Thursday, June 18, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

AFRIMA opens application portal for Diamond Showcase

AFRIMA

Haddadi

All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has opened the application portal for its Diamond Showcase, a platform designed to give undiscovered African artists a chance to present their music to a global audience.

Describing the Diamond Showcase as a rare and valuable opportunity for young creatives who are ready to grow, Janatte Haddadi, AFRIMA’s Regional Manager, Northern Africa, explained that the platform is opened to singers, rappers, deejays, producers and instrumentalists from all parts of the continent.

She stated further that AFRIMA is committed to finding, mentoring, and promoting new African music stars that remain unnoticed in their communities even though they have strong talent.

According to Haddadi, applications will run from November 18 to December 8, 2025, while calling interested artists to apply through www.afrima.org/Diamond-Showcase or AFRIMA’s official Instagram page.

To apply, artists must submit a 45-second performance video. The AFRIMA Jury will then review all entries and select the top 15 finalists, known as ‘The Diamonds’ who will be invited to Lagos for the live Showcase.

“We want to find the brightest diamonds in the rough across Africa. There are young artists in small towns, big cities, and everywhere in between who are doing amazing things with their music. Many of them have never had the chance to stand before the people who can help shape their careers. The Diamond Showcase is here to bridge that gap,” Haddadi stressed.

The selected finalists would receive an all-expense-paid trip to Lagos where they will be hosted from January 6 to 7, 2026, with performances each evening from 7pm to 11pm. They will also receive special AFRIMA gifts, mentorship opportunities, and opportunity to showcase their talent in front of top music executives, media personalities and key industry leaders.

“If you believe in your gift, this is the time to act. Don’t wait. Don’t hold back. Submit your entry. Africa is ready to meet its next big talents, and we are ready to support your first major step,” said AFRIMA’s Regional Manager, Northern Africa.

In partnership with the African Union and Lagos State (Host City), the 9th AFRIMA Awards will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 7 to 11, 2026. It will air live to more than 84 countries globally.