It’s official!
The 9th edition of the prestigious continental music awards, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), will now take place in Lagos from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The awards ceremony was previously scheduled to hold from November 25–30, 2025. However, following extensive consultations with partners, artistes and stakeholders from across Africa and the Diaspora, the African Union Commission (AUC) and International Executive Committee of AFRIMA found it expedient to shift the event till next year.
In a statement issued today, Ms. Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports and Head of Culture and Sport Division, AUC, says: “The African Union Commission is proud to continue its partnership with AFRIMA in celebrating Africa’s creative excellence and global influence. This relationship aligns perfectly with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and AU Agenda 2063, which prioritise the creative economy as a driver of sustainable development, youth empowerment and continental integration. The new dates for the 9th AFRIMA in January 2026 provide an exciting opportunity to further showcase the rich diversity, innovation and unity of Africa’s music and culture to the world.”
Explaining the decision further, Cameroonian music star and AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka aka Wax Dey, said the new dates would allow for broader participation, and ensure top-quality experience for everyone involved.
“AFRIMA is not just an award show; it is Africa’s global music stage. Rescheduling the 9th edition to January allows us to deliver the kind of world-class celebration that truly reflects Africa’s creative power. It also ensures that more of our stakeholders, artistes, fans, media and partners can participate fully. This is about giving African music the grand platform it deserves,” the artist, who is also a lawyer, states.
Held in partnership with the African Union, Federal Government of Nigeria as Host Country and Lagos State as Host City, AFRIMA will feature a weeklong lineup of music, culture and entertainment.
The continent’s biggest music festival will commence officially on Wednesday, January 7 with the exclusive Welcome Soirée for nominees, delegates, guests and international media, offering a premium networking space for artistes, industry leaders, sponsors and media professionals. On the same day, the AFRIMA Diamond Showcase, a special performance platform for undiscovered African music acts, will host 15 budding talents, creating an opportunity for them to connect their sounds to a larger audience and break into mainstream music success.
On Thursday, January 8, the spotlight will shift to Africa Music Business Summit, AFRIMA’s signature conference for thought leadership and collaboration within the African music ecosystem. Later that evening, guests will be treated to Music Icons’ Night, a celebration of legendary figures who have shaped Africa’s music heritage.
The excitement continues on Friday, January 9 with a vibrant lineup that includes community outreach to schools, host city cultural tour and courtesy reception with the Lagos State Government. The day will close on a high note with AFRIMA Music Village, an open-air, star-studded live concert.
Saturday, January 10, will bring the energy up further at the AFRIMA Nominees & Industry Party, a glamorous night dedicated to past winners, current nominees, and AFRIMA’s valued sponsors and partners.
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the weeklong celebration will culminate in the grand finale, AFRIMA Awards Ceremony, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event will feature a live Red Carpet broadcast and electrifying performances from some of Africa’s biggest music stars. It will be aired to over 84 countries around the world.