Lagos, often referred to as Africa’s creative and cultural capital, utilized the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA 2026) as a strategic platform to project African music not only as entertainment, but as a powerful driver of cultural diplomacy and economic growth.
The event, held from January 7 to 11, 2026, reinforced the state’s commitment to developing its creative economy and empowering its youth.
Speaking at the grand finale of the awards ceremony held on Sunday, 11th January 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka described African music as the heartbeat of the continent’s identity and a unifying language that continues to shape global culture. Addressing an audience of international artistes, industry leaders and policymakers, the Commissioner noted that Lagos’ role as the official Host City reflects deliberate investment in the creative economy, positioning music as a strategic sector capable of generating jobs, innovation and global relevance for Africa’s largest city.
She highlighted that AFRIMA 2026 was not confined to an awards night, but designed as an ecosystem of engagement, referencing the AFRIMA Press Conference, African Music Business Summit and AFRIMA Music Village, which created platforms for industry dialogue, capacity building and cross-border collaboration. Tracing the evolution of African music, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka paid tribute to legendary icons such as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Bobby Benson, Victor Uwaifo, Victor Olaiya, Dan Maraya Jos, King Sunny Ade and Chief Ebenezer Obey, whose legacies laid the foundation for today’s Afrobeats movement, now dominating global charts.
According to her, the contemporary success of Afrobeats is evidence that Africa’s cultural products, when properly structured and supported, can compete, influence, and lead on the world stage. The Commissioner also underscored the importance of nurturing young talents, stressing that purpose, discipline, and institutional support must complement talent to transform creativity into sustainable careers and enduring legacies. She called for stronger collaboration among government, industry stakeholders, and creative institutions, noting that early talent development and community-based engagement remain critical to securing a resilient and inclusive future for Africa’s entertainment industry.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka urged stakeholders to continue projecting African music with confidence and authenticity, adding that Lagos remains committed to policies and partnerships that elevate culture as both heritage and economic capital. Also, speaking at the event, the founder of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for hosting AFRIMA 2026 and for its consistent support of the entertainment and creative industries. He acknowledged AFRIMA’s strategic partners and sponsors, including First Bank Plc, Guinness Nigeria, the United Kingdom Government in Nigeria, the Swedish Government in Nigeria, Utilita, GovenTurk, Union Service Agency, as well as numerous media organisations across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
The AFRIMA 2026 awards ceremony featured electrifying live musical performances by various African artistes, delivering unforgettable moments that celebrated the diversity, rhythm, and soul of African music. Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, Directors, and members of staff of the Ministry, as well as top government officials, industry stakeholders, and other distinguished guests. Awards were presented across multiple categories, recognising outstanding talents in Inspirational Music, Jazz, Reggae and Dancehall, Pop, Traditional and Contemporary African Music, R&B, Dance Choreography, Music Video of the Year, Soundtrack in Film, Series and Documentary, Songwriting, Hip-Hop, Collaboration, and African Lyrics and Rap, among others.
