2026 Awards: AFRIMA Partners British High Commission To Boost Cultural, Creative Exchange

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has announced a new cultural partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria, aimed at expanding creative exchange opportunities, deepening cultural ties, and enhancing global visibility for African music.

This is ahead of the 9th AFRIMA Awards scheduled for January 7 to 11, 2026.

The collaboration, formalised through a Cultural Cooperation Agreement, confirms that the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos will co-host the Welcome Soirée for nominees and invited guests, the official opening event of the 2026 AFRIMA Awards Week.

The exclusive gathering will take place on 7 January 2026 and will host African Union officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, international guests, nominees, creatives, and media professionals for an evening of networking and cultural immersion.

Organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State Government, the 9th edition of AFRIMA is recognised as Africa’s premier global music event.

AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer, Adenrele Niyi, described the partnership as a strategic step in expanding cultural diplomacy through music.

“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,” she said.

Niyi added that AFRIMA 2026 will place significant emphasis on strengthening international creative-industry partnerships.

“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.”

Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Nigeria, who signed the agreement on behalf of the UK, said the collaboration aligns with Britain’s continued support for Nigeria’s creative sector.

“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. We look forward to a week of celebration that showcases the very best of African music and opens new doors for creative exchange and collaboration.”

The 9th AFRIMA Awards Week will feature a series of major events, including the Diamond Showcase (7–8 January), the Africa Music Business Summit (8 January), Host City Tour and CSR activities, the Music Village Concert (9 January), the Nominees and Industry Party (10 January), and finally the Red Carpet and Grand Awards Night on 11 January.

The awards ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries worldwide.