The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is set for a grand return to its spiritual home in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 25 to 30. This highly anticipated edition to be held under the unifying theme, “Unstoppable Africa,” promises to be the “best AFRIMA yet,” buoyed by the official endorsement and robust support from President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Federal Government.
The announcement, which followed a request from the African Union Commission (AUC), has ignited excitement across the continent’s vibrant music scene.
For many, AFRIMA’s return to Nigeria, after a successful staging in Dakar, Senegal, marks a significant moment for the nation that has long championed African music and culture.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, expressed the government’s full readiness to collaborate with the Lagos State Government and the International Committee of AFRIMA.
Musawa and Dada“This is more than just an awards show,” Musawa stated during the inauguration of the federal government’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Abuja on Wednesday, July 9. “It is a major platform to create jobs, promote tourism, celebrate African talents and tell our positive stories authentically through music to the world.”
The Minister’s sentiment resonates with AFRIMA’s core mission, which, since its inception in partnership with the African Union in 2014, has aimed to develop, reward, and promote African music and talents globally through its seven core pillars: Awards Ceremony, Music Festivals, The AFRIMA Kreative Academy, Business Music Hub, Talent Discovery and Promotion, Policy Debate and Advisory, and Advocacy.
•From left: Chindaya Ahmadu, Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Abiola Abdulkareem Jagunlabi, Special Assistant to Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Obi Asika, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Steve Ayorinde, Managing Director, Relentless Media and Head, International Media Committee, AFRIMA, Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy Department, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mr Mike Dada, Lead Consultant, PRM Africa Marketing & Communications and President/Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Adenrele Niyi, Chief Experience Officer, CXO, AFRIMA, Efe Omorogbe, associate co-producer, AFRIMA, Keke Ogungbe, Member, International Congress of AFRIMA, Mrs Halima Oyelade, representative of the Nigeria Film Corporation and Dr. Evelyn Odigboh, Director, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation at the inauguration of the Federal Government’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), for AFRIMA 2025 at the Minister’s office, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in AbujaLagos is poised to host a week-long fiesta of music, business, and cultural exchange. The main AFRIMA events week is meticulously planned to offer diverse experiences for artistes, industry professionals, and fans alike:
- November 25-27: Diamond Showcase – A series of exclusive performances and industry networking.
- November 26: Welcome Soiree – An elegant gathering to officially kick off the awards week.
- November 27-28: Africa Music Business Summit – A crucial platform for discussions on industry trends, collaborations, and economic opportunities within the African music landscape.
- November 28: AFRIMA Music Village – An evening of non-stop music and live performances featuring a stellar line-up of African artistes and nominees, promising an electrifying atmosphere for fans.
- November 29: Nominees and Industry Party – A more intimate gathering for nominees and key industry players to network and celebrate.
- November 30: Award Ceremony – The grand finale, a star-studded gala where the continent’s musical finest will be celebrated and honoured.
Mr Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, lauded the swift and visionary support from the Nigerian government.
“This is not just an event approval. It’s a loud statement that the Nigerian government values the culture and creative industry (CCI) and its power to promote unity and prosperity across Africa,” Dada remarked.
He also extended gratitude to the Lagos State Government for embracing its role as the official host city and its continued investment in the creative sector.
With the combined forces of the Federal Government, Lagos State, the African Union, and the International Committee of AFRIMA, all eyes are on Lagos as it prepares to deliver an unforgettable celebration of African talent and creativity.
Music lovers and industry stakeholders alike are counting down the days to what is confidently being billed as a landmark edition of the All Africa Music Awards.
