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By Lukman Olabiyi
The 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 on Wednesday at a press conference in Lagos, the 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 7 January to 11 January, 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.
“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.
The commissioner added that the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, remains committed to creating an enabling environment that supports creativity, attracts investment, and strengthens Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment, and cultural tourism.
She also commended AFRIMA’s partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration in promoting cultural exchange and creative diplomacy, while congratulating nominees and participants for projecting Africa’s creativity and global competitiveness.
In his remarks, Chairman of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, said Lagos emerged as the host city following extensive deliberations by the African Union and key stakeholders, in recognition of the state’s infrastructure, capacity, and cultural influence.
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He said AFRIMA was conceived to showcase African talent, promote continental integration, and empower young people, using music as a tool for peace-building and development.
“Through music, we integrate our people, promote peace, and take young people away from the streets. Culture remains a powerful driver of development in Africa,” Dada said.
He disclosed that AFRIMA 2026 would feature activities such as a welcome soirée at the British Residence, the African Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village concert, the nominees’ party and the main awards ceremony, which will be broadcast live across several countries.
According to him, more than 400 delegates, including artists, producers, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and celebrities from Africa and beyond, are expected to attend the event.
Dada added that the Music Business Summit would focus on the economic dimensions of music, including access to finance, taxation, and strategies for African countries to maximise returns from the global success of African music.
Also speaking, co-producer of AFRIMA, Mr Olisa Adibua, commended the Lagos State Government for its consistent support for the creative economy, describing AFRIMA as a backbone of the African music ecosystem.
He stressed the importance of strong platforms and institutions for the sustainable growth of the industry, urging residents and visitors to participate in the week-long celebrations, which he said would boost tourism and the local economy.
Organisers also announced 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.
