Lagos State is making a strong bid to host the prestigious All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in 2025. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared the state’s readiness to host the event, citing Lagos’s status as Africa’s creative and cultural capital.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his commitment during a meeting with a delegation from the African Union and the AFRIMA International Committee. He emphasized that hosting AFRIMA 2025 aligns with his administration’s vision to make the creative and tourism industry a key driver of the state’s development.
“I am impressed by the diversity and calibre of the members of the AFRIMA International Committee. Seeing representatives from countries like Cote d�Ivoire, Mozambique, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, and South-Africa is a strong affirmation that AFRIMA is a global pan-Africa initiative, it is a true continental platform,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.
Ms. Angela Martins, Head of Culture and Acting Director for Social Development, Culture and Sport at the African Union Commission, acknowledged the Governor’s ongoing support for the arts and reaffirmed the AU’s partnership with AFRIMA. “The African Union has been proud to partner with AFRIMA since 2014. Over the years, we�ve supported the awards to make sure they live up to their promise to celebrate and reward African talent and music and to promote our cultural values. Beyond entertainment, AFRIMA has become one of the tools through which we promote and communicate the African Union�s cultural policies and the wider vision of Agenda 2063, particularly in building the creative economy of the continent,” she said.
AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for the state’s investment in the creative industry. He emphasized AFRIMA’s potential to generate significant opportunities for tourism, entertainment, job creation, and economic growth for the host city.
Dada stated, “Under your leadership, Lagos has made great progress in the creative industry. You�ve been a strong supporter and a true promoter of talent and fresh ideas. Whether it�s film, fashion, music, or technology, your efforts have helped make Lagos stand out as Africa�s creative capital. We at AFRIMA truly appreciate your support, and we believe Lagos is more than ready to host an unforgettable AFRIMA 2025.”
Dada further highlighted AFRIMA’s impact since its inception in 2014, noting its commitment to celebrating and uniting Africa through music. “AFRIMA is not just about music, it also resonates with real human stories, we�ve seen dreams come through, talents discovered, and careers launched. More importantly, AFRIMA is helping to reshape the global narrative about Africa. We�re showing that Africa is not a continent of lack but a cultural powerhouse that supports development and economic growth.”
He also pointed out the potential economic benefits for Lagos, stating, “With over 1,600 nominees, and their teams, more than 1,100 production crew members expected in 2025 and over 400 million global broadcast audience, Lagos won�t just host an event; the impact of the one-week festival will be massive, opening more doors for tourism, hospitality, and new economic opportunities for business in the sector and beyond.”
The AFRIMA delegation included Director of Brand Communications at AFRIMA, Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi from South Africa; Chief Experience Officer (CXO) from Nigeria, Ms. Adenrele Niyi; Regional Director for Eastern Africa, Mr. Mike John Strano (an Australian-Kenyan); Country Director for Ghana, Mr. Francis Doku; Mr. Kenny Ogungbe from Nigeria, a member of the AFRIMA International Congress and Media Committee; Ms. Edwidge Goli from Cote d�Ivoire, Liaison and Partnership Advisory Executive, Francophone region; and Ms. Victoria Nkong from Nigeria, an AFRIMA Associate Producer.
The African Union and the AFRIMA International Committee will officially announce the host of the 2025 AFRIMA on May 13 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
