Lagos Hosts All Africa Music Awards, Championing Creative Excellence

Lagos State is stepping into the spotlight this January as the proud host of the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, a celebration that perfectly embodies the city's vision of becoming Africa's premier destination for arts, culture, and creative excellence.

The week-long festival, which kicked off on Wednesday, January 7th and runs through Sunday, January 11th, 2026, represents far more than just an awards ceremony. It's a powerful statement about the transformative potential of creativity and cultural exchange across the African continent.

Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State's Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, shared her enthusiasm at a press conference announcing the festivities. She emphasized how the state government is actively creating spaces where creativity can flourish and investments can thrive, positioning Lagos as a hub that celebrates and nurtures artistic talent.

The highlight promises to be a spectacular high musical concert on Friday, January 9th, featuring Africa's biggest superstars delivering show-stopping performances that will remind the world of the continent's incredible artistic wealth.

What makes this celebration particularly special is its collaborative spirit. The partnership with the British High Commission demonstrates how culture can build bridges between nations and create meaningful diplomatic connections. These kinds of partnerships reinforce a shared vision of using arts and culture as powerful tools for international understanding and cooperation.

The Ripple Effect:

The impact of AFRIMA extends far beyond the stage lights and award ceremonies. This gathering brings together an inspiring mix of artists, producers, industry leaders, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond. Together, they're demonstrating that the creative sector isn't just about entertainment, it's a serious contributor to employment, tourism development, and youth empowerment.

Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka celebrated the nominees and participants for their dedication, noting how their creativity and discipline continue to showcase Africa's strength, diversity, and global competitiveness. The awards platform amplifies African voices and stories to the world, ensuring that the continent's narratives are told authentically and powerfully.

Mike Dada, President of AFRIMA, expressed gratitude for the African Union's decision to grant hosting rights to Lagos. He praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's vision and generous acceptance of the invitation, recognizing the governor's understanding of how cultural events drive true development.

Dada's vision for the event is both proud and purposeful. The platform showcases African musical talent while demonstrating the continent's capacity to serve as a global creative leader. It's about telling the world a different story, one of excellence, innovation, and cultural richness.

Through initiatives like AFRIMA, Lagos State is proving that investing in creativity isn't just good for artists, it's good for everyone. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture continues working to create environments that support artistic expression, encourage investment, and solidify Lagos's position as Africa's undisputed cultural and creative capital.

This celebration reminds us that when we invest in creativity, we invest in our collective future, building bridges across borders and empowering the next generation of African talent to shine even brighter.