Afrima, British High Commission Partner To Promote Culture, Creative Exchange

The All Africa Music Awards AFRIMA and the British High Commission in Nigeria have entered into a cultural partnership aimed at boosting creative exchange, strengthening cultural ties, and opening more international doors for African music as the 9th AFRIMA Awards holds from January 7-11, 2026. The collaboration, formalised through a newly signed Cultural Cooperation Agreement, also affirms that the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos will co-host the Welcome Soiree for the Nominees and Guests in Lagos, the official opening event of the 9th AFRIMA Awards Week. The exclusive gathering will take place on January 7, 2026 and in attendance will be AU officials, AFRIMA delegates, jury members, international guests, nominees, creatives, and media professionals for an evening of networking and cultural connection. Unarguably, Africas global music awards, the 9th AFRIMA is organised by the International Executive Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Lagos State government as the Official Host City. Speaking on the partnership, AFRIMAs Chief Experience Officer CXO, Adenrele Niyi, described the collaboration as a strategic move to deepen cultural diplomacy through music. "This partnership reflects AFRIMAs mission to position African music as a global force," she 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 industry innovation, collaboration, and meaningful cultural exchange." Niyi added that this edition of AFRIMA will place strong emphasis on strengthening global creative-industry relationships. The agreement, signed by Gill Lever OBE, Charge dAffaires, British High Commission Nigeria, aligns with the UKs ongoing support for Nigerias creative industries through enhanced cultural exchange and innovation. She said: "The UK is delighted to partner with AFRIMA to celebrate the extraordinary creativity and talent of Africas music industry. This collaboration reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the UK and Nigeria, and across the African continent. Our Jollof and Tea campaign has shown us the power of bringing people together through culture, and were excited to build on that spirit. We look forward to a week of celebration that showcases the very best of African music and opens new doors for creative exchange and collaboration." Across the five-day celebration, the 9th AFRIMA will deliver a lineup of key events including the Diamond Showcase Jan 7-8, the Africa Music Business Summit Jan 8, 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, ensuring the excitement reaches audiences around the world.