Lagos, FirstBank, Guinness, Sweden, Others Power 9th AFRIMA Sponsorship Line-Up

Lagos, FirstBank, Guinness, Sweden, Others Power 9th AFRIMA Sponsorship Line-Up

The Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria, The Address Homes, the Government of Sweden, Gobet247, Utilita and several other leading organisations have confirmed their sponsorship of the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), scheduled to hold in Lagos from January 7 to 11, 2026.

AFRIMA, organised in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), unveiled an extensive list of sponsors and partners, underscoring growing confidence in African music as a powerful cultural and economic force on the global stage.

The 2026 edition, themed “Unstoppable Africa,” has drawn support from key sectors including finance, real estate, beverages, gaming, digital platforms, media, hospitality and international cultural institutions.

Following the acceptance of the hosting offer by the African Union, Lagos State will once again serve as the Official Host City of the awards, further cementing its status as Africa’s creative and entertainment capital. The event also enjoys the backing of the Federal Government of Nigeria, while the African Union Commission remains AFRIMA’s legacy institutional partner.

At the top tier of sponsorship, fast-growing digital payments and lifestyle platform Utilita and leading gaming and entertainment brand Gobet247 have emerged as National Gold Sponsors of the awards.

At the Silver sponsorship level, First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and The Address Homes have been confirmed as National Silver Partners. Guinness Nigeria joins the line-up as the Official Beer Sponsor, while international cultural support comes from the British High Commission in Nigeria and the Embassy of Sweden, both serving as Cultural Exchange Partners.

In the travel and hospitality category, Wakanow, Pan Atlantic Travels, and Dorf Travels & Tours Ltd have been named Official Travel Partners. Vaniti Lagos and Knowhere Restaurant will host nominees and special guests as Hospitality Partners. Youth-focused platform Mainland Block Party Lagos will add street culture and community energy to the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall on January 9.

AFRIMA also confirmed a robust coalition of media partners across radio, television, digital, print and Out-of-Home (OOH) platforms. These include DSTV/Multichoice, HIPTV, Afro Music Pop, Beat FM, Classic FM, Inspiration FM, Nigeria Info, TVC, Nigezie, and several others, alongside major OOH companies such as MotoMedia, Yartview Ltd, Optimus Exposure, Plural Media, Folham Nigeria Limited and Nimbus Media.

Speaking on FirstBank’s support, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, said the partnership aligns with the bank’s long-standing commitment to Africa’s creative industry.

“Through our First@Arts initiative, we have consistently supported projects across the creative value chain, nurturing talent and preserving Africa’s rich cultural heritage while promoting unity and economic growth,” she said.

Also speaking, H.E. Anna Westerholm, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, described the partnership as timely, noting that 2026 marks 65 years of diplomatic relations between Sweden and Nigeria.

“As the world’s third-largest music exporter, Sweden believes strongly in collaboration and idea exchange. This partnership strengthens our cultural and business ties with Africa’s creative industries,” she said.

Yinka Bakare, Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc, said the brand’s sponsorship reflects its deep roots in African culture.

“AFRIMA celebrates the extraordinary artistry that defines Africa, and we are proud to support a platform that showcases the continent’s greatness to the world,” he said.

Founder and Chairman of The Address Homes, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, described AFRIMA as a vital platform for African creativity, collaboration and cultural expression, noting that culture and enterprise must work together to drive sustainable development.

Announcing the sponsorship line-up in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, AFRIMA’s Director of Partnerships, Ms. Edwidge Goli, described the strong support as a vote of confidence in African music and its future.

“This is more than sponsorship. It is a historic show of belief in the power of African music and the brilliance of our talents,” she said.

The 9th AFRIMA will kick off with the Nominees and Guests Welcome Soirees on January 7, followed by the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) on January 8 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites.

The AFRIMA Music Village Concert and Diamond Showcase will take place on January 9 at Ikeja City Mall, ahead of the grand Awards Ceremony on January 11 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel, Lagos. The red carpet will commence at 3:30pm (WAT).

The awards ceremony and live performances will be broadcast to audiences in over 84 countries worldwide.