Lagos awakens this January with an energy that cannot be ignored. Hotels, streets, and venues pulse with anticipation as artists and delegates arrive from across Africa. The 9th All Africa Music Awards is underway, and the city itself seems to breathe in time with the music. Every corner of Lagos becomes a stage, every street a passageway to celebration. Fans and insiders alike are drawn into a spectacle that is both glamorous and meaningful.
This year’s edition was moved from late November to early January to accommodate wider participation. The shift allows for a more global audience, international partners, and top African artists to attend. It signals a strategic vision that AFRIMA is not just a show but a platform for African music’s growth. The timing, venue selection, and curation of events reflect careful planning aimed at delivering both prestige and impact.
AFRIMA is more than performances and red carpets. Panels, summits, and networking events offer spaces for dialogue on music business growth, rights management, and cultural heritage. Artists, producers, and delegates are given opportunities to exchange ideas, build collaborations, and explore new markets. The festival balances celebration with substance, making it a hub for both entertainment and industry development.
From live broadcasts in over eighty countries to social media highlights, the event reaches far beyond Lagos. Every moment of AFRIMA is designed to amplify African music globally. Each photograph, video, or clip shared online reinforces the continent’s cultural pride and growing influence. AFRIMA 2026 demonstrates that African music is not confined to borders. It is a force poised to resonate worldwide.
The Five Days of Celebration
AFRIMA stretches across five days, from 7th – 11th of January, each with a distinct purpose. The opening soirée welcomed attendees with glittering arrivals, cocktails, and networking opportunities. Nominees, industry stakeholders, and media gathered to mark the start of the week. The night set the tone, signaling that AFRIMA is as much about celebration as it is about fostering connections. The city of Lagos became a vibrant meeting point for Africa’s musical community.
The second day featured the Africa Music Business Summit and Icons’ Night. The summit focused on industry growth, innovation, and cross-border collaborations. Panels explored the challenges and opportunities shaping African music today. In the evening, Icons’ Night honored legendary artists whose contributions have shaped the continent’s musical landscape. The balance of business and tribute created a dynamic rhythm for the week.
Friday brought the Music Village Concert at Ikeja City Mall. Over twenty-five artists and DJs performed for fans from across Africa. The concert fused the energy of a festival with the prestige of a continental celebration. Open-air performances, live crowds, and high-energy acts made it a highlight of AFRIMA Week. The event reflected both the vibrancy of African music and its broad fan appeal.
The fourth day was devoted to the Nominees and Industry Party. Past winners, nominees, and key industry figures mingled in a more intimate setting. It was an evening for informal networking, celebration, and anticipation. Conversations flowed alongside music, reflecting AFRIMA’s commitment to connecting talent and industry leaders. The week built steadily toward the culminating awards ceremony.
The Grand Awards Ceremony
Sunday marks the pinnacle of AFRIMA 2026. The awards ceremony at the Eko Convention Centre celebrates excellence across genres. FalzTheBahdGuy and Liliane Maroune guide the evening, blending entertainment with gravitas. The ceremony acknowledges both emerging talents and established icons, shining a spotlight on achievements across Africa.
Red carpet arrivals highlight the diversity of African fashion and style. Celebrities, producers, and influencers create moments that resonate on social media and global broadcasts. The pageantry reinforces the importance of presentation and cultural pride, reminding viewers that AFRIMA is a showcase for Africa’s creativity.
Beyond the glamour, the awards signal a deeper message about African music’s trajectory. AFRIMA not only recognizes talent but positions African music on a global stage. The recognition inspires artists to innovate, collaborate, and expand their reach. The ceremony becomes a cultural statement as much as a celebration of artistry.
By the end of the evening, the week-long narrative comes full circle. AFRIMA 2026 leaves Lagos transformed into a hub of African creativity and collaboration. It proves that music can unite a continent, celebrate heritage, and shape industry. The festival reminds everyone that African music’s heartbeat is global, unstoppable, and louder than ever.
AFRIMA 2026: Live Performances and Artists Who Took the Stage
At the Music Village Concert in Lagos (Ikeja City Mall) on January 9, 2026, fans were treated to a powerful lineup of performances from celebrated African music stars. This concert was one of the most vibrant evenings of the five‑day event. Performers included:
Legendary and Iconic Acts
- Femi Kuti, Afrobeat legend, brought his infectious rhythms and band to the stage, celebrating his multi‑decade influence on African music.
- Wande Coal, known for his smooth vocals and hit catalogue, had the crowd singing along.
Contemporary African Stars
- Diamond Platnumz and Harmonize electrified the audience with East African benga and Afro‑pop sounds.
- Yemi Alade delivered a high energy set with vibrant performance and crowd‑pleasing hits.
- Stonebwoy brought dancehall intensity from Ghana, adding a genre blend to the night.
Other Standout Performers at Music Village
- Congolese star Innos’B offered a distinct Central African flair.
- Nigerian acts including Kcee, 9ice, Obesere, Jeriq, and Skales showcased the diversity of Nigeria’s music scene.
- Emerging artists like Moliy and Mavo, as well as veteran performer Ayuba, rounded out the diverse stage presence.
- This group of performers represented music from across Africa, highlighting AFRIMA’s inclusive celebration of the continent’s sounds and styles.
AFRIMA 2026 Nominees: Key Contenders and Categories
The official nominees list released for the 2025 AFRIMA Awards (which determines eligibility for the 2026 ceremony) showcases a mix of established superstars and rising talents across multiple categories. Some of the most notable nominees include:
Top Contenders in Major Categories
Burna Boy
Nigeria’s global star Burna Boy leads with multiple nominations, including Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness.
Davido
Davido also secured several nominations with his album 5ive and songs competing in Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.
DJ Maphorisa
South African producer and DJ DJ Maphorisa matched the top count with nominations in Best African DJ, Album of the Year, and more.
Breakout Stars and Rising Acts
Shallipopi
Nigeria’s Shallipopi scored multiple nods including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his hit Laho.
El Grande Toto
Morocco’s rap sensation El Grande Toto is a strong contender with Album of the Year recognition.
Female Artists Making Waves
Mia Guissé and Moliy
Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy both received several nominations, underscoring rising female influence in African music.
Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr appears in multiple categories, including the competitive Artiste of the Year grouping.
Other Notable Nominees
- Rema, competing in categories such as Artiste of the Year and Best Male in West Africa.
- Diamond Platnumz has strong regional nominations, particularly in East Africa.
- Tyla and Uncle Waffles from Southern Africa each received multiple nods, reflecting diverse continental representation.
- Artists from the diaspora such as Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake, Gazo, and WizTheMC also appear across genre categories.
What This Means for the Awards Night
While official winners have not yet been announced, the nominees list reflects a vibrant and competitive field that spans West, East, Central, Southern, and North Africa, as well as the global diaspora. The spread of nominations across genres highlights African music’s diversity and influence.
The combination of powerhouse performers at Music Village and heavyweight nominees ensures that AFRIMA 2026 will be both a culturally rich showcase and a benchmark for achievement in African music. Development of winners will be shared once the ceremony concludes on January 11, 2026.
