AFRIMA 2026: Lagos Comes Alive with Music, Glamour and Industry Power
Lagos was transformed into Africa’s entertainment capital as the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) unfolded in a week-long celebration of sound, culture and creative enterprise. Over five days, the event attracted more than 1,200 artistes, industry executives, diplomats and production crew members, delivering a rich blend of performances, conversations and star-studded moments.
The celebrations officially began with a Welcome Soirée for nominees and invited guests, hosted at the residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner. The elegant evening marked the opening of AFRIMA Week and set the tone for the packed programme ahead. Dignitaries in attendance included representatives of diplomatic missions, government officials, AFRIMA executives and leading figures from the entertainment sector.
Music Meets Business
The spotlight then shifted to the AFRIMA Africa Music Business Summit, held at the Eko Convention Centre. With the theme “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution,” the summit brought together artistes, policymakers, record executives, investors and creative entrepreneurs to examine the future of African music beyond the stage.
Discussions focused on ownership, copyright protection, technology, investment and the urgent need for policy reforms to strengthen Africa’s creative economy. AFRIMA President Mike Dada stressed that sustainable growth in African music depends on strong business structures, noting that creativity must be matched with strategic industry development. He described the summit as a bridge between creatives and decision-makers, aimed at equipping artistes to better navigate the commercial side of the industry.
Contributors included representatives of international music companies, African Union officials, producers, media executives and global music stakeholders, reinforcing AFRIMA’s expanding role as both a cultural and economic platform.
Music Village Ignites Lagos
On Friday, attention moved to the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, where thousands of fans gathered for a vibrant night of live performances. The open-air concert stretched late into the night, delivering a cross-continental showcase of African sound. Veteran Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti led a powerful lineup that included Wande Coal, Diamond Platnumz, Yemi Alade, Stonebwoy, Innoss’B, Kcee, 9ice, Obesere, Skales, Jeriq, Moliy, Mavo and Ayuba. The atmosphere was electric, with music lovers treated to hours of nonstop entertainment.
Saturday was reserved as a rest and preparation day, while organisers worked behind the scenes to fine-tune arrangements for the grand finale.
Awards Night: Glitz, Glory and Big Wins
On Sunday, the Eko Convention Centre buzzed with excitement as the red carpet rolled out for AFRIMA’s main event. Dressed in high fashion and cultural elegance, stars and guests made their entrance before the ceremony officially began in the evening.
The awards night was hosted by Nigerian entertainer Falz and French-Senegalese media personality Liliane Maroune. Falz made history as only the second Nigerian to co-host the prestigious ceremony since its inception.
Despite minor technical hiccups, the night delivered spectacle, glamour and memorable moments. Nigerian stars dominated the honours, with Rema emerging as one of the biggest winners. He claimed Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB/Soul.
Burna Boy secured Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness, while Yemi Alade won Best Soundtrack for her contribution to the animated series Iyanu. Shallipopi celebrated a double victory, taking Song of the Year for Laho and Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy. Phyno clinched Best African Artiste in Hip-Hop, while Chella was named African Fans’ Favourite.
Other winners from across the continent included Tanzania’s Juma Jux, Cindy Le Coeur of DR Congo, Wendy Shay of Ghana and DJ Moh Green from Algeria.
As the curtains closed, AFRIMA once again reaffirmed its position not only as an awards platform, but as a powerful meeting point for African creativity, culture and the business of music.
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