The African Union Commission and AFRIMA will announce the host city for the 2025 awards on May 13 in Addis Ababa, with Lagos and Gauteng in contention

Anticipation is mounting across Africa and globally as the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of AFRIMA prepare to reveal the host city for the prestigious 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

Also read: South Africa may host AFRIMA 2025 and 2026 following AU invitation

The momentous announcement is scheduled to take place on May 13, 2025, at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The previous edition of AFRIMA was successfully hosted by the government of Senegal in Dakar.

Two prominent African hubs, Lagos State in Nigeria and Gauteng Province in South Africa, are currently under consideration for the honor of hosting this premier African global music event.

Both cities boast vibrant music and cultural landscapes, robust infrastructure suitable for business and tourism, and a proven track record of successfully hosting and managing large-scale international events. However, only one will ultimately be selected.

In 2024, the African Union extended invitations to both Nigeria and South Africa, formally reaching out to the Governor of Lagos State and the Premier of Gauteng Province, respectively.

The invitation highlighted the significant opportunities associated with hosting Africa’s globally recognized music awards in 2025.

Following months of meticulous review, comprehensive infrastructure assessments, productive meetings, and thorough engagement and voting by AFRIMA’s International Committee, the final decision is imminent. One certainty prevails: the chosen city will play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of African music on the global stage.

Lagos, the dynamic heart of Afrobeats and a hub of innovation, pulsates with musical energy. As the birthplace of Afrobeats, the genre that has captivated the world, Lagos nurtured the early careers of some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Burna Boy, Femi Kuti, Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Asake, Rema, and Ayra Starr.

The city’s vibrant rhythm and passionate spirit make it an ideal setting to celebrate the rich tapestry of African music.

Beyond its musical prowess, Lagos has made remarkable strides in infrastructure and the creative economy under successive state leadership, including the current Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

From the development of a world-class urban rail network, encompassing the Lagos Blue Line and Red Line rail systems, to the revitalization of its water transportation through modern ferries and terminals, the state is redefining urban mobility in Africa.

The city’s thriving real estate sector is also transforming its skyline with contemporary housing estates, commercial centers, and burgeoning tech campuses, all while prioritizing the safety and security of residents and visitors.

Lagos is no stranger to hosting major events, having successfully managed numerous concerts, festivals, international conferences, and international sporting events. AFRIMA has been held in Lagos in the past, with each edition proving to be a resounding success.

The city possesses the requisite hotels, venues, infrastructure, and extensive experience to deliver a world-class show. From its bustling markets to its vibrant nightclubs, Lagos offers a dynamic and unforgettable experience for visitors from across Africa and the world, promising an even more electrifying atmosphere during AFRIMA with a multitude of parties, concerts, and celebratory events.

The winning city will play a big role in shaping the future of African music on a global stage,” – AFRIMA International Committee.

Gauteng province, home to Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria, and the historically significant Soweto township, boasts a deep-rooted musical heritage.

As the cradle of genres ranging from Kwaito to the globally popular Amapiano, Gauteng has created and shaped sounds that have resonated worldwide. In Gauteng, music transcends mere entertainment; it is a powerful form of expression deeply intertwined with South Africa’s social and cultural history.

Gauteng has consistently demonstrated its capacity to host large-scale international events with excellence, from the FIFA World Cup in 2010 to numerous prestigious music and film festivals, including the Joy of Jazz and the South Africa Music Awards (SAMA), as well as the Rugby World Cup.

The province has a proven ability to warmly welcome thousands of guests from around the globe, ensuring they feel at home.

Both Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Premier Panyaza Lesufi of Gauteng Province are strong advocates for their respective bids.

They firmly believe that hosting AFRIMA will significantly boost their creative industries, attract substantial tourism, generate employment opportunities, and inspire the next generation of African music superstars.

According to Adenrele Niyi, AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer (CXO), the decision extends beyond mere entertainment. “Hosting AFRIMA is not just about glamour or entertainment, it’s about creating real impact.

The event brings thousands of visitors including artists, fans, policy makers, media professionals and investors to the host city. That means full hotels, busy restaurants, more sales for local shops and lots of business for transport services and event planners.

However, more importantly, the over 400 million expected broadcast audience globally remain a key strength of the AFRIMA property,” she stated.

The benefits for the host city are substantial. It will gain significant global visibility through television, digital media, and international press coverage.

Additionally, the host city will have the opportunity to organize impactful side events such as the African Music Business Summit, school outreach programs for skill acquisition, and the vibrant AFRIMA Music Village, all of which leave a lasting legacy.

Past AFRIMA host countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal, have all experienced significant positive impacts. The 2023 event in Dakar was widely acclaimed for its success and vibrant energy.

Now, the world eagerly awaits the announcement. Will Lagos, with its Afrobeats energy, youthful dynamism, and forward-thinking infrastructure, emerge as the chosen host? Or will Gauteng, with its rich musical history and modern allure, leveraging its major cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Sandton, take center stage?