The African Union (AU) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have commended the Lagos State Government, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, sponsors, partners and media organisations for their pivotal roles in the successful hosting of the ninth edition of AFRIMA.
The accolades followed the five-day celebration of African music held in Lagos from January 7 to 11, which drew artistes, delegates and stakeholders from more than 48 African countries, further cementing AFRIMA’s reputation as the continent’s premier music awards platform.
Speaking after the event, the Head of Culture at the African Union Commission, Angela Martins, described the success of the awards as a testament to the rising global influence of African music and the strength of collaboration between public and private institutions.
“AFRIMA has continued to project Africa’s musical and cultural strength to the world,” Martins said. “The support and commitment from the Lagos State Government, sponsors, partners and the media ensured a smooth and memorable celebration of African music.”
She noted that AFRIMA has evolved beyond an awards ceremony into a powerful symbol of African unity and cultural expression. According to her, each edition reinforces cultural integration across the continent while showcasing Africa’s creativity to a global audience.
Martins also praised Lagos for once again demonstrating its capacity to host major international events, describing the state as a strategic hub for Africa’s growing creative economy.
AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, equally expressed gratitude to partners and sponsors, singling out the Lagos State Government and Governor Sanwo-Olu for special recognition.
“We are sincerely grateful to all our partners and sponsors who believed in the AFRIMA vision and supported us throughout the planning and execution of the ninth edition,” Dada said. “Their commitment reflects a shared belief in the power of African music as a tool for unity, cultural pride and economic growth.”
He added that the state government’s support, particularly in logistics, security and hospitality, played a key role in the success of the event, describing Lagos as a welcoming home for Africa’s creative industry.
Major sponsors and partners of the 9th AFRIMA included First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), The Address Homes, Guinness Nigeria, Utilita and Gobet247. International cultural backing was provided by the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Embassy of Sweden, both serving as Cultural Exchange Partners.
Other supporting brands and organisations included Glenfiddich, Jägermeister, Super Travels Limited, Pan-Atlantic Travels, Wakanow, Dorf Travels & Tours Limited, Vaniti Lagos, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) and Mainland Block Party Lagos.
AFRIMA also acknowledged its extensive media partnerships, featuring outlets such as DSTV/Multichoice, TVC, African Union of Broadcasters, Hip TV, Beat FM, Classic FM, Lagos Talks FM, Legit.ng, Nigeria Info, Nigezie, QED and several others, alongside robust out-of-home advertising support from Motomedia, Yartview Limited, Optimus Exposure and Nimbus Media.
The week-long celebration opened with a Welcome Soiree at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner on January 7, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre, where industry leaders deliberated on the future of African music.
Festivities peaked at the AFRIMA Music Village in Ikeja City Mall on January 9, where over 25 top artistes thrilled more than 30,000 fans. The grand finale, held at the Eko Convention Centre, attracted a packed audience and was broadcast to 84 countries worldwide.
Winners at the colourful ceremony, including artistes, producers and directors, were honoured with the prestigious 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy, closing another landmark chapter in the celebration of African music and culture.
