The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have officially postponed the 9th edition of the continental music awards to January 2026.
Originally slated for November 25–30, 2025, the event will now take place from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. Organisers said the decision followed extensive consultations with partners, artistes, and stakeholders across Africa and the diaspora to ensure greater participation and deliver a world-class experience.
Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports at the AUC, reaffirmed the AU’s support for AFRIMA’s mission to promote African creativity and unity through music.
“This partnership aligns with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and Agenda 2063, which position the creative economy as a key driver of sustainable development, youth empowerment, and continental integration,” she said.
“The new dates provide an exciting opportunity to further showcase Africa’s diversity, innovation, and unity to the world.”
In April 2025, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the state’s readiness to host the event, describing it as part of his administration’s strategy to make culture, tourism, and entertainment pillars of economic growth. The AU and AFRIMA formally unveiled Lagos as the host city the following month at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
By September 2025, the organisers released the nominees’ list, featuring top African acts such as Burna Boy, Davido, DJ Maphorisa, El Grande Toto, Rema, Shallipopi, and Ayra Starr, with global voting commencing on September 10.
Nde Ndifonka (Wax Dey), AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, said the rescheduling was aimed at enhancing quality and participation.
“AFRIMA is not just an award show — it’s Africa’s global music stage,” he stated. “Postponing the 9th edition to January allows us to deliver a truly world-class celebration of African music and ensure broader inclusion for artistes, fans, media, and partners.”
The 9th AFRIMA will be hosted in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Lagos State Government as the official host city.
The week-long celebration will feature a blend of music, business, and culture, beginning with a Welcome Soirée and the AFRIMA Diamond Showcase spotlighting emerging African talents on January 7, 2026.
Other key events include:
- Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) and Music Icons’ Night – January 8
- School outreach, cultural tours, and AFRIMA Music Village concert – January 9
- Nominees and Industry Party – January 10
- Grand AFRIMA Awards Ceremony – January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, to be broadcast across more than 84 countries.
Organisers say the new dates reaffirm AFRIMA’s commitment to celebrating African music excellence while ensuring that the 2026 edition becomes the most inclusive and spectacular yet.
