416 African Artists To Storm Lagos For 9th AFRIMA

OBASA IDRIS OLUWANISHOLA 

Four hundred and sixteen African musicians have stormed Lagos for the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The event, scheduled to run from January 7 to 11 with different activities, is hosted by the Lagos State Government to enhance the growth of the music ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa.

The programme includes an AFRIMA Music Business Summit on Thursday, an AFRIMA Music Village concert at Ikeja City Mall, and the award ceremony on Sunday, to be held on Lagos Island.

Speaking at a press conference to herald the AFRIMA Awards, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, declared that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration will continue to support the creative industry by strengthening the ecosystem.

She said Lagos remains Africa’s cultural and creative capital, hence its stance to encourage cross-cultural collaboration and position music and culture as drivers of development.

Benson-Awoyinka said the All Africa Music Awards has, over the years, grown into one of the most influential platforms for recognising African musical excellence, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and promoting Africa’s creative economy on the global stage.

She said: “Lagos State remains Africa’s cultural and creative capital. Through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we are committed to creating an enabling environment that supports creativity, encourages investment, and positions Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment, and cultural tourism.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I wish to acknowledge and appreciate our strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creative diplomacy.

“This type of partnership reinforces our shared vision of using arts and culture as tools for international engagement, innovation, and economic growth.

“This edition of AFRIMA will bring together artists, producers, industry leaders, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond. It will also underscore the growing relevance of the creative sector as a contributor to employment, tourism, youth empowerment, and global visibility for Africa.

“I want to use this medium to congratulate all the nominees and participants for this award. Your creativity, discipline, and impact continue to showcase Africa’s strength, diversity, and global competitiveness in the creative space. AFRIMA remains a platform that not only celebrates excellence but also amplifies African voices and stories to the world.”

Also speaking, the President and Chief Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, said Lagos emerged 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.

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, 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.

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

Adibua disclosed 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.