The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the British High Commission in Nigeria have signed a cultural partnership aimed at boosting creative exchange, strengthening cultural ties and opening more international doors for African music as the ninth edition of the AFRIMA Awards, which will be held from January 7 to 11, 2026.
The collaboration, according to the organizer’s Sunday statement, was formalized through a recently signed Cultural Cooperation Agreement, stating that the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos will co-host the welcome evening for nominees and guests in Lagos, the official opening event of the ninth AFRIMA Awards Week.
“The exclusive meeting will take place on January 7, 2026 and will be attended by AU officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, international guests, nominees, creatives and media professionals for an evening of networking and cultural connection,” it reads.
Undisputedly, the Africa World Music Awards, the 9th AFRIMA, is organized by the AFRIMA International Executive Committee in association with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State Government as the official host city.
Speaking on the partnership, AFRIMA Chief Experience Officer (CXO), Adenrele Niyi, described the collaboration as a strategic move to deepen cultural diplomacy through music.
“This partnership reflects AFRIMA’s mission to position African music as a global force,” he said. “Beyond the awards, we are committed to creating spaces where creativity meets opportunity and where African talent can confidently engage with the world. Working with the British High Commission broadens our platform for innovation, collaboration and meaningful industry cultural exchange.”
Niyi added that this edition of AFRIMA will place a strong emphasis on strengthening global relationships between the creative industry and the industry.
“Partnerships like this show how relevant African music has become on the world stage. We are honored to collaborate with such an important institution and believe the impact will go far beyond 2025.”
The agreement, signed by Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires of the British High Commission in Nigeria, aligns with the UK’s continued support for Nigeria’s creative industries through greater cultural exchange and innovation. She said:
“The UK is delighted to partner with AFRIMA to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of Africa’s music industry. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the UK and Nigeria, and across the African continent. Our Jollof and Tea campaign has shown us the power of bringing people together through culture, and we are excited to harness that spirit. We look forward to a week of celebration that showcases the best of African music and opens new doors for creative exchange and collaboration.”
Throughout the five-day celebration, the 9th AFRIMA will offer a lineup of key events including the Diamond Showcase (January 7-8), Africa Music Business Summit (January 8), Host City Tour and CSR Visit, Music Village Concert (January 9), Nominees and Industry Party (January 10) and Red Carpet and Grand Awards Night (January 11). The awards ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries, ensuring the excitement reaches audiences around the world.
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