues? Those are the issues we are discussing. Or are the governments of African countries getting the right taxes? Because those taxes and revenues are not coming to Africa. So those are the things we discuss,” Dada added
Also, the 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,” he said.
He also urged residents and visitors to participate fully in the week-long celebrations, noting that AFRIMA would significantly boost tourism and the local economy. He stated 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.
Over 16 artists, 277 crew members and 130 stakeholders are expected at the weeklong musical event, which will climax with an award ceremony on Sunday on Lagos Island
