AFRIMA Grand Finale Draws Top African Music Talent to Lagos

The 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) are set to conclude tomorrow in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together numerous artists, industry professionals, and international guests for a celebration of African music and creative enterprise. The event has positioned Lagos as a central hub in the global music conversation.

AFRIMA Week Activities

AFRIMA Week began last Wednesday with a Welcome Soirée hosted by the British High Commission in Nigeria for nominees and guests. The week continued with the Africa Music Business Summit on Thursday, January 8, which focused on the future of Africa’s music economy. On Friday, January 9, the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall featured live performances by artists and DJs.

Attendance and Economic Impact

Organizers report that over 1,216 attendees are participating in the event, including artists, delegates, and production team members. This includes 732 artists and managers, 301 delegates from Africa and the diaspora, and 183 technical production professionals. The influx of attendees is expected to have a significant economic impact on Lagos, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

AFRIMA’s Broader Mission

AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, emphasized the awards’ role in promoting integration, inclusion, and peace-building, alongside driving economic growth within the creative industry. The awards aim to connect people across borders through shared talent and humanity.

International Partnerships and Support

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted the growing cultural ties between Africa, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom, noting the global success of African artists, particularly in the Afrobeats genre. The UK reaffirmed its commitment to partnerships supporting economic development within the creative industries. Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described Lagos as Africa’s cultural capital and emphasized the state government’s dedication to fostering an environment where creatives can thrive.

Nomination Highlights and Competition

Competition is intense among the nominees, with Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido, and South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa leading with five nominations each. Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive are both nominated for Album of the Year, alongside their hit songs contending in other major categories. DJ Maphorisa is also in contention for Best African DJ and Album of the Year. Moroccan rap star El Grande Toto’s album Salgoat is also nominated for Album of the Year. Nigeria’s Shallipopi has secured four nominations, including Artiste of the Year and Song of the Year for his collaboration Laho, marking him as a breakout star.