Lagos came alive once again as no fewer than 1,216 artistes, delegates and production team members converged in the city for the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
The figure was announced at the Welcome Soirée for nominees and guests held at the Residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, an event that officially marked the commencement of AFRIMA Week.
Speaking at the event, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mr. Mike Dada, said the impressive turnout underscored the growing strength of African music and highlighted how AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, continues to leverage the platform to strengthen the creative economies of African countries.
According to him, the participants include 732 artistes and managers, 301 delegates from across Africa and the diaspora, and 183 technical production professionals working behind the scenes.
“This year’s AFRIMA has once again demonstrated the immense power and global appeal of African music. As we speak, a total of 1,216 artistes, delegates and members of our production team have arrived in Lagos. You can imagine the impact of this number on the local economy and the boost it gives to Lagos’ tourism capacity. We are pleased to be working with the Lagos State Government and other partners to bring these benefits to our city,” Dada said.
He noted that AFRIMA recognises music as a powerful force for integration and inclusion, a catalyst for peace across Africa and beyond, and a key driver of economic growth within the creative industry.
“For us, AFRIMA is about connecting people. We do not see colour; we see talent. What matters is the shared humanity that binds us all, and that principle continues to shape our partnerships and purpose,” he added.
Dada expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and AFRIMA partners, including First Bank, Guinness, Glenfiddich and the Swedish Government. He also thanked the United Kingdom Government for hosting the event, describing the partnership as invaluable.
In his remarks, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, commended the growing cultural ties between the UK, Nigeria and Africa through music. He noted that African artistes were recording remarkable global success, with Afrobeats dominating music charts in the UK and worldwide.
“It is extremely important that we continue to strengthen our connections through music and other creative industries. The UK remains committed to partnerships that foster mutual economic development,” Baxter said.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described Lagos as Africa’s cultural capital, where creativity thrives and talent finds opportunity.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building an enabling environment that allows creatives to collaborate, grow and compete successfully on the global stage.
