Lagos, Swedish Embassy, Top Brands Power 9th AFRIMA Sponsorship Line-Up

Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria, The Address Homes, the Government of Sweden, Gobet247, Utilita and several other leading organisations have confirmed their sponsorship of the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), scheduled to take place January 7–11, 2026, in Lagos.

According to a statement from AFRIMA Media, signed by Adejuwon Osunniyi, the sponsorship line-up reflects growing global confidence in African music as both a cultural powerhouse and an economic driver.

 

“Unstoppable Africa” Takes Centre Stage

Themed “Unstoppable Africa,” the 2026 edition has drawn strong backing from diverse sectors including finance, real estate, beverages, gaming, digital platforms, media, hospitality and international cultural institutions.

Following the acceptance of the hosting rights offered by the African Union, Lagos State will once again serve as the Official Host City, reinforcing its reputation as Africa’s leading creative and entertainment hub. The event also enjoys the backing of the Federal Government of Nigeria, while the African Union Commission remains AFRIMA’s legacy institutional partner.

 

Gold, Silver and Cultural Partners Confirmed

At the top tier, fast-growing digital payments and lifestyle platform Utilita, alongside gaming and entertainment brand Gobet247, headline the event as National Gold Sponsors.

First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and The Address Homes have been confirmed as National Silver Partners, while Guinness Nigeria joins as the Official Beer Sponsor.

On the international front, the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Embassy of Sweden signed on as Cultural Exchange Partners, adding global cultural depth to the awards.

 

Travel, Hospitality and Youth Culture Support

Travel logistics for AFRIMA 2026 will be handled by Wakanow, Pan Atlantic Travels, and Dorf Travels & Tours Ltd as Official Travel Partners. Vaniti Lagos and Knowhere Restaurant will host nominees and special guests as Hospitality Partners.

Popular youth culture platform - Mainland Block Party Lagos is also supporting the celebration, injecting street culture and community energy into the AFRIMA Music Village, scheduled for January 9, 2026, at Ikeja City Mall.

 

Strong Media Coalition for Global Reach

AFRIMA has also confirmed a powerful coalition of radio, television, digital, print and Out-of-Home (OOH) media partners. These include DSTV/Multichoice, HIPTV, Afro Music Pop, Beat FM, Classic FM, Hot FM, Kennis FM, Lagos Talks, Inspiration FM, Radio Lagos, Eko FM, Lasgidi FM, among others.

Additional partners include Television Continental (TVC), Nigeria Info, Legit.ng, Max FM, Nigezie, Yanga FM, and major OOH companies such as MotoMedia, Yartview Ltd, Optimus Exposure, Plural Media, Folham Nigeria Limited and Nimbus Media.

 

Sponsors Speak

Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the partnership aligns with the bank’s commitment to Africa’s creative economy.

“Through our First@Arts initiative, we have consistently supported projects across the creative value chain, nurturing talent and enabling production while preserving Africa’s rich cultural heritage,” she said.

From the international community, Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, H.E. Anna Westerholm, highlighted the significance of the partnership as Sweden marks 65 years of diplomatic relations with Nigeria in 2026.

“As the world’s third-largest music exporter, we believe strongly in collaboration and idea exchange. This partnership strengthens our cultural and business ties,” she noted.

The Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc, Yinka Bakare, described the sponsorship as a continuation of the brand’s long-standing relationship with African culture.

“AFRIMA celebrates the extraordinary artistry that defines Africa, and we are proud to support a platform that showcases the continent’s greatness to the world.”

Founder and Chairman of The Address Homes, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, also described AFRIMA as a vital platform for African creativity and collaboration.

 

AFRIMA: A Vote of Confidence in African Music

Director of Partnerships at AFRIMA, Edwidge Goli, during the sponsorship announcement in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, described the sponsorship line-up as more than corporate support.

“This is a historic show of belief in the power of African music, the brilliance of our talents and the future of our creative industries,” she hinted.

 

What to Expect at AFRIMA 2026

The 9th AFRIMA will kick off with Nominees and Guests Welcome Soirees on January 7, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) on January 8 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites.

The AFRIMA Music Village Concert and Diamond Showcase will hold on January 9 at Ikeja City Mall, leading up to the grand Awards Ceremony on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre, with the red carpet beginning at 3:30 pm (WAT).

The statement also added that the awards ceremony and live performances will be broadcast to audiences in over 84 countries worldwide.