AFRIMA 2026 Set to Thrill Lagos with Star-Studded Performances
Lagos is buzzing with excitement as the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) concludes tomorrow, January 11, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island. The five-day celebration of African music kicked off last Wednesday, January 7, with a Welcome Soiree for nominees and guests, hosted by the British High Commission in Nigeria.
The event has featured several highlights, including the Africa Music Business Summit on Thursday, January 8, and the AFRIMA Music Village on Friday, January 9, at Ikeja City Mall, with over 25 A-list artistes and DJs performing.
According to AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, over 1,216 artistes, delegates, and production team members are in Lagos for the event. The figure includes 732 artistes and managers, 301 delegates from Africa and the diaspora, and 183 technical production professionals.
“This year’s AFRIMA has once again demonstrated the immense power and global pull of African music. You can imagine how this number impacts Lagos’ economy and tourism. It is huge for us, and we are proud to partner with the Lagos State Government and others to bring this benefit to our city,” Dada said.
He further emphasized music’s role as a force for integration, inclusion, peace, and economic growth, adding that AFRIMA focuses on talent and shared humanity rather than nationality or race.
Global Impact and Partnerships
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, praised the growing UK-Nigeria-Africa connection through music, noting the global dominance of Afrobeats and the importance of continued creative partnerships.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, reiterated the city’s position as Africa’s cultural capital, emphasizing support for creatives to thrive, collaborate, and compete globally.
AFRIMA 2026 Nominee Highlights
The competition is heating up among Burna Boy, Davido, and South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, each with five nominations.
Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive compete for Album of the Year, alongside hits contending for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.
DJ Maphorisa is in contention for Best African DJ and Album of the Year.
Morocco’s El Grande Toto is also a strong contender with Salgoat.
Nigeria’s Shallipopi is a rising star to watch with four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for Laho.
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The main awards ceremony tomorrow promises an unforgettable celebration of African music, with a live broadcast to audiences in more than 84 countries worldwide.
