Major sponsors back 9th AFRIMA awards set for Lagos in January

AFRIMA, organised in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), announced its list of sponsors and partners, reflecting continued institutional and commercial support for African music as a cultural and economic sector. The 2026 edition is themed Unstoppable Africa.

Lagos will again serve as the official host city following acceptance of the hosting offer from the African Union. The African Union Commission remains AFRIMA’s institutional partner, while the Federal Government of Nigeria is also supporting the event.

At the top sponsorship tier, digital payments platform Utilita and gaming and entertainment brand Gobet247 have been named National Gold Sponsors. National Silver Partners include First Bank of Nigeria, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service and The Address Homes. Guinness Nigeria joins as the official beer sponsor.

International cultural partners include the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Embassy of Sweden. In travel and hospitality, Wakanow, Pan Atlantic Travels and Dorf Travels & Tours have been appointed official travel partners, while Vaniti Lagos and Knowhere Restaurant will host nominees and guests. Youth culture platform Mainland Block Party Lagos will support activities at the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall on 9 January.

AFRIMA has also confirmed a wide range of media partners across radio, television, digital, print and out-of-home platforms. These include MultiChoice/DStv, HIPTV, TVC, Nigeria Info, Beat FM, Classic FM, Inspiration FM, Radio Lagos, Eko FM and several other broadcasters and media companies.

Speaking on FirstBank’s involvement, Olayinka Ijabiyi, acting group head of marketing and corporate communications at the bank, said:
“At FirstBank, we are dedicated to promoting Africa’s vibrant creative industry, and our partnership with AFRIMA reflects this commitment. Through our First@Arts initiative, we have consistently supported projects across the creative value chain, nurturing talent and enabling production.”

From the international partners, Sweden’s ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, said:
“Sweden is proud to join AFRIMA in celebrating the richness and global impact of African music. As the world’s third-largest music exporter, we believe in the power of collaboration and idea exchange.”

Guinness Nigeria marketing and innovations director Yinka Bakare said the brand’s sponsorship reflects its long-standing association with African culture.
“AFRIMA celebrates the extraordinary artistry that defines Africa, and we are proud to support a platform that showcases the continent’s greatness to the world,” she said.

Founder and chairman of The Address Homes, Bisi Onasanya, described AFRIMA as a platform that brings together culture and enterprise.
“Supporting AFRIMA is our way of investing in Africa’s talents, strengthening cultural pride and opening new opportunities for creative young people,” he said.

AFRIMA’s director of partnerships, Edwidge Goli, said the sponsor line-up represented strong confidence in African music.
“This is more than sponsorship. It is a show of belief in the power of African music, the brilliance of our talents and the future of our creative industries,” she said.

The awards week will open with nominees and guests welcome events on 7 January, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit on 8 January at the Eko Convention Centre. The AFRIMA Music Village Concert and Diamond Showcase will take place on 9 January at Ikeja City Mall, ahead of the main awards ceremony on 11 January at Eko Hotel and Suites.

The awards ceremony and performances will be broadcast to audiences in more than 84 countries worldwide.