The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have confirmed that the 9th edition of Africa’s premier music celebration will take place from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Originally scheduled for November 2025, the new dates were set after extensive consultations with partners, artists, and key stakeholders across the continent and the diaspora.
Speaking on the announcement, Ms. Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports at the African Union Commission, said the continued collaboration between the AU and AFRIMA reinforces the Union’s commitment to promoting Africa’s creative economy.
“The African Union Commission is proud to continue its partnership with AFRIMA in celebrating Africa’s creative excellence and global influence,” Martins said. “This partnership aligns with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and Agenda 2063, which recognize the creative sector as a powerful catalyst for youth empowerment, sustainable growth, and continental unity. The January 2026 edition offers an opportunity to further showcase Africa’s cultural richness and innovation to the world.”
Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa and Cameroonian music star better known as Wax Dey, explained that the adjustment will enable the organisers to deliver an even more inclusive and world-class event.
“AFRIMA is not just an award show—it is Africa’s global music stage,” Ndifonka said. “Rescheduling to January ensures more participation from our artistes, partners, and fans while giving African music the grand platform it deserves.”
The 9th AFRIMA, hosted in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Lagos State Government, promises a week-long celebration of Africa’s vibrant sound, creativity, and culture.
The festivities will kick off on Wednesday, January 7, with a Welcome Soirée for nominees, delegates, and media, followed by the Diamond Showcase, featuring 15 emerging African artists set to perform before an international audience.
On Thursday, January 8, the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS)—AFRIMA’s flagship industry conference—will bring together leaders and innovators to discuss trends shaping the continent’s music landscape. Later that evening, the Music Icons’ Night will celebrate legendary African artistes who have defined generations.
The excitement continues on Friday, January 9, with community outreach activities, cultural tours, and the much-anticipated AFRIMA Music Village, a mega open-air concert showcasing top performers from across the continent.
Saturday, January 10, will feature the Nominees and Industry Party, a glamorous celebration of AFRIMA’s nominees, past winners, sponsors, and partners.
The week will climax on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with the 9th AFRIMA Awards Ceremony at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. The event will feature live performances from Africa’s biggest music stars and a red carpet broadcast reaching over 84 countries worldwide.
With its 2026 edition, AFRIMA reaffirms its position as Africa’s biggest global music platform, celebrating unity, creativity, and the continent’s undeniable influence on world music.
