Entertainment
AFRIMA: 9th Edition Moved to January 2026
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have announced the postponement of the 9th edition of the prestigious awards to January 2026.
In a statement released on Thursday, the organisers confirmed that the event will now hold from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Originally scheduled for November 25–30, 2025, the event was rescheduled after extensive consultations with partners, artistes, and key stakeholders across Africa and the diaspora.
Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports at the AUC, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting Africa’s creative excellence through AFRIMA.
“This relationship aligns with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and Agenda 2063. Both prioritise the creative economy as a driver of sustainable development, youth empowerment, and continental integration.
The new dates for the 9th AFRIMA in January 2026 provide an exciting opportunity to further showcase Africa’s diversity, innovation, and unity to the world,” Martins said.
In April 2025, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared the state’s readiness to host the global event, emphasizing that it aligns with his administration’s vision to strengthen the creative and tourism sectors as key drivers of economic growth.
By May 2025, the African Union and AFRIMA officially confirmed Lagos as the host city at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In September 2025, the organisers released the official nominees’ list, featuring Africa’s biggest music stars including Burna Boy, Davido, DJ Maphorisa, El Grande Toto, Rema, Shallipopi, and Ayra Starr. Global public voting commenced on September 10, 2025.
Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, popularly known as Wax Dey, said the new date will ensure a world-class experience for everyone involved.
“AFRIMA is not just an award show; it is Africa’s global music stage.
Rescheduling the 9th edition to January allows us to deliver a truly world-class celebration that reflects Africa’s creative power.
It also ensures that more of our stakeholders, artistes, fans, media, and partners can participate fully. This is about giving African music the grand platform it deserves,” Ndifonka said.
The 9th AFRIMA will be hosted in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Lagos State Government as the official host city.
The week-long festival will feature a blend of music, culture, and entertainment.
It will open on January 7, 2026, with a Welcome Soirée for nominees and delegates, alongside the AFRIMA Diamond Showcase, which will spotlight 15 emerging African talents.
On January 8, 2026, the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) will take place, followed by the Music Icons’ Night, celebrating legends who have shaped the continent’s music heritage.
Activities on January 9 include school outreach programmes, a host city cultural tour, and a courtesy reception with the Lagos State Government, culminating in the AFRIMA Music Village, an open-air concert featuring performances from top African stars.
The Nominees and Industry Party will follow on January 10, celebrating past winners, nominees, and sponsors.
The celebration will climax on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with the live AFRIMA Awards Ceremony at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos. The event will be broadcast live to over 84 countries worldwide.
