Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially declared Lagos ready to host the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025, describing the city as Africa’s cultural and creative capital.
During a recent meeting with delegates from the African Union (AU) and the AFRIMA International Committee, the governor expressed confidence in Lagos’ capability to host the high-profile continental event.
“Lagos is more than ready. This aligns with our vision to make the creative and tourism industries major pillars of economic growth,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
Sanwo-Olu applauded the diverse makeup of the AFRIMA committee, which includes representatives from countries such as Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Morocco, and Ethiopia. He said it reinforces AFRIMA’s status as a pan-African platform for celebrating talent.
AU Commends Lagos’ Support for Arts
Ms. Angela Martins, Head of Culture and Acting Director at the AU Commission, praised the governor for his consistent support. She emphasized AFRIMA’s role in promoting Africa’s creative economy and cultural identity, in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063.
“AFRIMA isn’t just entertainment,” she said, “it’s a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and economic transformation across Africa.”
AFRIMA President, Mike Dada, highlighted the significant economic and social benefits of hosting the awards. With over 1,600 nominees, 1,100 crew members, and a global audience exceeding 400 million, the one-week festival is expected to boost tourism, hospitality, and job creation in Lagos.
“We’re not just hosting an award show—we’re bringing the world to Lagos,” Dada affirmed.
He credited Lagos’ progress in film, fashion, music, and tech innovation to the state’s proactive governance and consistent investment in the creative space.
Key members of the AFRIMA committee at the meeting included:
– Matlou Tsotetsi (South Africa), Director of Brand Communications
– Adenrele Niyi (Nigeria), Chief Experience Officer
– Mike John Strano (Australian-Kenyan), Regional Director for Eastern Africa
-Francis Doku (Ghana), Country Director
– Kenny Ogungbe (Nigeria), Media Committee
– Edwidge Goli (Côte d’Ivoire), Francophone Liaison
– Victoria Nkong (Nigeria), Associate Producer
The official announcement of the host city for AFRIMA 2025 will be made on May 13, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
