Strong institutional and corporate support has been confirmed for the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), scheduled to take place in Lagos from January 7 to 11, 2026. The awards, organised in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), continue to attract growing confidence from public and private sector stakeholders across Africa and beyond.
Key sponsors for the 2026 edition include the Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria, The Address Homes, the Government of Sweden, Gobet247 and several other prominent organisations spanning finance, real estate, beverages, digital platforms, media, hospitality and international cultural institutions. The theme for the upcoming edition, “Unstoppable Africa,” reflects the continent’s rising influence in global music and creative industries.
Lagos has once again been confirmed as the Official Host City following the state government’s acceptance of the hosting offer from the African Union. The decision further strengthens Lagos’ reputation as Africa’s leading creative and entertainment hub. With backing from the Federal Government of Nigeria and the continued institutional partnership of the African Union Commission, expectations are high for a successful and impactful awards season.
At the top tier of sponsorship, digital payments and lifestyle platform Utilita and gaming and entertainment brand Gobet247 have emerged as National Gold Sponsors. National Silver Partners include First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and The Address Homes. Guinness Nigeria will serve as the Official Beer Sponsor, while international cultural support comes from the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Embassy of Sweden, both participating as Cultural Exchange Partners.
The awards will also be supported by a robust travel and hospitality network. Wakanow, Pan Atlantic Travels and Dorf Travels & Tours Ltd have been announced as Official Travel Partners, while Vaniti Lagos and Knowhere Restaurant will host nominees and special guests as Hospitality Partners. Youth culture platform Mainland Block Party Lagos will add street culture and community energy to the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall on January 9, 2026.
AFRIMA has equally confirmed an extensive list of Official Media Partners cutting across television, radio, digital, print and Out-of-Home platforms. These include DSTV/Multichoice, HIPTV, Afro Music Pop, Beat FM, Classic FM, Radio Lagos, Eko FM, Lasgidi FM, TVC, Legit.ng, Nigeria Info, Nigezie and several leading OOH companies such as MotoMedia, Yartview Ltd, Optimus Exposure and Nimbus Media, among others.
Speaking on FirstBank’s involvement, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, said the partnership aligns with the bank’s long-standing commitment to Africa’s creative economy through its First@Arts initiative, which supports talent development and cultural preservation across the continent.
From the international community, Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Anna Westerholm, described the partnership as timely, noting that 2026 marks 65 years of diplomatic relations between Sweden and Nigeria. She highlighted music as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and collaboration, especially given Sweden’s position as one of the world’s largest music exporters.
Guinness Nigeria’s Marketing and Innovations Director, Yinka Bakare, said the brand’s sponsorship reflects its historic connection to African culture and iconic moments, adding that AFRIMA provides a global platform for showcasing African excellence.
Founder and Chairman of The Address Homes, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, also described AFRIMA as a critical platform for promoting African creativity, innovation and cultural identity, stressing the importance of collaboration between culture and enterprise for sustainable growth.
The 2026 AFRIMA programme will begin with Nominees and Guests Welcome Soirees on January 7, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) on January 8 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites. The AFRIMA Music Village Concert and Diamond Showcase will hold on January 9 at Ikeja City Mall, ahead of the grand Awards Ceremony on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre. The red carpet will commence at 3:30pm (WAT).
The awards ceremony and live performances will be broadcast to audiences in more than 84 countries worldwide, further reinforcing AFRIMA’s position as a leading platform for African music on the global stage.