This rescheduling amplifies anticipation, uniting Africa’s music elite for unprecedented cultural impact.
Lagos, Nigeria – January 10, 2026 – The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 9th edition, originally slated for November 25–30, 2025, has been officially rescheduled by the African Union and AFRIMA organizers to January 7–11, 2026. The grand ceremony will now spotlight Eko Hotels on January 11, featuring a week of Music Business Summit, Music Village festivities, and cultural showcases celebrating Africa’s vibrant sounds.
Logistical hurdles, including venue upgrades at Eko Hotels and alignment with the African Union’s calendar amid global events, prompted the shift. This ensures a seamless, high-impact experience, allowing more time for nominations hype and fan voting to build momentum without compromising production quality.
Headliners like Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Davido lead with five nominations each, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for No Sign of Weakness and 5ive, plus Song of the Year nods. Shallipopi grabs four, battling for Breakout Artiste with “Laho.” South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, Morocco’s El Grande Toto, Tyla, Diamond Platnumz, Ayra Starr, Rema, Asake, Tiwa Savage, and Wizkid also shine across Afrobeats, Amapiano, and pop categories from a record 10,717 entries.
In AFRIMA 2024, Tyla swept Best Female Artist in Southern Africa and Song of the Year for global hit “Water,” while Asake claimed Best Male West Africa for “Amapiano.” Burna Boy dominated with Album of the Year (I Told Them), cementing Afrobeats’ reign.
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