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By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing arts, culture and creativity as critical drivers of economic growth and global engagement, with the formal unveiling of the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), scheduled to hold in the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, yesterday, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described AFRIMA as one of Africa’s most influential cultural platforms and a strategic vehicle for projecting the continent’s creative economy to the global stage.
She announced that AFRIMA 2026 will run from January 7 to January 11, featuring a series of events across Lagos, including the AFRIMA Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village concert at Ikeja City Mall, and the grand awards ceremony on Sunday on Lagos Island.
Benson-Awoyinka said Lagos was proud to continue hosting the prestigious event, noting that the state has consolidated its position as Africa’s cultural and creative capital.
She said AFRIMA had grown into one of Africa’s most influential cultural platforms, celebrating musical excellence while promoting the continent’s creative economy on the global stage.
“AFRIMA is more than an award ceremony; it is a strategic platform that amplifies African voices, showcases our diversity and positions culture as a strong driver of development,” she said.
She noted that Lagos was proud to continue hosting the awards, describing the state as Africa’s cultural and creative capital.
“Through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment that supports creativity, encourages investment and positions Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment and cultural tourism,” she said.
Benson-Awoyinka also commended strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for its sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creative diplomacy.
“This partnership reinforces our shared vision of using arts and culture as tools for international engagement,” she added.
She congratulated nominees and participants, noting that their creativity and discipline continued to showcase Africa’s global competitiveness.
Chairman of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, said that the choice of Lagos as host city followed extensive deliberations by the African Union and stakeholders in recognition of the city’s capacity and cultural influence.
“The idea of AFRIMA is to showcase African talent, showcase the capacity of the continent itself, and tell the world that Africa is full of excellence.”
He explained that AFRIMA was also designed as a tool for peace, integration and youth empowerment across the continent.
“We use music to integrate our people, to promote peace and to take young people away from the streets. Culture is a powerful driver of development in Africa,” he said.
Dada disclosed that AFRIMA 2026 would feature a series of activities, including a Welcome Soirée at the British Residence, an African Music Business Summit, AFRIMA Music Village concert, nominees’ party and the awards ceremony.
According to him, the awards ceremony will be broadcast live across several countries, projecting Lagos and Africa to a global audience.
“We are expecting over 400 delegates, including artists, producers, crew members, policymakers, stakeholders and celebrities from across Africa and beyond,” he said.
Dada added that the African Music Business Summit would focus on the economic side of music, access to finance, taxation and how African countries could better benefit from the global success of African music.
Co-producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Olisa Adibua, commended the Lagos State Government for its consistent 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 described AFRIMA as a backbone for the growth of the African music ecosystem, noting that strong institutions and platforms were essential for sustainable industry development.
“For the music industry to grow in Africa, platforms like AFRIMA are necessary. We are building the infrastructure and the future of African music,” he said. Adibua urged Lagos residents and visitors to participate fully in the week-long celebrations, adding that AFRIMA would contribute significantly to tourism and the local economy.
The organisers also announced that about 6,000 free tickets would be made available through the Lagos State Government to ensure young people had access to the AFRIMA Music Village concert.
