AFRIMA, UK partner to promote African music

AFRIMA

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The All Africa Music Awards has announced a new cultural partnership with the British High Commission in Nigeria to expand creative exchange, deepen cultural ties, and open wider global opportunities for African music ahead of the 9th AFRIMA Awards scheduled for January 7 to 11, 2026.

According to a statement shared with Saturday PUNCH, the agreement formalises a Cultural Cooperation deal under which the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos will co-host the Welcome Soirée for nominees and guests on January 7, marking the opening of the 2026 AFRIMA Awards Week.

The gathering in Lagos will bring together AU officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, international guests, nominees, creatives, and media professionals for an evening focused on networking and cultural connection.

The 9th edition of AFRIMA is organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission, with Lagos State serving as the official host city.

Speaking on the partnership, AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer, Adenrele Niyi, described the collaboration as a strategic step toward strengthening cultural diplomacy across the continent.

Niyi added that AFRIMA 2026 would place strong emphasis on deepening global creative-industry relationships.

“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.

“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 said.

Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Nigeria, Gill Lever, said the agreement aligned with the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative industries.

Lever added that the UK’s cultural initiatives had demonstrated the power of shared experiences.

“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 five-day awards celebration will feature events including the Diamond Showcase on January 7 and 8, the Africa Music Business Summit on January 8, the Host City Tour and CSR visit, the Music Village Concert on January 9, the Nominees and Industry Party on January 10, and the Red Carpet and Grand Awards Night on January 11.

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

Daniel, well versed in print and multimedia journalism with about 10 years experience, is also a videographer, photographer, cinematographer, video editor, and website developer

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