President Tinubu Endorses AFRIMA 2025 As Nigeria Prepares To Host Historic Music Awards.
Lagos is set to become the epicentre of African music and culture as President Bola Tinubu has officially endorsed the 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), scheduled to take place from 25 to 30 November 2025. The announcement, heralded as a significant boost for Nigeria’s creative industry, follows a formal request from the African Union Commission (AUC) for Nigeria’s collaboration in hosting the prestigious event. The Federal Government has moved swiftly to establish an inter-ministerial Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure the event’s success, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a cultural powerhouse on the continent.
The endorsement was celebrated at a ceremony in Abuja on 9 July 2025, where Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, inaugurated the LOC. The committee comprises representatives from key federal ministries, including Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Foreign Affairs, Information and National Orientation, Interior, Youth, Education, and Aviation. It also includes officials from prominent agencies such as the Nigerian Film Corporation, the National Film and Video Censors Board, and the National Council for Arts and Culture, alongside delegates from the African Union and the AFRIMA International Committee. This diverse group will work closely with Lagos, the official host city, to deliver what is anticipated to be a landmark edition of the awards under the theme “Unstoppable Africa.”
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Musawa described the event as a vital platform for promoting African talent and fostering economic growth. “This is more than just an awards show,” she said. “It is a major opportunity to create jobs, boost tourism, celebrate African talents, and share our positive stories authentically with the world. We are excited to collaborate with the Lagos State Government, the AFRIMA team, and the African Union to deliver a world-class event.” She emphasised that AFRIMA aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of leveraging the creative industry to drive national development and social re-engineering.
Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s swift response and unwavering support. “We thank President Tinubu for his visionary approval and backing of AFRIMA 2025,” he said. “This is not just an event approval; it’s a powerful statement that the Nigerian government values the creative and cultural industry and its ability to promote unity and prosperity across Africa.” Dada also praised the Lagos State Government for its partnership and investment in the creative sector, noting that Nigeria’s role as a cultural hub would be showcased globally through the event.
The 2025 AFRIMA week promises a vibrant lineup of activities, including the Diamond Showcase from 25 to 27 November, a Welcome Soiree on 26 November, the Africa Music Business Summit on 27 and 28 November, the AFRIMA Music Village on 28 November featuring non-stop performances by African artists, a Nominees and Industry Party on 29 November, and the main awards ceremony on 30 November. The event, broadcast to 84 countries worldwide, is expected to attract over 1,600 nominees and their teams, alongside 25,000 visitors and delegates from across the globe.
Since its inception in 2014, AFRIMA has partnered with the African Union to promote and develop African music through its seven core pillars: the awards ceremony, music festivals, the AFRIMA Kreative Academy, the Business Music Hub, talent discovery and promotion, policy debate and advisory, and advocacy. The 2025 edition, following a successful event in Dakar, Senegal, is poised to elevate Nigeria’s global cultural influence further.
Mrs. Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy at the Ministry, conveyed President Tinubu’s approval during the inauguration, praising his commitment to the creative sector. “On behalf of the Honourable Minister and the Permanent Secretary, we thank President Tinubu for granting Nigeria the opportunity to host this historic event,” she said. “We are committed to working with AFRIMA to make this a reality.”
As preparations gain momentum, the collaboration between the Federal Government, Lagos State, and the AFRIMA team underscores Nigeria’s dedication to celebrating African creativity and fostering unity through music. With President Tinubu’s endorsement, AFRIMA 2025 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of the continent’s unstoppable spirit.
