AFRIMA partners British High Commission to promote culture,

As the 9th edition of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) holds in Lagos from January 7-11, 2026, the award platform has partnered the British High Commission in Nigeria to boost creative exchange, strengthen cultural ties and open more international doors for African music.

Formalized through a newly signed Cultural Cooperation Agreement, the partnership also affirms that the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos will co-host the Welcome Soirée for the nominees and guests at the opening event of the awards.

The exclusive evening of networking and cultural connection will take place on January 7, and in attendance will be AU officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, guests, nominees, creatives and media professionals.

The 9th AFRIMA is being organised in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State government as the Official Host City.

Speaking on the partnership, AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer (CXO), Adenrele Niyi, described the collaboration as a strategic move to deepen cultural diplomacy through music.

“This partnership reflects AFRIMA’s mission to position African music as a global force,” she said. “Beyond the awards, we are committed to building spaces where creativity meets opportunity and where African talent can confidently engage the world. Working with the British High Commission expands our platform for industry innovation, collaboration, and meaningful cultural exchange.”

Niyi added that this year’s AFRIMA would place strong emphasis on strengthening global creative-industry relationships. “Partnerships like this show just how relevant African music has become on the world stage. We’re honoured to collaborate with such an important institution, and we believe the impact will go far beyond 2025.”

Signed by Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires, British High Commission Nigeria, the agreement aligns with the UK’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s creative industries through enhanced cultural exchange and innovation.

“The UK is delighted to partner with AFRIMA to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of Africa’s music industry. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the UK and Nigeria, and across the African continent. Our Jollof and Tea campaign has shown us the power of bringing people together through culture, and we’re excited to build on that spirit.

We look forward to a week of celebration that showcases the very best of African music and opens new doors for creative exchange and collaboration,” she noted.

Across the five-day celebration, the 9th AFRIMA will deliver a lineup of key events including the Diamond Showcase (Jan 7–8), Africa Music Business Summit (Jan 8), Host City Tour and CSR Visit, Music Village Concert (Jan 9), Nominees & Industry Party (Jan 10), and Red Carpet and Grand Awards Night (Jan 11).

The awards ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries across the globe.

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