• Minister pledges partnership with Lagos
President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), which will take place in Lagos from November 25-30.
The president’s endorsement came in response to a letter from the African Union Commission (AUC) requesting Nigeria’s collaboration for the next edition of the event.
In line with the president’s endorsement, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have setting up an inter ministerial Local Organising Committee (LOC) to work with the official host city, Lagos, African Union and International Committee of AFRIMA to plan and deliver a historic event under the theme, ‘Unstoppable Africa.’
Speaking during the inauguration of the federal government’s LOC in Abuja, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, declared the ministry’s readiness to work hand-in-hand with the Lagos State government and the International Committee of AFRIMA to host what she described as the best AFRIMA yet.
According to the minister, AFRIMA perfectly aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of leveraging the creative industry as a key driver of economic growth, national development, and social re-engineering.
“This is more than just an awards show. It is a major platform to create jobs, promote tourism, celebrate African talents, and tell our positive stories authentically through music to the world.
“We are excited to work with the Lagos State government, the AFRIMA team, and the African Union to deliver a world-class event.”
Also, speaking at the event, Mrs. Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy in the ministry, conveyed the official message of President Tinubu’s approval and praised his support for the industry.
“On behalf of the Honorable Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and our agencies, we appreciate the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting us the opportunity to host this historic event during this administration, and we also thank the Honourable Minister for providing a platform for us to collaborate with AFRIMA for this event to come through in November this year, and the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs as well, that is co-chair with our Honourable Minister, to make this dream come to pass,” she said. The newly inaugurated federal government‘s LOC for AFRIMA 2025 includes representatives from key federal ministries such as Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; Information and National Orientation; Foreign Affairs; Interior; Youth; Education; and Aviation, among others.
Also represented are top government agencies, including the Nigerian Film Corporation, National Film and Video Censors Board, and the National Council for Arts and Culture. Delegates from the AFRIMA International Committee and the African Union are also on board.
President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, expressed appreciation to the federal government for its swift response and full support.
“We thank President Tinubu for his quick and visionary approval and backing of AFRIMA 2025.
“This is not just an event approval. It’s a loud statement that the Nigerian government values the culture and creative industry and its power to promote unity and prosperity across Africa,” Dada said.
He also thanked the Lagos State government for accepting to be the official host city and for its valuable partnership, as well as its deliberate investment in the creative industry.
Broadcast live to 84 countries and in partnership with the African Union since 2014, AFRIMA is a global music awards aimed at developing, rewarding and promoting African music and talents globally via its seven core pillars of; Awards Ceremony, Music festivals, The AFRIMA kreative Academy, Business Music Hub, Talent Discovery and Promotion, Policy debate and Advisory; and Advocacy.
According to the organisers, the main AFRIMA events week will feature star-studded and world-class activities from November 25 -27 (Diamond Showcase), November 26 (Welcome Soiree), November 27-28 (Africa Music Business Summit), November 28 (AFRIMA Music Village-an evening of non-stop music and live performances from African artistes and nominees), November 29 (Nominees and Industry Party), November 30 (Award ceremony).
