LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), has set the tone for a globally connected celebration of African sound with the announcement of a new cultural partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria ahead of the 9th AFRIMA Awards scheduled for January 7–11, 2026.
The collaboration, sealed through a Cultural Cooperation Agreement, is designed to strengthen creative exchange, deepen cultural ties, and create fresh international pathways for African artists.
A key highlight of the partnership will see the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos co-host the Welcome Soirée for nominees and invited guests, officially opening AFRIMA Awards Week on January 7, 2026.
Set in Lagos, the exclusive soirée will bring together African Union officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, international guests, nominees, creatives, and media professionals for an evening focused on networking and cultural connection.
The event signals the start of a five-day celebration that places African music firmly on the global stage.
Organised by AFRIMA’s International Executive Committee in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State Government as host city, the 9th edition continues the awards’ mission of amplifying African music worldwide.
AFRIMA Chief Experience Officer Adenrele Niyi, described the new alliance as a strategic step in cultural diplomacy driven by music.
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“This partnership reflects AFRIMA’s mission to position African music as a global force. Beyond the awards, we are committed to building spaces where creativity meets opportunity and where African talent can confidently engage the world. Working with the British High Commission expands our platform for industry innovation, collaboration, and meaningful cultural exchange,” Niyi said.
She further noted that the 2026 edition will prioritise stronger global creative-industry relationships.
“Partnerships like this show just how relevant African music has become on the world stage. We’re honoured to collaborate with such an important institution, and we believe the impact will go far beyond 2025,” she added.
From the UK’s perspective, the agreement aligns with ongoing efforts to support Nigeria’s creative sector through cultural collaboration.
The Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission Nigeria, Gill Lever OBE, highlighted the shared vision behind the partnership.
“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’re excited to build on that spirit,” she said.
The 9th AFRIMA Awards will feature a packed programme including the Diamond Showcase on January 7 and 8, the Africa Music Business Summit on January 8, host city tours and CSR visits, the Music Village Concert on January 9, the Nominees and Industry Party on January 10, and the Red Carpet followed by the Grand Awards Night on January 11.
With the ceremony set to be broadcast live to audiences in more than 84 countries, AFRIMA 2026 is shaping up to be a defining moment for African music, reinforcing its growing influence while opening new doors for global creative collaboration.
