The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) set the stage for its 2025 ceremony with a dazzling Patron’s Dinner in Lagos, Nigeria, signaling the country’s readiness to host the continent’s premier music event this November. The event, a celebration of elegance and collaboration, brought together key figures from government, the creative industries, and the international music scene, all united by a shared vision to elevate African music on a global scale.
Hosted by AFRIMA Patron and Chairman of The Address Homes, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, the evening honored the international jury responsible for the awards’ integrity. For over a week, these jurors from 14 countries meticulously sifted through a staggering 10,717 entries for AFRIMA 2025, a record number that underscores the flourishing state of Africa’s music industry. The highly anticipated nominees list is set to be announced on August 24, marking a crucial step in the awards’ journey.
•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 AbujaThe dinner served as a platform for top government officials to reaffirm their commitment to the creative sector. Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, praised AFRIMA’s organic growth and global impact.
“AFRIMA is a testament to how the creative sector in Nigeria has developed to a global standard, even without strong government backup,” Minister Musawa stated. “We are proud of what AFRIMA stands for and the impact it has made in projecting our identity, culture, language, and music. As a government, we will continue to support initiatives like this, not just because they celebrate art, but because they strengthen the economy and unite us.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, who assured stakeholders that the state is fully prepared to welcome the world. “For us in Lagos, hosting AFRIMA 2025 is not just another event; it is a big honor,” she said. “People say we are the culture and entertainment capital of Africa, and we are ready to welcome the whole continent and the world to our city for this great event. We thank the Federal Government, our partners, and all those supporting AFRIMA for trusting Lagos to host again.” She was joined at the event by Gbenga Omotosho, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, highlighting the unified front.
For Dr. Bisi Onasanya, the focus is on creating a lasting legacy and delivering an unforgettable experience. “Tonight, we proudly recognize the incredible work of our jury members and say a big thank you to them,” he said. “This year, we are excited to welcome Africa to AFRIMA. Africa and the rest of the world will see an amazing show in Lagos because we are confident of organizing a successful event.”
He expressed gratitude to both the Federal Government and Lagos State for their unwavering support, promising that AFRIMA 2025 will surpass all previous editions. “The last edition was fantastic, but I assure you that AFRIMA 2025 will be the best,” Onasanya declared.
The sheer volume and quality of submissions left a strong impression on the jury. Guy Neza, an Ivorian juror representing West Africa, shared his optimism for the future of the continent’s music.
“It has been an amazing journey for me to be part of this,” Neza said. “Africa is full of amazing talent, and it makes me happy to see our music and creativity receiving the recognition they deserve, as AFRIMA is the continent’s biggest music entity. Every artist who sends in their work is helping our creative industry grow stronger. With the quality of music we have screened, I can confidently say that the future of the industry is promising.”
AFRIMA President and Founder, Mike Dada, used the occasion to thank the creative stakeholders and government partners who have been instrumental in the awards’ sustained growth. “I am truly grateful for the support from every corner of our creative industry; from the Federal Government of Nigeria, our Official Host City, Lagos State Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, our Patron, to the media, to the artists, producers, and record executives,” Dada said. “It is inspiring to see us working hand in hand with one shared goal: to elevate Africa’s global music.”
Dada emphasised the awards’ commitment to credibility, a core principle that the jury’s rigorous adjudication process upholds. “We insisted that any artist who will be nominated or win an award must submit their work to qualify,” he explained. “This Patron’s Dinner is our way of honoring the AFRIMA jury, who dedicate their time to carefully select the finest talents from thousands of entries for nomination in their rightful categories.”
The celebratory evening also featured a soulful performance by rising star Qing Madi, with appearances from music stars like Ice Prince Zamani, Orezi, Praiz, and DJ Nana, among others. The guest list included a powerful roll call of dignitaries and entertainment icons, including former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; media moguls Kenny Ogungbe, Dayo Adeneye, and Id Ogungbe; as well as veteran journalist Mayor Akinpelu, among many others.
The AFRIMA 2025 celebration is scheduled to take place from November 25 to 30 in Lagos. The week-long event promises a diverse lineup of activities, including the Welcome Soiree, the AFRIMA Music Village, the African Music Business Summit, a Host City Tour, the Nominees Party, and the grand finale awards ceremony. The main ceremony will be broadcast live to over 84 countries, bringing the vibrant spirit of African music to a global audience.
The Patron’s Dinner not only showcased the immense talent and dedication behind the scenes of AFRIMA but also solidified the collaborative spirit between government and the creative sector, promising an unparalleled celebration of African music this November.
