The Lagos State Government, major Nigerian corporates, international partners, and private sector organisations have pledged strong support for the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, scheduled to hold in Lagos from January 7 to 11, 2026. The growing list of sponsors and partners reflects increasing confidence in African music as a major cultural asset and an expanding economic sector.
The announcement was made in partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA’s legacy institutional partner. The 2026 edition is themed “Unstoppable Africa” and is expected to bring together artists, producers, executives, creatives, policymakers, and music lovers from across the continent and the diaspora.
Lagos State will once again serve as the Official Host City after accepting the African Union’s offer to host the event. With the backing of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the decision further strengthens Lagos’ reputation as Africa’s leading creative, entertainment, and cultural hub. Over the years, the city has positioned itself as a centre for music production, live entertainment, digital content creation, and creative entrepreneurship.
Support for AFRIMA 2026 cuts across several sectors, including finance, real estate, beverages, gaming, hospitality, travel, media, and international cultural institutions. At the top sponsorship level, digital payments and lifestyle platform Utilita and gaming and entertainment brand Gobet247 have emerged as National Gold Sponsors. The Silver Sponsors include First Bank of Nigeria, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, and The Address Homes, reflecting strong public and private sector participation.
Guinness Nigeria Plc will return as the Official Beer Sponsor, continuing its long-standing association with music, entertainment, and youth culture across Africa. International cultural backing for the awards is being provided by the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Embassy of Sweden, both of which will serve as Cultural Exchange Partners for the 2026 edition.
In the area of travel and logistics, Wakanow, Pan Atlantic Travels, and Dorf Travels & Tours Limited have been announced as Official Travel Partners, supporting the movement of artists, delegates, and guests attending the event. Hospitality partners include Vaniti Lagos and Knowhere Restaurant, which will host nominees and special guests during the awards week. Youth-focused lifestyle platform Mainland Block Party Lagos is also expected to bring street culture and live experiences to the AFRIMA Music Village scheduled for January 9, 2026, at Ikeja City Mall.
AFRIMA has also confirmed a broad coalition of media organisations as Official Media Partners, spanning television, radio, print, digital, and Out-of-Home platforms. These include DSTV and MultiChoice, HIPTV, Afro Music Pop, Base FM, and several other media outlets, ensuring wide coverage across Nigeria and other African markets.
Speaking on First Bank of Nigeria’s involvement, the Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ms Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the bank’s partnership with AFRIMA aligns with its long-standing support for the creative industry. She explained that through its First@Arts initiative, FirstBank has continued to support projects across the creative value chain, from talent development to production and distribution.
According to her, supporting AFRIMA helps preserve Africa’s rich cultural heritage while promoting unity, education, and entertainment. She added that the creative industry remains an important driver of youth engagement, job creation, and cultural diplomacy.
From the international community, the Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, Ms Anna Westerholm, said Sweden is proud to partner with AFRIMA in celebrating African music and its growing global influence. She noted that 2026 will mark 65 years of diplomatic relations between Sweden and Nigeria, making the partnership timely and symbolic.
Westerholm explained that Sweden, as the world’s third-largest music exporter, understands the economic and cultural value of music. She said the collaboration with AFRIMA would strengthen cultural and business ties while encouraging idea exchange between Africa and Europe. According to her, the partnership supports creative industries and highlights music as a bridge between cultures.
The Marketing and Innovations Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Yinka Bakare, said the company’s sponsorship of AFRIMA’s 9th edition reflects its long-standing connection with African cultural expression. He noted that Guinness has been part of Africa’s iconic cultural moments for decades and sees AFRIMA as a platform that celebrates the artistry and diversity that define the continent.
Bakare added that AFRIMA provides African artists with global visibility while reinforcing pride in African identity and creativity. He said supporting the awards aligns with the company’s heritage and commitment to youth culture, entertainment, and responsible celebration.
Founder and Chairman of The Address Homes, Dr Bisi Onasanya, described AFRIMA as an important platform for African creativity, collaboration, and cultural identity. He said the awards represent African excellence and innovation, adding that culture, creativity, and enterprise must work together to drive sustainable economic growth.
According to Onasanya, supporting AFRIMA is a way of investing in African talent, strengthening cultural pride, and creating new opportunities for young creatives and business partnerships across the continent.
With Lagos hosting the event and strong backing from government, corporate Nigeria, and international partners, AFRIMA 2026 is expected to further showcase African music as a major global force. Stakeholders say the awards go beyond entertainment, serving as a platform for cultural exchange, tourism promotion, youth empowerment, and economic activity within the creative industry.
As preparations continue ahead of January 2026, organisers and partners maintain that the 9th All Africa Music Awards will reflect Africa’s diversity, resilience, and creative strength, while reinforcing Lagos’ role as a central stage for African music and culture.
