- Says FG ready to host awards in November
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, has praised the impact of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) not only on the continent but also the world at large.
Leading an array of dignitaries to the Patron’s Dinner with the International Jury held in Lagos recently, Musawa described AFRIMA as a testimony of how the Nigerian creative sector has developed to a global standard, even without strong government support.
“We are proud of what AFRIMA stands for and the impact it has made in Africa and on a global scale, projecting our identity, culture, language and music. As a government, we will continue to support initiatives like this not just because it celebrates art, but because it strengthens the economy and unites us,” she said.
The evening of elegance, warmth and festivities brought together policymakers, stakeholders in Africa’s creative economy, music executives, artists, media personalities and AFRIMA’s international jurors from 14 countries.
Representing the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, assured stakeholders, artistes and music fans across Africa of the state’s preparedness to welcome them to Lagos.
Benson-Awoyinka, who was joined at the event by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, noted, “For us in Lagos, hosting AFRIMA 2025 is not just another event; it is a big honour. People say we are the culture and entertainment capital of Africa, and we are ready to welcome the whole continent and the world to our city for this great event. We thank the Federal Government, our partners, and all those supporting AFRIMA for trusting Lagos to host again.”
For the patron, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, chairman, The Address Homes, who was accompanied to the event by his wife, Olufunke, families, friends and business moguls, Chief Musa Danjuma and Dayo Adeola, the focus is on creating a sustainable legacy and delivering the best AFRIMA yet.
“Tonight, we proudly recognise the incredible work of our jury members and say a big thank you to them. This year, we are excited to welcome Africa to AFRIMA. Africa and the rest of the world will see an amazing show in Lagos because we are confident of organising a successful event. I sincerely thank the Federal Government of Nigeria and our Host City, Lagos, for their tremendous support, as well as our sponsors and every stakeholder who believes in AFRIMA. The last edition was fantastic but I assure you that AFRIMA 2025 will be the best,” he stated.
Guy Neza, an Ivorian who represents West Africa on the jury, said, “It has been an amazing journey for me to be part of this journey. Africa is full of amazing talent, and it makes me happy to see our music and creativity receiving the recognition they deserve, as AFRIMA is the continent’s biggest music entity. Every artist who sends in his or her work is helping our creative industry grow stronger. With the quality of music we have screened, I can confidently say that the future of the industry is promising.”
AFRIMA President/Founder, Mike Dada, thanked the jury, patrons and stakeholders for their role in sustaining AFRIMA’s growth and success.
“I am truly grateful for the support from every corner of our creative industry; from the Federal Government of Nigeria, our Host City, Lagos State government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, our patron, media, artists, producers and record executives. It is inspiring to see us working hand-in-hand with one shared goal to elevate Africa’s global music.
“We said at the beginning of this journey that we would not joke with the credibility of this awards; we insisted that any artist who will be nominated or win award must submit their work to qualify and this patron’s dinner is our way of honouring the AFRIMA jury, who dedicate their time to carefully select the finest talents from thousands of entries for nomination in their rightful categories,” he explained.
Guests were treated to a soulful performance by fast rising star, Qing Madi. Adding to the sparkle of the night were appearances from music stars like Ice Prince Zamani, Orezi, Praiz, and DJ Nana among others.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture; Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye, ID Ogungbe, Mayor Akinpelu, Ayo Aminu, Mojeed Jamiu, Azu Arinze, Chioma Ude, Olisa Adibua, Ali Baba, Sunday Are, Ehiz and Uti Nwachukwu, alongside other notable figures.
This year’s AFRIMA will take place from November 25 to 30 in Lagos. The weeklong show will include a variety of events such as Welcome Soiree, AFRIMA Music Village, African Music Business Summit, Host City Tour, Nominees Party, and the main awards ceremony, which will be broadcast live to over 84 countries.