AFRIMA, British High Commission Partner to Strengthen Cultural, Creative Exchange

AFRIMA, British High Commission Partner to Strengthen Cultural, Creative Exchange

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the British High Commission in Nigeria have formalised a new cultural partnership designed to deepen creative exchange, strengthen cultural ties, and expand international visibility for African music ahead of the 9th AFRIMA Awards scheduled for January 7–11, 2026.

The collaboration, sealed through a Cultural Cooperation Agreement, confirms that the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos will co-host the Welcome Soirée for nominees and guests—a prestigious opening event that will usher in the 2026 AFRIMA Awards Week. The exclusive gathering, billed for January 7, 2026, will bring together officials from the African Union, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, international guests, nominees, creatives, and members of the media for an evening dedicated to networking and cultural engagement.

Recognised as Africa’s premier global music awards, the 9th AFRIMA is organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission, with Lagos State serving as the official host city.

Speaking on the new partnership, AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer (CXO), Adenrele Niyi, described the agreement as a strategic step towards advancing cultural diplomacy through music.

“This partnership reflects AFRIMA’s mission to position African music as a global force,” Niyi said. “Beyond the awards, we are committed to building spaces where creativity meets opportunity and where African talent can confidently engage the world. Working with the British High Commission expands our platform for innovation, collaboration, and meaningful cultural exchange.”

She added that the 2026 edition of AFRIMA will place strong emphasis on strengthening international creative-industry relationships.

“Partnerships like this show how relevant African music has become on the world stage. We’re honoured to collaborate with such an important institution, and we believe the impact will extend far beyond 2025.”

The agreement was signed by Gill Lever OBE, Chargé d’Affaires of the British High Commission in Nigeria, who noted that the UK remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s creative industries through cultural exchange and innovation.

“The UK is delighted to partner with AFRIMA to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of Africa's music industry,” Lever said. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the UK and Nigeria, and across the continent. Our ‘Jollof and Tea’ campaign has shown the power of culture in building connections, and we’re excited to build on that spirit. We look forward to a week that showcases the very best of African music while opening new doors for creative exchange and collaboration.”

The five-day awards celebration will feature major events including the Diamond Showcase (Jan 7–8), the Africa Music Business Summit (Jan 8), the Host City Tour and CSR Visit, the Music Village Concert (Jan 9), the Nominees & Industry Party (Jan 10), and the Red Carpet and Grand Awards Night (Jan 11). The awards ceremony will be broadcast live to more than 84 countries.