AFRIMA 2026 postponement inspires optimism as organisers and the AU promise a world-class event in Lagos, celebrating Africa’s creative excellence

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have announced the postponement of the 9th edition of the awards to January 2026.

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In a statement released on Thursday, organisers confirmed that the event will now hold from Wednesday, January 7 to Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.

Originally scheduled for November 25–30, 2025, the date change follows extensive consultations with artistes, partners, and stakeholders across Africa and the diaspora.

Acting Director of Social Development, Culture and Sports at the AUC, Angela Martins, said the new schedule aligns with the AU’s cultural agenda.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to promoting Africa’s creative excellence and global influence,” Martins said. “The new dates provide an exciting opportunity to further showcase Africa’s diversity, innovation, and unity to the world.”

In April 2025, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared the state’s readiness to host the continental event, describing it as key to Lagos’s vision of becoming Africa’s creative capital.

By May 2025, the African Union and AFRIMA officially confirmed Lagos as host city at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, followed by the unveiling of nominees in September, featuring stars such as Burna Boy, Davido, DJ Maphorisa, El Grande Toto, Rema, Shallipopi, and Ayra Starr.

AFRIMA’s Regional Director for Central Africa, Nde Ndifonka (Wax Dey), said the shift ensures a better experience for everyone involved.

“AFRIMA is not just an award show; it is Africa’s global music stage. Rescheduling to January allows us to deliver a truly world-class celebration that reflects Africa’s creative power,” he said.

The week-long festival will open with a Welcome Soirée and the AFRIMA Diamond Showcase, featuring 15 emerging African talents.

Highlights will include the Africa Music Business Summit, Music Icons’ Night, AFRIMA Music Village, and the live Awards Ceremony at the Eko Convention Centre, to be broadcast across more than 84 countries.

Also read: Governor Sanwo-Olu officially declares Lagos ready to host AFRIMA 2025

The 9th edition will be hosted in partnership with the African Union Commission, Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Lagos State Government, reaffirming AFRIMA’s mission to unite Africa through music and culture.