Lagos, Nigeria that can be likened to the the Austin, Texas of Africa has officially been selected to host the 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA. This brings the continent’s biggest music celebration back to one of its most energetic cultural hubs. The announcement came on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, during a landmark event at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The African Union Commission (AUC), alongside the International Committee of AFRIMA, jointly revealed Lagos as the host city and unveiled the full AFRIMA 2025 calendar of activities, setting the stage for a spectacular music showcase.
This year’s event is themed “Unstoppable Africa,” capturing the vibrancy, diversity, and creative momentum pulsing through the continent’s music scene. The grand finale of AFRIMA 2025 will take place in Lagos from November 25 to 30, 2025, attracting artists, music executives, creatives, media, and fans from around the world.
Why Lagos?
Lagos didn’t just stumble into the spotlight. It earned it.
Angela Martins, the African Union’s Acting Director for Social Development, Culture, and Sport, highlighted Lagos’ consistent performance as a host of world-class events. “Lagos truly reflects the spirit of African music, full of rhythm, creativity, and vibrant energy. The city offers the right mix of modern infrastructure, strong media presence, hospitality, and security,” she said.
With a reputation as the heartbeat of African pop culture, Lagos has long played a central role in exporting African sounds to global audiences. Hosting AFRIMA 2025 reinforces Nigeria’s leadership in the continent’s creative economy.
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AFRIMA 2025: Massive Turnout, Global Reach
AFRIMA 2025 is expected to be one of the largest editions yet. Organizers anticipate:
- 1,600+ nominees and their teams
- 60,000+ visitors and delegates
- 2,300+ production crew members
- A global broadcast audience of over 400 million viewers across 84 countries, via 109 media stations
AFRIMA 2025 Calendar: Key Dates
- Entry Submissions: May 27 – August 8, 2025, via www.afrima.org
- Adjudication Process: August 12 – 19
- Nominee Announcement (World Media Conference): August 27
- Public Voting: September 5 – November 28
Beyond the awards show, Lagos will host a full Awards Week featuring:
- Diamond Showcase (Nov 25–27)
- Opening Soiree (Nov 26)
- Africa Music Business Summit (Nov 27–28)
- Music Icons’ Night (Nov 27)
- School Visits, Host City Tour, Music Festival & Industry Party (Nov 28)
- Main Awards Ceremony (Nov 30)
Road to AFRIMA 2025 Tour
AFRIMA 2025 isn’t just about Lagos. The #RoadToAFRIMA2025 tour will energize audiences across Africa and the diaspora with stops in Morocco, Tanzania, Paris, Côte d’Ivoire, London, and Delta State in Nigeria, before culminating in Namibia (Oct 31–Nov 1).
Industry Voices and Star Power
The Addis Ababa launch drew music heavyweights from across the continent, including Stonebwoy (Ghana), Nikita Kering (Kenya), Makhadzi (South Africa), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), and Weeha (Ethiopia). AFRIMA President Mike Dada and key regional directors from across Africa were also in attendance.
The AFRIMA 2025 Music Conference held during the announcement featured robust panels on the future of African music, digital monetization, AI and technology, intellectual property rights, and global collaboration strategies.
Final Word
From afrobeat anthems to amapiano bangers, Africa’s soundscape is evolving and Lagos stands at the center of that revolution. As the countdown to November begins, all eyes are on Nigeria’s cultural capital to deliver an unforgettable AFRIMA experience.
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