AFRIMA 2026: Over 1,200 artistes, delegates storm Lagos as 9th edition kicks off

Lagos has once again affirmed its status as Africa’s creative heartbeat as no fewer than 1,216 artistes, delegates and production professionals converged on the city for the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

The impressive figure was disclosed at the Welcome Soirée for nominees and invited guests, held at the Residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner in Ikoyi, Lagos, an event that officially signalled the commencement of AFRIMA Week.

Speaking at the gathering, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mr. Mike Dada, described the turnout as a clear reflection of the rising global influence of African music and the expanding relevance of AFRIMA as a platform for strengthening the continent’s creative economy.

He noted that the awards, organised in partnership with the African Union Commission, have continued to serve as a major catalyst for cultural exchange, economic growth and continental integration.

According to Dada, the 1,216 participants include 732 artistes and managers, 301 delegates from across Africa and the diaspora, as well as 183 technical and production professionals working behind the scenes to deliver the event.

He stressed that the influx of visitors represents a significant boost to Lagos’ economy, particularly in tourism, hospitality and allied services.

“This year’s AFRIMA has once again demonstrated the immense power and global pull of African music. As we speak, a total of 1,216 artistes, delegates and members of our production team have arrived in Lagos,” Dada said.

“You can imagine how that number can impact our economy and showcase the capacity of Lagos as a tourism and creative hub. It is huge for us, and we are pleased to be working closely with the Lagos State Government and our partners to ensure these benefits are felt by the city and the wider economy.”

He further подчеркed AFRIMA’s belief in music as a force for good, noting that beyond entertainment, it plays a vital role in fostering inclusion, promoting peace and driving sustainable growth within the creative industry.

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“Music is a powerful tool for integration and inclusion. It is also a catalyst for peace, not just across Africa but globally, and of course, a major driver of economic growth in the creative sector,” he said.

“For us, AFRIMA is about connecting people. We do not see colour; we see talent and humanity. That shared humanity is what informs our partnerships and our purpose.”

Dada expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its continued support, as well as AFRIMA’s partners, including First Bank, Guinness, Glenfiddich and the Swedish Government. He also thanked the UK Government for hosting the welcome event, describing the partnership as highly valued.

In his remarks, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, applauded the deepening cultural ties between the United Kingdom, Nigeria and the rest of Africa through music. He noted the growing global success of African artistes, particularly the dominance of Afrobeats on international charts.

“Afrobeats is now dominating the charts in the UK and across the globe,” Baxter said. “It is extremely important for us to continue strengthening our connection through music and other creative industries. The UK remains committed to partnerships that deliver mutual economic development.”

Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to positioning Lagos as Africa’s cultural and creative capital. She described the city as a dynamic hub where creativity thrives and talent finds opportunities to scale globally.

“Lagos is Africa’s cultural capital — a city where creativity lives loudly, ideas scale rapidly and talent finds opportunity,” she said. “Through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we remain steadfast in building an enabling ecosystem where creatives can thrive, collaborate and compete successfully on the world stage.”