Lagos Gears Up to Welcome Africa’s Biggest Music Celebration in 2025
Lagos is set to light up as the African Union and the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) bring the 2025 edition of the continent’s most anticipated music celebration to Nigeria’s vibrant city.
The exciting announcement was made by Angela Martins, Head of Culture at the African Union, during a press briefing held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa. This year’s event, themed “Unstoppable Africa,” promises to spotlight the energy, creativity, and bold spirit of African music—and Lagos is seen as the perfect stage.
Set to run from November 25 to 30, 2025, the week-long celebration will include not just the main awards show but also exciting events like the Music Village Festival, expected to pull crowds from across Africa and beyond.
“Music is more than entertainment—it’s a force that connects, heals, and inspires,” Martins said. “From cities like Dar es Salaam to Accra, music has always been at the heart of who we are.”
The 2025 journey kicks off with a call for entries on May 20, opening the floor to artists across the continent and in the diaspora. Musicians from all genres are encouraged to submit their work in various categories as AFRIMA continues to uplift African voices through art and culture.
AFRIMA President Mike Dada emphasized the awards’ deeper mission: “This platform goes beyond music. It’s about unity, peace, job creation, and telling our stories our way.”
The celebration won’t be limited to Nigeria alone. In the lead-up to the main event, AFRIMA will make stops in Morocco, Tanzania, Côte d’Ivoire, as well as London and Paris, building anticipation and spreading the rhythm of Africa worldwide.
Back in April, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed the opportunity to host the event. Meeting with representatives from the AU and AFRIMA, he shared his enthusiasm for positioning Lagos as a cultural and entertainment hub.
“Our creative economy is one of the pillars of our development plan,” he said. “Since taking office, we’ve been intentional about creating space for music, film, fashion, and cultural tourism to thrive. Hosting AFRIMA is something we’re proud to take on.”
With Lagos ready and the continent buzzing, AFRIMA 2025 is already shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of talent, unity, and the unstoppable beat of Africa.
