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  • Winning AFRIMA ‘life-changing,’ say Juma Jux, Folex

    Winning AFRIMA ‘life-changing,’ say Juma Jux, Folex

    • Stakeholders meet in Tanzania

    Fresh from their victories at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos, Nigeria, Tanzanian stars Juma Jux and Folex have described the platform as a major driver of global visibility for African creatives, as industry stakeholders met in Dar es Salaam to review the impact of the awards on the region’s music industry.

    The award-winning artistes shared their views during a Media and Stakeholders’ Parley hosted by AFRIMA’s International Committee, which brought together artistes, regulators, music executives and the media to examine opportunities created by the awards and how East Africa can better harness them.

    Speaking at the event held at Urban by City Blue Hotel, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Juma Jux, winner of East African Artiste of the Year (Male) at the 9th AFRIMA, described the experience as career-defining.

    “Winning AFRIMA changed a lot for me,” Jux said. “People who never spoke to me before now reach out. Being on a stage watched in over 84 countries gives you a new level of visibility and responsibility.”

    He also called for stronger partnerships between platforms like AFRIMA and government agencies in Tanzania. “When institutions work hand in hand with platforms like AFRIMA, artistes benefit more through exposure, training and knowledge sharing,” he added.

    Also speaking, Tanzanian music director Folex, who won Best Music Video of the Year for his work on Juma Jux’s Ololufemi video, said the recognition had changed his life. He explained that the Lagos experience opened doors to new networks and learning opportunities.

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    “Being nominated alongside international names like Pink and TG Omori and then winning the award was life-changing for me. It showed that East Africans can compete and win at the highest level. This award validates the work of music video directors in Tanzania and brings more confidence to our creative industry,” he said.

    Associate Producer of AFRIMA, Victoria Nkong, said the awards had grown beyond a celebration of talent to become a strong development platform for African creatives.

    “AFRIMA is designed to build an ecosystem for African music,” Nkong said. “Beyond the trophies, we focus on talent promotion, industry development and creating pathways that help African artistes move from local recognition to global visibility.”

    She added that the engagement in Tanzania was important for deepening collaboration with government institutions and industry stakeholders.

    “Tanzania and East Africa have rich musical identities. AFRIMA is committed to working closely with institutions and creatives here to ensure that their music and talent are well represented on the global stage,” she said.

    Also speaking, Selemani Mabisso, Acting Assistant Director of the Music Department at the National Arts Council of Tanzania, BASATA, reaffirmed the council’s willingness to partner with AFRIMA and other international bodies.

    “BASATA is open to collaborations that will help grow and strengthen Tanzania’s music industry,” Mabisso said. “We are ready to support initiatives that will position our creatives competitively on the global stage.”

    The 9th AFRIMA was held from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria, and was organised by the African Union Commission and the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA, in partnership with the Lagos State Government as the Official Host City.

    The five-day celebration of African music featured seven major events, including a Welcome Soiree, the Africa Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, where over 25 top artistes thrilled more than 30,000 fans, and a grand finale at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, Nigeria which was broadcast to audiences in 84 countries worldwide.

  • Ninth AFRIMA: Africa under one roof

    Ninth AFRIMA: Africa under one roof

    • Delegates, artistes from 48 countries participate

    • Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Guinea, South Africa, DR Congo shine

    The ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has again proved why it is regarded as Africa’s biggest music awards platform.

    Artistes, delegates, and industry stakeholders from 48 African countries gathered in Lagos, Nigeria, to celebrate the continent’s rich and diverse musical heritage.

    The ninth AFRIMA held from January 7 to 11 in an atmosphere of unity, colour, and creativity, with winners emerging from West, East, North, Central, Southern Africa and in the diaspora.

    This widespread success further showed that the platform is truly for the whole continent, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mr. Mike Dada, said.

    “AFRIMA is not just about giving awards. It is about bringing Africa together under one roof to celebrate our stories, culture, and future through music,” he said. “I am happy that we had delegates from at least 48 countries, including 1,216 artistes, delegates, and production team members.

    “Looking at the winners, all regions of Africa are represented, showing the growth of our music industry. Artistes from South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, and Ethiopia were among those who led in the major categories.”

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    Cote d’Ivoire recorded multiple wins, with Milo and Morijah taking the male and female African Inspirational categories; Didi B emerging as Best African Lyricist or Rapper, and Team Paiya winning Best African Duo, Group or Band.

    From Ethiopia, Haddinqo won Best African Jazz; Weeha claimed Best African Dance/Choreography, while Veronica Adane won Best African Traditional.

    “Guinea celebrated Manamba Kanté as Best African Pop, and Takana Zion as Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall.

    Benin Republic’s Axel Merryl won Best African Contemporary, while Senegal’s Bakhaw Dioum was named Songwriter of the Year. Algeria produced winners in DJ Moh Green (Best African DJ) and Izlan (Best African Rock), while Rwanda’s Element Eleéh and Mugisha Fred Robinson won Producer of the Year.

    In East Africa, Jux (Tanzania) won Best Male Artiste, while Fole X claimed Best African Video of the Year for “Ololufe”. Denise from Madagascar won Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa.

    Northern Africa winners included Adviser (Mauritania) and Sherine (Tunisia), while Southern Africa celebrated Yo Maps (Zambia), Nontokozo Mkhize and Ciza (South Africa). Central Africa honours went to Singuila (Republic of Congo) and Cindy Le Cœur (DRC), while Ghana’s Wendy Shay won Best Female Artiste in Western Africa.

    The week-long celebration began with a Welcome Soiree to formally receive nominees and guests held at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner on Wednesday, January 7. Activities continued with the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, and on Friday, January 9, attention shifted to the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, where over 25 A-list artistes treated more than 20,000 people to the best of music at the high-octane concert.

    The Eko Convention Centre at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, was filled beyond capacity as thousands poured in to witness the grand finale of the ninth AFRIMA Awards.

    In a dazzling ceremony, artistes, producers, video and sound directors, among other creatives, were honoured with the prestigious 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.

  • AFRIMA in glitz, glamour

    AFRIMA in glitz, glamour

    After a memorable festivity that ended 2025 across Africa, the African music industry started the year 2026 with the Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA. The ninth edition of the AFRIMA was held in Lagos, and activities were held between Wednesday, January 7, and Sunday, January 11, Entertainment Editor, Gbenga Bada reports.

    This year’s AFRIMA attracted no fewer than 1,216 artists, delegates and members of the production team to Lagos for the duration of five days. The five day-long event, had a plethora of music activities that kicked off with the Welcome Soiree for nominees and invited guests. The soiree was hosted by the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, at his residence in Lagos. The event formally signaled the commencement of AFRIMA Week, setting the tone for a series of activities leading up to the awards ceremony.

    In attendance were dignitaries from the British High Commission, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, AFRIMA president, Mike Dada and several others.

    Following the Welcome Soiree, the train moved to the AFRIMA Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS), which was held on Thursday, January 8, at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos.

    With the theme Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution, the summit brought together industry leaders, artistes, policymakers, diplomats and global stakeholders to discuss ownership, investment, distribution, copyright and the future of African music on the global stage.

    At the Music Business Summit, the conversations went beyond performances and popularity, with discussants identifying policy reform, technology adoption and stronger collaboration as major pillars needed to deepen the growth of Africa’s music industry.

    The President of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, stated that the African music industry must now pay more attention to the business side if it wants to grow sustainably saying, “African music is not only about the songs and vibes but about building the business aspect of the industry.”

    Dada went further to add that the Africa Music Business Summit was created to bridge the gap between creatives and decision-makers.

    In his words, “Africa Business Summit is designed to expose African artists to business leaders within the sector on the continent.”

    The Music Business Summit also had a representative of the African Union Commission, the Head of Culture Division, Ms. Angela Martins, who described music and the creative economy as key drivers of development, unity and job creation across Africa.

    Read Also: Olisa Adibua, Juma Jux, Stonebwoy, ID Cabasa, others lead conversations at Africa Music Business Summit ahead of 9th AFRIMA

    Attendees at the Music Business Summit include CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Sipho Dlamini; Morocco’s Karima Damir of Universal Music, Francis Doku, Mustapha Ettouil, Georg Heritlitz, Olisa Adibua, Bizzle Oshikoya. Others are Kofi Olomide, ID Cabassa; Innoss B, Juma Jux, Stonebwoy, and Didi B, among others.

    The AFRIMA Music Village was next and it happened on Friday, January 9. For the ninth edition of the continental music and culture awards, The AFRIMA Music Village lit up Ikeja City Mall to deliver an unforgettable celebration of African music and culture that drew a massive crowd of enthusiastic music fans.

    The event, which kicked off at about 6:30PM, stretched late into the early hours of Saturday as fans gathered to experience an energetic blend of sounds from across the continent. Performances were led by legendary Afrobeat star, Femi Kuti.

    From Wande Coal to Diamond Platnumz, Yemi Alade, Stonebwoy, Innos’B, Kcee, 9ice, Obesere, Jeriq, Skales, Moliy, Mavo, and Ayuba, the African stars took turns to thrill a cheering crowd and give an unforgettable night of excitement.

    Saturday, January 10, was devoid of official activities as guests and musicians took the time to relax ahead of the big day on Sunday, January 11, while officials kept working round the clock to achieve a successful event.

     On Sunday, January 11, the Eko Convention Centre, situated inside the Eko Hotels and Suites, was busy with beehives of activities that heralded the 9th Gala night and awards ceremony of the continental music and culture ceremony.

    The glamour and the glitz of the ceremony became the order of the day as the Red Carpet kicked off at 3:30 pm till 6:30 pm when guests entered the hall for the commencement of the ceremony that kicked off at exactly 7pm.

    Nigeria’s FalzTheBahdGuy and French-Senegalese actress and media personality, Liliane Maroune welcomed attendees and guests as hosts of the 9th edition of the awards. Falz emerged the second Nigerian, after music legend 2Baba, who co-hosted the prestigious ceremony at the inaugural edition in 2014.

    Despite some production glitches and errors during the five-hour long ceremony, attendees were treated to a night of African royalty with the hosts looking glamorous in their different outfits throughout the night.

    Nigerian music stars Burna Boy, Rema, Yemi Alade, Shallipopi and Phyno emerged among the biggest winners of the night. Rema, who attended the event in company of his associates, stood out clinching three major awards -Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Artiste of the Year, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul for Calm Down.

    Burna Boy, who was absent at the ceremony, clinched the Album of the Year award for his No Sign of Weakness’ album, while Yemi Alade’s You Are from Iyanu: The Animated Series won Best Soundtrack in a Movie, Series or Documentary.

    Other Nigerian winners include fast-rising act, Shallipopi, who not only performed at the event but also won Song of the Year with his 2025 monster hit ‘Laho’ and Best African Collaboration alongside Burna Boy for the remix of ‘Laho.’ Phyno won Best African Artiste in African Hip-Hop, while rising star Chella clinched African Fans’ Favourite with his hit single, ‘My Darling.’

    Other winners on the night included Tanzania’s Jux, Cindy Le Coeur of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Wendy Shay from Ghana, and DJ Moh Green from Algeria.

  • Eni, Claudia host AFRIMA Red Carpet as Tosyn, Ariane Lead Fashion Watch

    Eni, Claudia host AFRIMA Red Carpet as Tosyn, Ariane Lead Fashion Watch

    All eyes will be on the Red Carpet as the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) rolls out one of its most glamorous moments, with top media and fashion personalities set to lead the show.

    The Red Carpet is expected to start at 3:30 PM (WAT) on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, Nigeria, and will end by 6:30 pm, shortly before the main AFRIMA Awards Ceremony begins by  7 PM (WAT).

     Famous Nigerian influencer, actor, director, film producer and television personality Enioluwa Adeoluwa, popularly known as Eni, will join Kenyan actress, Claudia Naisabwa, as hosts of the AFRIMA Red Carpet. Stylish, confident and media-savvy, the duo are expected to bring charm, excitement and pan-African energy as they welcome Africa’s biggest music stars and celebrities to the awards night.

     The fashion spotlight will shine even brighter with respected style voice Tosyn of Style Infidel stepping in as fashion police. Known for his keen eye and bold commentary, Tosyn will break down the best looks, daring outfits and headline-making fashion moments from the red carpet.

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    Joining him is Ariane Celeste Moua. From elegant gowns to statement suits, Ariane will deliver sharp, entertaining reviews of what the stars are wearing as they make their grand entrance.

     Speaking on the exciting Red Carpet line-up, Victoria Nkong, AFRIMA Associate Producer, said the selection reflects AFRIMA’s vision of blending music, fashion and African excellence on one global stage.

     “The AFRIMA red carpet has grown into a major entertainment moment. It is where music meets fashion and culture. With Eni, Claudia, Tosyn and Ariane, guests, artists, attendees and even millions of viewers watching the show across the world should expect colour, class and unforgettable moments,” Nkong said.

     She noted that beyond the awards, the red carpet gives African artistes and designers the chance to express creativity, confidence and identity before a global audience.

     Africa’s biggest music celebration is scheduled to run from January 7 to 11, 2026. The week-long festival officially kicked off on Wednesday with a special Welcome Soiree for nominees and invited guests, hosted by the British High Commission in Nigeria.

     Activities continue on Thursday, January 8, with the Africa Music Business Summit, where key players discussed the business and future of African music. On Friday, January 9, the spotlight moves to the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, where more than 25 top African artistes and DJs thrill fans with live performances. 

    The award will reach its peak on Sunday, January 11, with the Main Awards Ceremony. The event will be transmitted live to viewers in over 84 countries across the world.

  • AFRIMA: When, where to watch the 9th All Africa Music Awards live

    AFRIMA: When, where to watch the 9th All Africa Music Awards live

    The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is currently underway in Lagos, Nigeria, celebrating the continent’s vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage.

    The festival kicked off with the AFRIMA Music Village, an open-air concert, which took place on January 9, 2026, featuring a star-studded line-up of artists including Femi Kuti, Skales, Wande Coal, Diamond Platnumz, Mavo, and Yemi Alade.

    The main awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on January 11, 2026, and will be co-hosted by Nigerian rapper and actor Falz and French-Senegalese actress and media personality Liliane Maroune.

    The event will be broadcast live on DStv Channel 196 and GOtv Channel 28, as well as streamed on DStv Stream.

    This year’s festival is themed “Unstoppable Africa,” a tribute to the continent’s growing global influence and creative momentum.

    The annual event, organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in collaboration with the African Union Commission and in partnership with the Lagos State Government, aims to promote Africa’s rich cultural heritage and celebrate outstanding musical works, talent, and creativity across the continent.

  • 1,216 artistes, delegates, production team hit Lagos for Ninth AFRIMA

    1,216 artistes, delegates, production team hit Lagos for Ninth AFRIMA

    Lagos has once again come alive as 1,216 artistes, delegates, and members of the production team entered the city for the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

    The figure was announced at the Welcome Soirée for nominees and guests at the home of the British Deputy High Commissioner, which officially marked the start of AFRIMA Week.

    Speaking at the event, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, said the turnout showed the growing strength of African music and how AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, is using the platform to enhance creative economies of African countries.

    He said: “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. This number includes 732 artistes and managers, 301 delegates from across Africa and the diaspora, and 183 technical production professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes.

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    “You can imagine how that number can impact our economy, how much benefit Lagos’ tourism capacity demonstrates. It is huge for us and we are happy to work with the Lagos State government and other partners to bring this benefit to our economy and our city.”

    Dada said AFRIMA understands the power and value of music as a force for good, which drives integration and inclusion, promotes peace across Africa and the world, as well as fuels economic growth within the creative industry.

    “First, music is a powerful tool for integration and inclusion. Second, it is a catalyst for peace, both across our continent and globally. And of course, music is a driver of economic growth within the creative industry.

    “For us, AFRIMA is about connecting people. We do not see colour. What we see is talent, whether you are white, black, blue, or green. What matters to us is the humanity that exists in all of us. That shared humanity is what has informed our partnerships and our purpose,” he added.

    Dada thanked the Lagos State government and AFRIMA partners, including First Bank, Guinness, Glenfiddich, and the Swedish Government.

    The AFRIMA President also expressed appreciation to the United Kingdom (UK) Government for hosting the event, saying: “We do not take this partnership for granted.”

    Also, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter applauded the strong ties between the UK, Nigeria, and Africa through music.

    The envoy said African artistes are achieving major global success.

    He added that Afrobeats is “now dominating the charts in the UK and across the globe. It is extremely important for us that we continue to build our connection to music and other creative industries. The UK is committed to partnerships that bring mutual economic development”.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said: “Lagos is Africa’s cultural capital, a city where creativity lives loudly, where ideas scale rapidly, and where talent finds opportunity. Through the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we remain unwavering in our commitment to building an enabling ecosystem where creatives can thrive, collaborate, and compete successfully on the world stage.”

  • Ninth AFRIMA: Nigerian star FalzTheBahdGuy, French-Senegalese actress Liliane Maroune are hosts

    Ninth AFRIMA: Nigerian star FalzTheBahdGuy, French-Senegalese actress Liliane Maroune are hosts

    The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has officially unveiled Nigerian rapper and actor, FalzTheBahdGuy, and a French-Senegalese actress and media personality, Liliane Maroune, as hosts of the ninth edition of the awards.

    The ninth AFRIMA, organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in conjunction and the African Union Commission in partnership with the Lagos State government (official host city), is slated to hold from January 7 to 11, next year, in Lagos, Nigeria.

    With this appointment, FalzTheBahdGuy becomes the second Nigerian, after music legend 2Baba, to host the prestigious AFRIMA stage, following 2Baba’s historic role as co-host of the inaugural edition in 2014.

    Over the years, AFRIMA has featured a distinguished list of hosts drawn from across the continent and the diaspora, including 2Baba (Nigeria) and Maryse Acotie (Togo) at the inaugural 2014 edition; DNG (Kenya) and Aurélie Eliam (Cote d’Ivoire) in 2015; Ahmed Soultan (Morocco), Bonang Matheba (South Africa) and Ika De Jong (DRC) in 2016; Akon (Senegal/U.S.A.) and Sophy Aiida (Cameroon) in 2017; Michael Blackson (Ghana/U.S.A.), Pearl Thusi (South Africa) and Anita Erskine (Ghana) in 2018; Pearl Thusi and Eddie Kadi (DRC/UK) in 2019 and 2021; and Ahmed Sylla (France/Senegal), Sophy Aiida, and Pearl Thusi at the eighth edition held in January 2023.

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    FalzTheBahdGuy, a multiple award winner, is one of Africa’s most respected figures in music and film. He is known for his intelligent lyrics, confident stage presence, and powerful social commentary.

    Beyond music, FalzTheBahdGuy has built a strong acting career and received praise for his roles in popular films, such as New Money, Brotherhood, 10 Days in Sun City, and Chief Daddy.

    Liliane Maroune, who is also a French-Senegalese actress, model, and TV host, brings elegance, global appeal, and a strong African identity to the AFRIMA stage. Maroune, who also has Lebanese and Mauritanian ancestry, is well known for her roles in West African television series, including Myriam in Emprises and Aissatou in Coeurs Brisés. She is also popular for hosting the talk show, “Wakhtane Ak Lily”, where she interviews leading African creatives. Her growing influence across Africa and Europe positions her as a fitting co-host for the awards.

    Commenting on the choice of hosts, AFRIMA Regional Director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka, said: “FalzTheBahdGuy brings intelligence, strong ideas, and a powerful African voice that connects with both young and old audiences. Liliane embodies elegance, diversity, and the contemporary African woman with international influence. Together, they clearly show the strength and richness of African music and culture. They  both understand Africa, speak for Africa, and live the African experience in their own ways.”

    The build-up to the ninth AFRIMA has been electric, with music fans across the world still voting for their preferred artistes in 39 categories of the awards on www.afrima.org.

    The five-day event of the biggest music awards in Africa will begin with the Welcome Soirée for guests and nominees at the British Deputy High Commission House in Lagos on Wednesday, January 7. The Africa Music Business Summit will take centre stage on Thursday, January 8, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites.

    Music lovers across the continent are expected to throng the Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Lagos, on Friday, January 9, for the AFRIMA Music Village.

    There will be a Nominees and Industry Party on Saturday, January 10, before the Main Awards Show on Sunday, January 11, also at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites. The Red Carpet starts at 3 p.m. (WAT) and the awards ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries, ensuring the excitement reaches audiences around the world.

  • AFRIMA, British High Commission partner to promote culture, creative exchange

    AFRIMA, British High Commission partner to promote culture, creative exchange

    The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the British High Commission in Nigeria have entered into a cultural partnership aimed at boosting creative exchange, strengthening cultural ties, and opening more international doors for African music as the 9th AFRIMA Awards is set to hold from January 7-11, 2026.

    The collaboration, formalised through a newly signed Cultural Cooperation Agreement, also affirmed that the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos would co-host the Welcome Soirée for the Nominees and Guests in Lagos, the official opening event of the 9th AFRIMA Awards Week.

    The exclusive gathering will take place on January 7, 2026 and in attendance will be AU officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, international guests, nominees, creatives, and media professionals for an evening of networking and cultural connection.

    Unarguably, Africa’s global music awards, the 9th AFRIMA is organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State government as the Official Host City.

    Speaking of the partnership, AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer (CXO), Adenrele Niyi, described the collaboration as a strategic move to deepen cultural diplomacy through music.

     “This partnership reflects AFRIMA’s mission to position African music as a global force,” she said.

    “Beyond the awards, we are committed to building spaces where creativity meets opportunity and where African talent can confidently engage the world. Working with the British High Commission expands our platform for industry innovation, collaboration, and meaningful cultural exchange.”

     Niyi added that this edition of AFRIMA will place strong emphasis on strengthening global creative-industry relationships.

     “Partnerships like this show just how relevant African music has become on the world stage. We’re honoured to collaborate with such an important institution, and we believe the impact will go far beyond 2025.”

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    The agreement, signed by Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires, British High Commission Nigeria, aligns with the UK’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s creative industries through enhanced cultural exchange and innovation. She said:

    “The UK is delighted to partner with AFRIMA to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of Africa’s music industry. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the UK and Nigeria, and across the African continent. Our Jollof and Tea campaign has shown us the power of bringing people together through culture, and we’re excited to build on that spirit. We look forward to a week of celebration that showcases the very best of African music and opens new doors for creative exchange and collaboration.”

    Across the five-day celebration, the 9th AFRIMA will deliver a lineup of key events including the Diamond Showcase (Jan 7–8), the Africa Music Business Summit (Jan 8), Host City Tour and CSR Visit, the Music Village Concert (Jan 9), the Nominees & Industry Party (Jan 10), and the Red Carpet and Grand Awards Night (Jan 11). The awards ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries, ensuring the excitement reaches audiences around the world.

  • AFRIMA: Diamond showcase portal berths ahead of 9th edition

    AFRIMA: Diamond showcase portal berths ahead of 9th edition

    Ahead of the 9th Edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria, the journey to discover and celebrate Africa’s future music stars has begun.

    The organisers of AFRIMA have opened an application portal for its Diamond Showcase, the award institution’s platform for rising music talents.

    According to a statement from the organisers, the 9th AFRIMA Diamond Showcase is designed to give undiscovered African artists a real chance to present their music to a wider audience and take a major step toward mainstream success.

    “The Showcase welcomes singers, rappers, DJs, producers, and instrumentalists from all parts of the continent to apply and take their place on one of Africa’s most respected music stages,” the statement read in part.

    Janatte Haddadi, Regional Manager, Northern Africa for AFRIMA, described the Showcase as a rare and valuable opportunity for young creatives who are ready to grow. She explained that AFRIMA is committed to finding, mentoring, and promoting new African music stars who often remain unnoticed in their communities even though they have strong talent.

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    Haddadi further announced that applications will run from November 18 to December 8, 2025, while encouraging all interested artists to apply early through the awards ceremony’s website and Instagram pages.

    “To apply, artists must submit a 45-second performance video. The AFRIMA Jury will then review all entries and select the top 15 finalists, known as “The Diamonds,” who will be invited to Lagos for the live Showcase.

    “We want to find the brightest diamonds in the rough across Africa. There are young artists in small towns, big cities, and everywhere in between who are doing amazing things with their music. Many of them have never had the chance to stand before the people who can help shape their careers. The Diamond Showcase is here to bridge that gap,” Haddadi said.

    The selected finalists will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 6 to 7, 2026, with performances each evening from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The Showcase is part of the activities leading up to the 9th AFRIMA Awards.

    Those selected will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Lagos, special AFRIMA gifts, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to perform in front of top music executives, major media platforms, and key industry leaders.

    Haddadi urged young talents not to waste the opportunity. “If you believe in your gift, this is the time to act,” she said. “Don’t wait. Don’t hold back. Submit your entry. Africa is ready to meet its next big talents, and we are ready to support your first major step.”

    The 9th AFRIMA Awards will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from January 7 to 11, 2026, with events including the Africa Music Business Summit, the Diamond Showcase, the Music Village Concert, the Nominees Party, the Red Carpet, and the grand Awards Night. In partnership with the African Union and Lagos State (Official Host City), the ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries globally.

  • Remembering late AFRIMA boss’s wife, Modupe Dada, one years after

    Remembering late AFRIMA boss’s wife, Modupe Dada, one years after

    It feels just like yesterday, yet 355 days have passed since the peaceful transition of Mrs. Modupe Temitope Dada, beloved wife of Mr Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

    A one-year memorial service in her honour will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Grace Assembly Church, Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun-Ikeja, Lagos, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.

    The event will be a day of reflection, worship, and gratitude, bringing together family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate the life and legacy of a woman fondly remembered as “kindness personified.” The memorial will capture the bittersweet emotions of loved ones still coming to terms with the loss of a remarkable woman whose warmth, kindness, grace, and quiet strength touched many lives.

    In an invitation shared with friends and associates, Mr Dada, who also serves as Managing Director of PRM Africa Marketing and Communications, expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and support his family has received over the past year.

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    It’s been a year since my beloved wife, Modupe, went to be with the Lord. You are warmly invited as we worship, remember, and give thanks for her inspiring life,” he wrote.

    For many, the memory of that sombre Saturday, October 19, 2024, remains vivid — the day news broke that Mrs Dada had passed on at a private hospital in Lagos after a brief illness. She was aged 48.

    Until her passing, Mrs Dada, a committed banking professional, served with distinction at various banks in Nigeria, where she had earned a well-deserved promotion and respect for super performance— a testament to her diligence, excellence, and unwavering commitment to her profession.

    The memorial service on Sunday, scheduled to be superintended by Reverend Femi Paul, will not only honour Modupe’s memory but also celebrate her enduring legacy of faith, compassion, friendship and genuine love — virtues that continue to inspire those she left behind.