Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to Creative Economy as AFRIMA 2026 Begins Today
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Africa’s creative industry as it formally announced updates on the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Alausa Press Centre, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described AFRIMA as a flagship continental platform that celebrates Africa’s rich musical heritage, creativity and growing global influence.
According to the commissioner, the engagement was convened to brief the media and the public on the significance of the awards, Lagos State’s role as host, and the cultural and economic benefits of the event to the creative industry and the state.
She noted that AFRIMA has, over the years, evolved into one of the most influential platforms for recognising African musical excellence, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and promoting Africa’s creative economy on the global stage.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka said Lagos State remains proud to support initiatives that elevate African talent and position arts and culture as key drivers of development, innovation and economic growth.
She also acknowledged the state’s strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creative diplomacy, describing such partnerships as vital to international engagement and creative sector expansion.
The commissioner disclosed that AFRIMA 2026 will bring together artists, producers, industry leaders, policymakers and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond, while highlighting the creative sector’s growing contribution to employment, tourism, youth empowerment and global visibility for the continent.
She congratulated all nominees and participants, commending their creativity, discipline and impact in showcasing Africa’s diversity, strength and competitiveness in the global creative space.
Reiterating Lagos State’s position as Africa’s cultural and creative capital, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture remains committed to creating an enabling environment that supports creativity, attracts investment and positions Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment and cultural tourism.
She called for constructive media engagement and continued collaboration with stakeholders as activities for AFRIMA 2026 unfold, expressing confidence that the event will be both successful and impactful.
The commissioner concluded by appreciating members of the press for their consistent support of the creative industry and their role in projecting the Lagos and African story to the world.
On his part, the President of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Mr. Mike Dada, said the initiative was designed to promote African talents and music to the rest of the world for global competitiveness.
He also noted that AFRIMA was conceived to showcase the abundant creative capacity of Africans to the world.
The AFRIMA boss further thanked the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for generously accepting to host the 9th edition of the event, adding that while Nigerians are familiar with great cities around the world that promote music and culture, they know little about their own.
Mike Dada disclosed that the week-long 9th edition of AFRIMA will be broadcast live in 24 countries across the world, stressing that a Musical Summit is part of the activities to discuss the business side of African music, with a view to reversing the trend of some talents dying in poverty despite their contributions to the industry.
The AFRIMA president also thanked the media for their support and partnership with the organisation over the years.
He pointed out that the body has faced logistical challenges, including visa issues, while travelling from one country to another within the continent.
Also adding his voice, the Co-Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Olisa Adibua, thanked the Lagos State Government for its clear understanding of what the project represents.
He described Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a leading supporter of arts and culture.
According to him, one of the fundamental aims of AFRIMA is the rapid growth of the music ecosystem in Africa, similar to what obtains in other parts of the world where infrastructure supports its sustainability and growth.
