The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), has officially announced new dates for its highly anticipated ceremony. Africa’s premier global music awards will now take place from Wednesday, January 7, to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The awards were previously scheduled for November 25–30, 2025, but the adjustment follows extensive consultation with partners, artistes and stakeholders across Africa and the diaspora.
Ms. Angela Martins, Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports at the AUC, emphasised the strategic importance of the collaboration. “The African Union Commission is proud to continue its partnership with AFRIMA in celebrating Africa’s creative excellence and global influence,” she stated.
Martins noted that the relationship is perfectly aligned with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and the AU Agenda 2063, which prioritises the creative economy as a key driver of sustainable development, youth empowerment and continental integration.
Explaining the decision to reschedule, Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, and popular Cameroonian music star Wax Dey, said the January dates would ensure broader participation and a top-quality experience.
“AFRIMA is not just an award show; it is Africa’s global music stage,” said Ndifonka. “Rescheduling the 9th edition to January allows us to deliver the kind of world-class celebration that truly reflects Africa’s creative power. It also ensures that more of our stakeholders, artistes, fans, media, and partners can participate fully. This is about giving African music the grand platform it deserves.”
The 9th AFRIMA is held in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Lagos State Government.
The week-long celebration promises a robust lineup of events:
Wednesday, Jan 7: Exclusive Welcome Soirée for nominees and delegates, followed by the 9th AFRIMA Diamond Showcase, a performance platform for budding African music acts.
Thursday, Jan 8: The Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS)—AFRIMA’s signature conference—and the Music Icons’ Night, celebrating African music legends.
Friday, Jan 9: Community outreach visits, a cultural tour, and the vibrant, open-air AFRIMA Music Village concert and festival arena.
Saturday, Jan 10: The glamorous 9th AFRIMA Nominees & Industry Party.
Sunday, Jan 11: The grand finale, the live broadcast 9th AFRIMA Awards Ceremony, featuring a Red Carpet and electrifying performances at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos. The ceremony will be aired to over 84 countries worldwide.
