The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the creative industry as it prepares to host the ninth edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), a major continental event aimed at deepening the growth of the music ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa.
AFRIMA 2026 will take place from January 7 to January 11, with activities spread across key locations in Lagos. The programme includes the AFRIMA Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village concert at Ikeja City Mall, and the grand award ceremony scheduled for Sunday at Eko Hotels and Suites.
Speaking on Wednesday at a press conference held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would continue to prioritise policies and initiatives that strengthen the creative ecosystem.
Benson-Awoyinka described Lagos as Africa’s cultural and creative capital, noting that the state remains deliberate in encouraging cross-cultural collaboration while positioning music and culture as key drivers of economic and social development.
She said Lagos was proud to sustain its support for initiatives that elevate African talent and project the continent’s creative economy on the global stage, adding that AFRIMA has evolved into one of Africa’s most influential platforms for recognising musical excellence.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I wish to acknowledge and appreciate our strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creative diplomacy,” the commissioner said.
According to her, such partnerships reinforce a shared vision of deploying arts and culture as tools for international engagement, innovation and economic growth.
Benson-Awoyinka noted that the 2026 edition of AFRIMA would bring together artists, producers, industry leaders, policymakers and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond, while highlighting the increasing relevance of the creative sector to employment generation, tourism, youth empowerment and Africa’s global visibility.
She congratulated nominees and participants, describing their creativity and impact as a testament to Africa’s diversity and competitiveness in the global creative space.
“Lagos State remains Africa’s cultural and creative capital. Through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we are committed to creating an enabling environment that supports creativity, encourages investment, and positions Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment and cultural tourism,” she said.
The commissioner also called for constructive media engagement and continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure a successful and impactful AFRIMA 2026.
Also speaking, the President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, said Lagos emerged as the host city after extensive deliberations by the African Union and other key stakeholders, in recognition of the state’s infrastructure, capacity and cultural influence.
Dada explained that AFRIMA, organised in partnership with the African Union, aligns with key continental development frameworks, including Agenda
