The vibrant city of Lagos is once again the epicenter of African musical excellence as it proudly hosts the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). The week-long event, which commenced on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, is set to conclude with a grand awards ceremony on Sunday, January 11. The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to leveraging entertainment and culture as powerful engines for socio-economic development.
Star-Studded Arrival and Event Highlights
Sixteen of Africa's leading musical talents have already arrived in Nigeria to participate in the prestigious awards. The schedule is packed with activities celebrating the continent's creative spirit. A major highlight is the high-energy musical concert scheduled for Friday, January 9, which will feature performances by top African superstars. The grand finale on Sunday will be a spectacular live broadcast of the awards themselves from the Eko Hotels on Victoria Island, promising dazzling performances and world-class production. The Friday concert will take place at Ikeja City.
Lagos Positions Culture as Economic Catalyst
At a media briefing held on Tuesday to herald the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, articulated the vision behind the state's support. She described AFRIMA as a platform that has evolved into one of the most influential forces for recognizing African musical talent, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and promoting the continent's economic potential globally.
"Lagos State is proud to continue its support for initiatives that elevate African talents and position culture as a driver of development," the Commissioner stated. She emphasized that this edition of AFRIMA will assemble a diverse group of artists, producers, industry leaders, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and the diaspora.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Impact
Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka acknowledged the crucial role of partners, with special mention of the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration in cultural exchange and diplomacy. "This type of partnership reinforces our shared vision of using arts and culture as tools for international agreement-making," she noted.
She further highlighted the broader significance of the creative sector, stating that events like AFRIMA underscore its growing relevance as a major contributor to job creation, tourism growth, youth empowerment, and enhancing Africa's global profile. In her congratulatory message to nominees and participants, she praised their creativity and discipline, which she said continue to showcase Africa's strength, diversity, and competitive edge on the world stage.
The 2026 AFRIMA in Lagos stands as a clear testament to the state's strategy of harnessing its cultural capital for sustainable development and international soft power.
