Lagos recently transformed into the epicenter of African entertainment as the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) unfolded in a whirlwind of glitz and glamour. Over the course of five days, the city played host to more than 1,200 artists, delegates, and production experts from across the globe. The festivities began with an elegant welcome soiree hosted by the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, at his Lagos residence. The evening brought together high-profile figures, including Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and AFRIMA President, Mike Dada, officially setting the stage for the continental celebration.
Beyond the parties, the event shifted focus toward the sustainable growth of the industry during the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre. Under the theme “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution,” industry titans like Sipho Dlamini of Universal Music and media veteran Olisa Adibua joined policymakers and artists to tackle the complexities of copyright, distribution, and global investment. Mike Dada emphasized that for African music to thrive long-term, the continent must master the business behind the “vibes,” while the African Union’s Ms. Angela Martins highlighted the creative economy’s role in job creation and unity.
The energy reached a fever pitch on Friday night at the Ikeja City Mall during the AFRIMA Music Village. In a massive open-air concert that lasted until the early hours of Saturday, thousands of fans were treated to a diverse sonic journey. Legendary Afrobeat icon Femi Kuti led a stellar lineup that included superstars like Diamond Platnumz, Wande Coal, Yemi Alade, and Stonebwoy. The night proved to be an unforgettable showcase of African cultural pride, drawing one of the largest crowds in the event’s history.
The grand finale took place on Sunday, January 11, back at the Eko Convention Centre. The red carpet was a masterclass in African fashion, leading into a five-hour gala hosted by Nigeria’s Falz the Bahd Guy and French-Senegalese media star Liliane Maroune. While the production faced a few minor technical hitches, the sheer talent on display overshadowed the glitches. Rema emerged as the undisputed man of the night, walking away with three major honors, including Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist in Western Africa.
Other Nigerian stars also secured significant wins to maintain the country’s dominant streak. Burna Boy’s “No Sign of Weakness” was crowned Album of the Year, while Shallipopi proved his mettle by winning Song of the Year for his 2025 hit “Laho.” International winners added to the diversity of the evening, with Tanzania’s Jux and Algeria’s DJ Moh Green also picking up trophies. From the business discussions to the final curtain call, this year’s AFRIMA reinforced the idea that African music is no longer just a trend, but a global powerhouse.
