The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have announced that the 9th edition of the awards has been postponed to January 2026.
In a statement released on Thursday, the organisers revealed that the event will now take place from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Originally slated for November 25–30, 2025, the awards were rescheduled following extensive discussions with partners, artists, and key stakeholders across Africa and the diaspora. Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture, and Sports at the AUC, reiterated the Commission’s dedication to celebrating and promoting African creative talent through AFRIMA.
In April 2025, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced that the state was fully prepared to host the global event, noting that it fits perfectly with his administration’s goal of boosting the creative and tourism industries as major engines of economic growth.
A month later, in May 2025, the African Union and AFRIMA officially confirmed Lagos as the host city during a ceremony at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
By September 2025, the organisers unveiled the official list of nominees, featuring some of Africa’s biggest music stars such as Burna Boy, Davido, DJ Maphorisa, El Grande Toto, Rema, Shallipopi, and Ayra Starr. Public voting began on September 10, 2025.
Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa widely known as Wax Dey explained that the new date would provide enough time to create a truly exceptional event. “Moving the 9th edition to January allows us to deliver a world-class celebration that truly showcases Africa’s creative energy,” he said.
“This new date also gives more room for our stakeholders, artists, fans, media, and partners to be fully involved. It’s all about giving African music the grand stage it truly deserves,” Ndifonka said.
The 9th AFRIMA will be organised in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Lagos State Government, which will serve as the official host city.
The week-long festival will showcase the best of African music, culture, and entertainment.
Festivities will kick off on January 7, 2026, with a Welcome Soirée for nominees and delegates, along with the AFRIMA Diamond Showcase an event spotlighting 15 up-and-coming African artists. The following day, January 8, will feature the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS), followed by the Music Icons’ Night, honouring legendary figures who have shaped Africa’s musical legacy.
On January 9, the programme will include school outreach initiatives, a cultural tour of Lagos, and a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Government, all leading up to the AFRIMA Music Village an outdoor concert featuring performances by top African stars.
The Nominees and Industry Party will take place on January 10, celebrating past winners, nominees, and sponsors. The week will culminate on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with the live AFRIMA Awards Ceremony at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos, which will be broadcast to audiences in more than 84 countries around the world.
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