Entertainment
Organisers shift AFRIMA Awards to January 2026 for better participation
The organisers of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have announced the postponement of the 2025 edition of the prestigious event to January 2026.
Originally scheduled to hold from November 25 to 30, 2025, the award ceremony will now take place from January 7 to 11, 2026, in Lagos.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Nde Ndifonka, AFRIMA’s regional director for Central Africa, explained that the change was made to ensure a “world-class celebration” that fully represents Africa’s creative excellence.
He said the new date would also give artistes, fans, media, and partners more time to prepare and participate.
“AFRIMA is not just an award show; it is Africa’s global music stage. Rescheduling the 9th edition to January allows us to deliver the kind of world-class celebration that truly reflects Africa’s creative power,” Ndifonka said.
“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.”
This year’s edition will be hosted in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the federal government of Nigeria.
Angela Martins, acting director of social development at the AUC, said the partnership supports the commission’s goal of strengthening Africa’s creative industry and empowering young people.
She noted that the shift to January 2026 would help better showcase African talent and unity on the global stage.
“The African Union Commission is proud to continue its partnership with AFRIMA in celebrating Africa’s creative excellence and global influence,” Martins said.
“This relationship aligns perfectly with the AU’s Cultural Policy for Africa and Agenda 2063, which prioritise the creative economy as a driver of sustainable development, youth empowerment, and continental integration.”
“The new dates provide an exciting opportunity to further showcase Africa’s diversity, innovation, and unity through music and culture.”
The week-long event will begin on January 7 with a welcome soirée for nominees, industry professionals, and media representatives, alongside a showcase for emerging artistes.
The following day, January 8, will feature the Africa Music Business Summit and a special event to honour music legends across the continent.
On January 9, AFRIMA will host school outreach programmes, a cultural tour of Lagos, and a courtesy visit to the state government, followed by the AFRIMA Music Village concert.
The nominees’ and industry party will take place on January 10, while the main awards ceremony will hold on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre, featuring live performances and a red-carpet broadcast to over 80 countries.
Nigerian artistes lead this year’s nominations, with Burna Boy and Davido each earning five nods, Shallipopi securing four, Rema receiving three, and Ayra Starr getting two nominations.
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