MUSIC, CULTURE, GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT: LAGOS HOSTS AFRIMA 2026

Lagos is once again preparing to take the continental spotlight as the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) officially gets underway, promising a celebration of African music, culture, and global influence on an even bigger scale.

At a press conference held on Wednesday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in the Secretariat of the Lagos State government, situated in Alausa, Ikeja, the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, unveiled plans and updates for AFRIMA 2026, describing the awards as one of Africa’s most powerful platforms for celebrating musical excellence and creative expression.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila; President, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; AFRIMA Jury-in-charge, Mr. Olisa Adibua; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile during a press conference on the 9^th AFRIMA Awards in Lagos, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa in Ikeja, on Wednesday, January 07, 2026.

AFRIMA has grown into a major cultural movement bringing together top artists, producers, and creative industry players from across the continent and beyond.

According to the Commissioner, “the awards go beyond trophies, serving as a bridge for cross-cultural collaboration and a vehicle for projecting Africa’s sound and stories to the global stage.”

Lagos State, she said, remains fully committed to supporting initiatives that elevate African talent and strengthen the creative economy. She added “As host, Lagos is set to deliver not just music and glamour, but also economic value through tourism, youth engagement, and creative enterprise.”

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile; AFRIMA President, Mr. Mike Dada; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; her counterpart for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and AFRIMA Jury-in-charge, Mr. Olisa Adibua during a press conference on the 9^th AFRIMA Awards in Lagos, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa in Ikeja, on Wednesday, January 07, 2026.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka also acknowledged key partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their continued support in advancing cultural exchange and creative diplomacy. Such partnerships, she noted, are critical in expanding the global reach of African music and culture.

Congratulating nominees and participants, the Commissioner praised their creativity, discipline, and impact, noting that their work reflects Africa’s diversity, resilience, and competitiveness in the global music space. She emphasized that AFRIMA remains a platform that amplifies African voices and celebrates stories that resonate far beyond the continent.

Reaffirming Lagos’ reputation as Africa’s cultural and creative capital, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka said “the state continues to invest in policies and environments that support creativity, attract investors, and position Lagos as a hub for entertainment and cultural tourism.”

As excitement builds ahead of the event, she called on the media and stakeholders to collaborate in delivering a successful, high-impact celebration of African music.

President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, in his remarks re-echoed emergence of Lagos 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.

L-R: President, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; AFRIMA Jury-in-charge, Mr. Olisa Adibua; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile during a press conference on the 9^th AFRIMA Awards in Lagos, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa in Ikeja, on Wednesday, January 07, 2026.

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.

Also speaking, 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.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile; AFRIMA President, Mr. Mike Dada; Commissio.ner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka; her counterpart for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and AFRIMA Jury-in-charge, Mr. Olisa Adibua during a press conference on the 9^th AFRIMA Awards in Lagos, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa in Ikeja, on Wednesday, January 07, 2026

He also urged residents and visitors to participate fully in the week-long celebrations, stating that AFRIMA would significantly boost tourism and the local economy. He noted 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.

AFRIMA 2026 is anticipated to attract a vibrant mix of performers, industry executives, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs, reinforcing the growing influence of Africa’s entertainment industry on the world stage. The event will also highlight the role of music as a driver of jobs, innovation, and international visibility for African creatives.