The African Union Commission (AUC), in partnership with the International Executive Committee of the All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), is poised to organize the 9th edition of Africa’s global music awards that will take place from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. Beyond celebrating musical excellence, the event stands as a powerful platform for reshaping and projecting Africa’s narrative to the global community through culture, creativity, and unity.

The AUC–AFRIMA partnership reflects the African Union’s commitment to promoting Africa’s creative economy as outlined in the AU Cultural Policy for Africa and Agenda 2063. These frameworks recognise music and the wider creative sector as strategic tools for sustainable development, youth empowerment, continental integration, and global influence. With the new January 2026 dates, AFRIMA offers the world an expanded opportunity to engage with Africa’s diversity, innovation, and shared identity through its most universal language—music.

AFRIMA has grown beyond an awards ceremony into Africa’s foremost global music stage, shaping how the continent is seen, heard, and understood worldwide. Hosted in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria as Official Host Country, and Lagos State as Official Host City, the 9th edition will feature a week-long celebration of music, culture, and African excellence.

The festival officially opens on Wednesday, January 7, with an exclusive Welcome Soirée for nominees, delegates, international media, and industry leaders, creating a high-level networking space that connects African talent to global opportunities. The same day will also host the AFRIMA Diamond Showcase, spotlighting 15 emerging African artistes and offering them a gateway to international recognition.

On Thursday, January 8, attention turns to the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS), AFRIMA’s flagship platform for dialogue, policy discussion, and collaboration within the music ecosystem. The evening will culminate in the Music Icons’ Night, honouring legendary figures whose contributions have shaped Africa’s musical heritage and global soundscape.

Friday, January 9, will further connect music with community and culture through school outreach programmes, a host city cultural tour, and a courtesy reception with the Lagos State Government. The day will end with the AFRIMA Music Village—an open-air concert and festival arena showcasing Africa’s vibrant contemporary sounds.

The celebration continues on Saturday, January 10, with the AFRIMA Nominees & Industry Party, a glamorous gathering that brings together past winners, current nominees, sponsors, and partners in recognition of shared success and collaboration.

The week will culminate on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with the live broadcast AFRIMA Awards Ceremony at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. Featuring a live red-carpet showcase and electrifying performances by Africa’s biggest stars, the ceremony will be broadcast to audiences in over 84 countries.

Through AFRIMA 2026, Africa is not only celebrating its music but confidently telling its own story to the world—one of creativity, resilience, unity, and global relevance.