Lagos Reaffirms Backing for AFRIMA 2026, Highlights Creative Economy Gains
- Jan 8
- 1 min read
The Lagos State Government has renewed its commitment to hosting and supporting the 2026 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), positioning the event as a major driver of cultural promotion, tourism growth, and economic expansion.
The assurance was given in Lagos on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during a media briefing in Ikeja. She said the state views AFRIMA as a strategic platform for projecting African music and culture to a global audience.
According to the commissioner, AFRIMA has evolved beyond an awards ceremony into a continental movement that recognises excellence, encourages collaboration across borders, and strengthens Africa’s creative industry value chain.
She noted that Lagos’ involvement reflects the government’s broader policy of placing arts and culture at the heart of development, job creation, and youth engagement, particularly within the fast-growing entertainment sector.
Benson-Awoyinka also acknowledged the role of international partners in sustaining the awards, citing ongoing cooperation with foreign missions and cultural institutions that promote creative exchange and global partnerships.
She disclosed that AFRIMA 2026 is expected to attract artists, producers, policymakers, investors, and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and other regions, boosting hospitality, tourism, and allied services in Lagos.
The commissioner added that preparations for the event would focus on maximising economic impact while reinforcing Lagos’ status as Africa’s leading creative and cultural hub.
AFRIMA, now in its ninth edition, remains one of the continent’s most prominent music awards, celebrating African talent while expanding opportunities within the global entertainment industry.
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