Keypoints:
- AFRIMA 2026 to run January 7–11 in Lagos
- AU says new dates promote inclusivity and access
- Week-long festival to showcase Africa’s top talents
THE African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have officially confirmed that the ninth edition of Africa’s leading music celebration will take place from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The event, originally scheduled for November 25–30, 2025, has been rescheduled following extensive consultations with partners, artistes, and stakeholders across Africa and the diaspora, according to a joint statement published on AFRIMA.org
AU reaffirms commitment to Africa’s creative sector
Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports and Head of the Culture and Sport Division at the AUC, said the African Union is proud to continue its collaboration with AFRIMA in promoting Africa’s creative excellence and global cultural influence.
‘The African Union Commission is proud to continue its partnership with AFRIMA in celebrating Africa’s creative excellence and global influence,’ Martins said. ‘This relationship aligns perfectly with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and Agenda 2063, which prioritise the creative economy as a driver of sustainable development, youth empowerment, and continental integration.’
She added that the new January 2026 dates ‘provide an exciting opportunity to further showcase the rich diversity, innovation, and unity of Africa’s music and culture to the world’.
Rescheduling to ensure a world-class experience
AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, Cameroonian music star and lawyer Nde Ndifonka — popularly known as Wax Dey — explained that the new dates will allow for wider participation and a more inclusive experience for all stakeholders.
‘AFRIMA is not just an award show; it is Africa’s global music stage,’ he said. ‘Rescheduling the 9th edition to January allows us to deliver the kind of world-class celebration that truly reflects Africa’s creative power. It also ensures that more of our stakeholders, artistes, fans, media, and partners can participate fully.’
Lagos set to host week-long music celebration
Held in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Lagos State, the 9th AFRIMA will feature a week of music, culture, and entertainment celebrating the continent’s diverse soundscape.
The festival will open on Wednesday, January 7, with an exclusive Welcome Soirée for nominees, delegates, and guests, followed by the AFRIMA Diamond Showcase, a platform spotlighting 15 emerging African artistes.
On Thursday, January 8, the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) — AFRIMA’s flagship industry conference — will bring together key players for thought leadership sessions. The evening will close with the Music Icons’ Night, celebrating Africa’s legendary performers.
Friday, January 9, will include community outreach activities, school visits, and a cultural tour of Lagos, capped by the AFRIMA Music Village — an open-air festival featuring performances from some of the continent’s biggest stars.
The excitement will continue on Saturday, January 10, with the Nominees & Industry Party, honouring previous winners, current nominees, and key sponsors.
The celebrations will culminate on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with the 9th AFRIMA Awards Ceremony at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites. The grand finale will include a red carpet segment and live performances broadcast to more than 84 countries worldwide.
