Lagos is currently in full music-hosting mode, and this time, it’s not just another concert weekend.
AFRIMA 2026 has officially taken over the city, bringing together Africa’s biggest stars, industry power players, and cultural stakeholders for five packed days of music, business, and continental celebrations.
This isn’t just about who wins what. AFRIMA has grown into Africa’s biggest reminder that the continent’s music is now a serious global business. 
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What AFRIMA Is Really About Beyond Trophies and Red Carpets
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) was created to celebrate African music in all its diversity while advancing a broader agenda. The event promotes unity, economic empowerment, and African storytelling through sound.
It is organised in partnership with the African Union Commission and hosted this year by Lagos State; the platform blends entertainment with policy conversations and cultural diplomacy.
AFRIMA’s president, Mike Dada, has been clear about the mission. The awards exist to change how African music is valued globally and to ensure African creatives actually benefit financially from the global love their work receives.
Why AFRIMA 2026 Feels Bigger Than Ever
This is the 9th edition of AFRIMA, and Lagos is hosting it like a city that knows it has receipts. Over 418 artistes and delegates from across Africa and the diaspora are expected in town, while the main awards show will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries.
The Lagos State Government has leaned fully into the moment, positioning culture and entertainment as real drivers of tourism, youth employment, and economic development. Coming right after Detty December, AFRIMA 2026 feels like Lagos saying, “We’re still outside.”
The AFRIMA 2026 Dates and Day-by-Day Breakdown
AFRIMA 2026 runs from Wednesday, January 7, to Sunday, January 11, 2026, and each day has its own purpose.
Day 1 – Welcome Soirée (January 7)
The week kicked off elegantly at the British Deputy High Commission House in Ikoyi. The invite-only welcome soirée brought together nominees, diplomats, creatives, and industry leaders for networking, cultural exchange, and subtle fashion competition.
Guests included Kunle Afolayan, Juliet Ibrahim, Koffi Olomide, and Falz, setting the tone for a week that blends influence with entertainment.
Day 2 – Africa Music Business Summit (January 8)
The conversations get serious at the Eko Convention Centre, where the Africa Music Business Summit happens. The event focuses on royalties, funding, taxes, global partnerships, and one uncomfortable but necessary question: Is the money from African music actually coming back home?
Policymakers, industry leaders, and global partners are using this platform to talk solutions.
Day 3 – AFRIMA Music Village (January 9)
Friday belongs to the fans. The AFRIMA Music Village takes over Ikeja City Mall in collaboration with Mainland Block Party, turning it into a full-blown concert arena. Expect live performances, surprise appearances, and superstar energy as African heavyweights hit the stage.
Day 4 – Nominees & Industry Party (January 10)
Saturday slows things down just enough for networking. Nominees, past winners, executives, and partners gather again at Eko Hotels for the official industry party. Attendees form alliances, discuss deals, and everyone pretends not to be nervous about the next day. Sideeye👀
Day 5 – Main Awards Night (January 11)
The grand finale happens at the Eko Convention Centre, with the awards broadcast live across over 80 countries. Falz and Liliane Maroune host the night, bringing intelligence, humour, and that pan-African charm to the stage.
Winners will emerge across 40 categories, with performances, red-carpet moments, and high-budget production closing the week in style.
About the Nominees
AFRIMA 2026 received over 10,700 entries, with 343 nominees shortlisted by an international jury. From Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Rema to Diamond Platnumz, Fally Ipupa, Amr Diab, Tyla, and Black Sherif, the list cuts across regions, genres, and generations.
Public voting remains a major part of the process, ensuring fans have a say in who takes home the trophies.
AFRIMA 2026 Highlights So Far and What to Watch Next
So far, the biggest highlights have been the strong continental representation, the heavy focus on music as an economic tool, and Lagos’ seamless hosting.
In the coming days, all eyes are on the Music Village performances and the final awards night that guarantees surprises.
AFRIMA 2026 is celebrating African music and reminding the world, and Africa itself, that culture is power.
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