Lagos is alive with excitement as Africa’s biggest music awards, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), wraps up tomorrow amid soaring expectations. The 9th edition of the prestigious event will feature performances from over 25 A-list artistes and DJs, with the grand awards ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.
Festivities marking Africa’s global music celebration kicked off last Wednesday with a Welcome Soirée for nominees and guests, hosted by the British High Commission in Nigeria, officially ushering in AFRIMA Week.
Five Days of Music, Culture and Business
The five-day celebration has been packed with activities, including the Africa Music Business Summit held on Thursday, January 8, and the AFRIMA Music Village on Friday, January 9, at Ikeja City Mall, where more than 25 top artistes and DJs from across Africa thrilled fans. The festivities will climax with the Main Awards Ceremony on Sunday, January 11, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The ceremony will be broadcast live to audiences in over 84 countries worldwide.
Over 1,200 Artistes and Delegates Storm Lagos
More than 1,216 artistes, delegates and production crew members are expected at this year’s event. The figure was disclosed during the Welcome Soirée held at the residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, which officially marked the start of AFRIMA Week.
AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, said the massive turnout reflects the growing global influence of African music and AFRIMA’s role, in partnership with the African Union Commission, in strengthening Africa’s creative economy.
“This year’s AFRIMA has once again demonstrated the immense power and global pull of African music. A total of 1,216 participants have arrived in Lagos, including 732 artistes and managers, 301 delegates from Africa and the diaspora, and 183 technical production professionals. The economic impact on Lagos, especially its tourism and hospitality sectors, is enormous,” Dada said.
Music as a Tool for Unity and Economic Growth
According to Dada AFRIMA’s belief in music as a force for integration, peace and economic development across Africa and beyond.
“Music is a powerful tool for inclusion, a catalyst for peace, and a driver of economic growth within the creative industry. AFRIMA is about connecting people beyond colour or background. What matters to us is talent and our shared humanity,” he added.
Also speaking, British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, praised the deepening cultural ties between the UK, Nigeria and Africa, noting that Afrobeats is now dominating music charts globally. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to partnerships that promote mutual economic growth within the creative industries.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described Lagos as Africa’s cultural capital, reiterating the state government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where creatives can thrive, collaborate and compete successfully on the global stage.