Nigeria: President Bola Tinubu endorses AFRIMA 2025

The endorsement, the organisers said, followed a formal request from the African Union Commission (AUC), seeking Nigeria’s partnership in hosting the next edition of the prestigious pan-African awards.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has inaugurated a Local Organising Committee (LOC). The committee will collaborate with the official host city, Lagos, the AUC, and the AFRIMA International Committee to deliver what is being billed as a historic edition under the theme, ‘Unstoppable Africa’.

Speaking at the inauguration of the LOC at her office in Abuja on 9 July 2025, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, affirmed the ministry’s full commitment to the event.

“This is more than just an awards show,” Musawa said. “It is a major platform to create jobs, promote tourism, celebrate African talents, and tell our positive stories authentically through music to the world. We are excited to work with the Lagos State government, the AFRIMA team, and the African Union to deliver a world-class event.”

She added that the event aligns closely with President Tinubu’s vision of leveraging the creative industry as a catalyst for economic growth, national development, and social transformation.

Also addressing the gathering, the ministry’s director of Entertainment and Creative Economy, Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, delivered the official message of the President’s approval and acknowledged his ongoing support for the creative sector.

“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and our agencies, we appreciate the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for granting Nigeria the opportunity to host this historic event,” she said. “We also thank the Honourable Minister for providing a platform for us to collaborate with AFRIMA, and the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will co-chair with our Honourable Minister to make this dream a reality in November.”

The newly inaugurated LOC includes representatives from key federal ministries such as Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Information and National Orientation; Foreign Affairs; Interior; Youth; Education; and Aviation. Also participating are government agencies including the Nigerian Film Corporation, the National Film and Video Censors Board, and the National Council for Arts and Culture, along with delegates from the AFRIMA International Committee and the African Union.

President and executive producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, expressed deep appreciation for the Federal Government’s timely support.

“We thank President Tinubu for his quick and visionary approval and backing of AFRIMA 2025,” Dada said. “This is not just an event approval. It’s a loud statement that the Nigerian government values the culture and creative industry (CCI) and its power to promote unity and prosperity across Africa.”

Dada also lauded the Lagos State Government for agreeing to host the event and for its continued investment in the creative sector.

“Nigeria has always been a creative and cultural powerhouse,” he said. “With this support, we are confident that this year’s AFRIMA will be an unforgettable celebration of African talent and creativity for the whole world to see. It is fantastic that the Federal Government has come on board, and we are happy that the Minister has mentioned that all of us are going to work together with the Host City, Lagos State, to deliver the best AFRIMA in history.”

AFRIMA returns to Nigeria after a successful 2023 edition in Dakar, Senegal, which was hosted by President Macky Sall. The 2025 edition will run from 25 to 30 November in Lagos.

Since its inception in partnership with the African Union in 2014, AFRIMA has been broadcast live in 84 countries and has championed the development and promotion of African music globally. Its core pillars include: the Awards Ceremony, Music Festivals, the AFRIMA Kreative Academy, Business Music Hub, Talent Discovery and Promotion, Policy Debate and Advisory, and Advocacy.

The main AFRIMA 2025 events schedule includes:

• 25 to 27 November: Diamond showcase
• 26 November: Welcome soirée
• 27 to 28 November: Africa music business summit
• 28 November: AFRIMA Music Village – a night of non-stop performances by African artistes and nominees
• 29 November: Nominees and industry party
• 30 November: Awards ceremony