Ever wondered what happens when the heartbeat of Africa’s music industry collides with the energy of Lagos? Picture this: the streets buzzing with excitement, stars from every corner of the continent jetting in, and sweet melodies floating over the ever-busy city. According to the African Union Commission (AUC), the highly anticipated 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) will light up Lagos from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026. That’s right – what was initially slated for November 2025 is moving to the new year, and Lagos is once again set to be the epicenter of Africa’s explosive music celebration.
Why the move to January? It wasn’t done on a whim. Organisers revealed, after numerous back-and-forths with artists, fans, and industry heavyweights, that this shift would foster richer participation across Africa and the diaspora. In a place like Lagos, where the party never stops, who’s complaining? Think of that fresh January energy – is there a better way to start the year than with Africa’s biggest music festival?
Ms. Angela Martins, Acting Director for Social Development, Culture, and Sports at the African Union Commission, describes this partnership as a beacon of creative excellence. She says, “The African Union Commission is proud to continue its partnership with AFRIMA in celebrating Africa’s creative excellence and global influence.” For Angela and her team, it’s bigger than music. It’s about putting the spotlight on African innovation, diversity, and unity – all in line with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and Agenda 2063.
Ms. Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports and Head of the Culture and Sport Division, AUC
This alignment with Africa’s creative economy speaks volumes. According to the AU, music, art, and culture are not only languages of unity – they’re powerful forces for youth empowerment and continental progress. The new dates, officials say, open the door for even more vibrant showcases of the continent’s diverse and ever-evolving sounds.
Now, who else is behind this brave new move? Nde Ndifonka, popularly called Wax Dey and AFRIMA’s Central Africa Regional Director, says the January 2026 date is about giving everyone “the grand platform African music deserves.” According to Ndifonka, it’s all about quality, inclusion, and raising the bar for the AFRIMA experience.
Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa
To quote Ndifonka directly, “AFRIMA is not just an award show; it is Africa’s global music stage.” Reportedly, this rescheduling will give opportunity to more artists, fans, and stakeholders to engage fully. If you’ve been waiting for that chance to dance with legends or see your favourite stars up close, now’s your shot. No dull moment, as Lagos transforms into a melting pot of African music traditions and funky innovations. How often does one city get to host such a spectacular cultural convergence?
The 9th AFRIMA: What to Expect
In true Naija style, the 2026 edition is set to run for five days, jam-packed with world-class showcases, networking, and round-the-clock entertainment. Partners include the African Union Commission, the Nigerian Federal Government, and Lagos State. But, as anyone who’s experienced a Lagos party would tell you – it’s the people who steal the show. Artistes, influencers, producers, international press, and star-struck fans will converge for what is already being described as an unprecedented music marathon.
- Wednesday, January 7: The grand kick-off, featuring an exclusive Welcome Soirée for nominees, delegates, and international guests. On the same evening, rising talents will seize the spotlight at the AFRIMA Diamond Showcase – the event’s platform for emerging African music acts ready to take their sounds to the world.
- Thursday, January 8: AFRIMA turns into a think tank with the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) – connecting industry leaders, creators, and visionaries. Later, the Music Icons’ Night will tip hats to the legends whose voices have echoed across generations.
- Friday, January 9: School outreaches, city tours, and special recognition by the Lagos government fill the day. Evening time? The AFRIMA Music Village – an open-air carnival of raw Nigerian energy, where the beats don’t stop till sunrise.
Saturday, January 10: The tempo escalates at the AFRIMA Nominees & Industry Party – a glittering affair dedicated to celebrating the continent’s finest alongside sponsors and global partners.
Sunday, January 11: The grand finale – the live AFRIMA Awards Ceremony at Eko Convention Centre, Lagos. Expect a dazzling red carpet, electrifying live performances, and – for the first time – broadcast coverage spanning 84 countries. That’s African music, beaming globally from right at the foot of the Atlantic!
Why the 9th AFRIMA Matters Beyond the Party
For many Nigerians, AFRIMA isn’t just about the glamour or catching your favourite stars strutting their stuff. It’s a strong affirmation of how far African music – from Afrobeats to Amapiano and Fuji to highlife – has travelled. According to Lagos-based entertainment analyst Amaka Ejike, “The event reflects not just the richness of our sound, but how music links communities from Surulere to Soweto, Dakar to Dar es Salaam.”
This matters. In an era when Nigerians know what it means to ‘hustle’ and shine anywhere, AFRIMA serves as a megaphone for African excellence. It promotes local talent, encourages economic growth through creative industries, and helps reshape how the global community sees Africa’s youth. For Lagos, the influx means booming hospitality, transportation, and trade – with informal businesses also likely to benefit from the surge of visitors and festive spending.
What Challenges Are on the Horizon?
Of course, mega-events like AFRIMA don’t come without headaches. Lagosians are already bracing for increased traffic, transport logistics, and the pressures of hosting so many international guests. Past events have also drawn attention to issues like ticketing accessibility for locals and the need for greater inclusion of grassroots artists from rural areas. Organisers, however, claim to be working closely with federal and state agencies to ensure security, crowd management, and smooth urban mobility, but only time will tell how these plans play out in practice.
Is AFRIMA truly for everyone, or mainly the movers and shakers? Some argue for more community participation beyond just the glitz. On the other hand, many insiders view the event as a crucial platform for elevating young African creatives and shaping policies to boost Africa’s cultural economy.
The Global Echo of Lagos’ AFRIMA Showcase
From Paris to Pretoria, London to Lusaka, international eyes will be on Lagos in January 2026. The 9th AFRIMA awards promise to highlight African creativity on a world stage, amplifying the voices and dreams of a continent known for its resilience and rhythm. With millions of global viewers and hundreds of delegates trooping in, Lagos will no doubt wear its party hat in style – pepper soup, jollof rice, and all.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for African Music in Lagos
As the countdown begins, music lovers ask: what magic will this edition bring? Will it inspire more unity, or spark new waves of innovation in African sound? While only time will tell, one thing is for sure: the 9th AFRIMA is shaping up to be a cultural spectacle, spotlighting a Lagos spirit that refuses to be outshined. Ready or not, January 2026 is about to turn up the volume on everything we know about African music and culture. Are you prepared for the rhythm revolution?
What’s your take – will this be AFRIMA’s greatest edition yet? Drop your thoughts and join the conversation below!
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