Lagos has welcomed 1,216 artistes, delegates and production professionals ahead of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), reinforcing the city’s position as Africa’s leading creative and entertainment capital.
The arrivals mark the official start of AFRIMA Week, one of the continent’s most influential music and cultural events.
The figure was announced on Tuesday night at a Welcome Soirée for nominees and guests, hosted at the residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos.
Why this matters
AFRIMA is more than an awards ceremony. It is a major driver of tourism, job creation and creative industry growth across Africa.
With over a thousand visitors arriving at once, the event is expected to boost hospitality, transportation, entertainment and small businesses in Lagos.
AFRIMA: A platform for Africa’s creative economy
Speaking at the event, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, said the strong turnout highlights the growing global influence of African music.
“This year’s AFRIMA has once again demonstrated the immense power and global pull of African music. As we speak, a total of 1,216 artistes, delegates, and members of our production team have arrived in Lagos.”
He broke down the numbers: “This number includes 732 artistes and managers, 301 delegates from across Africa and the diaspora, and 183 technical production professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes.”
Dada said the scale of participation shows how AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union Commission, is strengthening Africa’s creative economies.
“You can imagine how that number can impact our economy, how much benefit Lagos’ tourism capacity demonstrates. It is huge for us and we are happy to work with the Lagos State Government and other partners to bring this benefit to our economy and our city.”
Music as a tool for unity and growth
Dada described music as a force that goes beyond entertainment. “First, music is a powerful tool for integration and inclusion. Second, it is a catalyst for peace, both across our continent and globally. And of course, music is a driver of economic growth within the creative industry.”
He said AFRIMA’s vision is rooted in shared humanity. “For us, AFRIMA is about connecting people. We do not see colour. What we see is talent, whether you are white, black, blue, or green. What matters to us is the humanity that exists in all of us.”
Global partnerships behind AFRIMA
Dada thanked the Lagos State Government and AFRIMA’s corporate partners, including First Bank, Guinness, Glenfiddich and the Swedish Government.
He also expressed appreciation to the UK Government for hosting the welcome event.“We do not take this partnership for granted.”
UK: Afrobeats now dominates global charts
The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted the growing cultural and economic ties between Africa, Nigeria and the United Kingdom through music.
He said African artistes are achieving unprecedented global success. “Afrobeats is now dominating the charts in the UK and across the globe. It is extremely important for us that we continue to build our connection to music and other creative industries.”
Baxter added that the UK remains committed to creative partnerships.“The UK is committed to partnerships that bring mutual economic development.”
Lagos positions itself as Africa’s cultural capital
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said the state is intentionally building an environment where creatives can thrive. “Lagos is Africa’s cultural capital, a city where creativity lives loudly, where ideas scale rapidly, and where talent finds opportunity.”
She said the government remains committed to supporting the sector. “Through the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we remain unwavering in our commitment to building an enabling ecosystem where creatives can thrive, collaborate, and compete successfully on the world stage.”
What’s next
AFRIMA Week continues with music conferences, cultural showcases, industry networking sessions and the main awards ceremony, drawing attention to African talent from across the continent and the diaspora.Organisers say the event will further position Africa