The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) now for January 2026 in Lagos
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) (https://AFRIMA.org) have confirmed that the 9th edition of Africa’s premier global music celebration, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), will now hold from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Originally slated for November 25–30, 2025, the rescheduling followed extensive consultations with music stakeholders, partners, and artistes across Africa and the diaspora to ensure a world-class event befitting the continent’s vibrant creative scene.
Ms. Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports and Head of the Culture and Sport Division at the AUC, reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to AFRIMA’s mission:
“The African Union Commission is proud to sustain its partnership with AFRIMA in honouring Africa’s creative brilliance and global influence. This collaboration fully aligns with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and the AU Agenda 2063, which emphasize the creative economy as a catalyst for youth empowerment, sustainable development, and continental unity. The new January 2026 dates will allow us to better showcase Africa’s diversity, talent, and innovation to the world.”
Echoing this sentiment, Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa and Cameroonian music star popularly known as Wax Dey, explained that the new schedule will enhance inclusivity and event quality.
“AFRIMA is not just an award show—it is Africa’s global music platform,” he said. “By moving the 9th edition to January, we can deliver a truly premium celebration that reflects Africa’s creative strength and gives more artists, fans, and stakeholders the opportunity to participate. This is about presenting African music on the grand stage it deserves.”
The 9th AFRIMA, organized in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria as the Official Host Country, and Lagos State as the Official Host City, will feature a rich week-long calendar of music, culture, and entertainment activities.
The festivities will commence on Wednesday, January 7, with the Welcome Soirée, an exclusive gathering for nominees, delegates, guests, and international media. The evening will provide a premium networking environment for artists, industry executives, sponsors, and media professionals. On the same day, the AFRIMA Diamond Showcase will spotlight 15 emerging African talents, offering them a platform to perform live and connect with wider audiences, marking an important gateway to mainstream success.
On Thursday, January 8, the focus shifts to the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS)—AFRIMA’s flagship conference that promotes knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation within the African music industry. Later that night, attendees will celebrate Africa’s musical icons at the Music Icons’ Night, a glamorous tribute to legendary artists who have shaped the continent’s sonic heritage.
Friday, January 9, will feature a dynamic blend of social impact and cultural experiences, including school outreach programmes, host city cultural tours, and a special courtesy visit to the Lagos State Government. The day will culminate with the AFRIMA Music Village, a vibrant outdoor concert featuring live performances from top African acts in a festival-style atmosphere.
On Saturday, January 10, the spotlight will turn to the 9th AFRIMA Nominees & Industry Party, a glitzy gathering celebrating past winners, current nominees, industry stakeholders, and AFRIMA’s corporate partners.
The week-long celebration will reach its crescendo on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with the live broadcast of the 9th AFRIMA Awards Ceremony at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, in Lagos. The star-studded event will feature a globally televised Red Carpet and electrifying performances from some of Africa’s most celebrated music icons, with coverage extending to over 84 countries worldwide.
For further details, visit the Official Webpage of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA): https://AFRIMA.org
