AU and AFRIMA Commend Sanwo-Olu, Sponsors Following Awards Ceremony

The African Union and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, sponsors, partners, and media organisations for their roles in the successful hosting of the 9th AFRIMA awards.

Held in Lagos from January 7 to 11, the event brought together artistes, delegates, and stakeholders from over 48 African countries.

In a statement on Wednesday, Angela Martins, Head of Culture at the African Union Commission, highlighted the awards’ success as a reflection of African music’s growing influence and the effective collaboration between public and private institutions.

“AFRIMA continues to showcase Africa’s musical and cultural excellence to the world. The support from Lagos State Government, sponsors, partners, and media ensured a seamless and memorable celebration of African music,” Martins said. “The awards have evolved beyond a ceremony to become a platform for African unity and cultural expression. Through music, we tell Africa’s stories in our own voice, demonstrating our creativity. Each edition strengthens bonds among African countries and highlights culture as a key tool for integration and development.”

She also praised Lagos for its capability to host major international events, describing the state as a hub for Africa’s creative economy.

AFRIMA President and Executive Producer Mike Dada also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government, partners, and sponsors.

“We sincerely thank all our partners and sponsors who supported AFRIMA’s vision throughout the planning and execution of the 9th edition,” Dada said. “Their backing reflects a shared belief in African music as a driver of unity, cultural pride, and economic growth. Special thanks go to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for their strong support, cooperation, and enabling environment. From logistics to security and hospitality, Lagos once again proved to be a welcoming home for Africa’s creative industry.”

The five-day event began with a Welcome Soiree on January 7 at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, which brought together music professionals to discuss the future of African music.

On January 9, the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall hosted performances by over 25 top artists for more than 30,000 fans. The grand finale took place at the Eko Convention Centre, where artistes, producers, and directors received the 23.9-carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy.

Key sponsors and partners included First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, The Address Homes, Guinness Nigeria, Utilita, and Gobet247, with cultural exchange support from the UK in Nigeria (British High Commission) and the Embassy of Sweden. Additional partners included Glenfiddich, Jägermeister, Super Travels Limited, Pan-Atlantic Travels, Wakanow, Dorf Travels & Tours, Vaniti Lagos, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, and Mainland Block Party Lagos.

AFRIMA also acknowledged its Official Media Partners, including DSTV/Multichoice, Television Continental, African Union of Broadcasters, Silverbrid Group, Kennis FM, Afro Music Pop, Hip TV, Base FM, Beat FM, Classic FM, Hot FM, Lagos Talks Inspiration FM, Lasgidi FM, Legit.ng, Max FM, Nigeria Info, Nigezie, The Culture Newspapers (TCN), QED, and Yanga FM. Out-of-home visibility was supported by Motomedia, Yartview Ltd, Optimus Exposure, Plural Media, Folham Nigeria Limited, and Nimbus Media.

Dada noted that the strong support from sponsors and media partners demonstrates growing confidence in AFRIMA and the African music industry.