Lagos, the city that never sleeps, is once again set to pulse with the electrifying energy of music as it has been officially named the host city for the 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
Scheduled to run from November 25 to 30, 2025, this grand celebration of African music will transform Lagos into the heartbeat of the continent’s vibrant soundscape.
“There’s no city like Lagos when it comes to celebrating African music,” an AFRIMA spokesperson declared. “It’s the beating heart of culture, and we are thrilled to be back.”
The announcement was made during the AFRIMA 2025 Music Conference, Calendar Launch, and Host City Announcement held on Tuesday, May 13, at the African Union Commission Secretariat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This marks the seventh time that Lagos will host the prestigious event, cementing its reputation as the cultural capital of Africa. As dignitaries, music executives, and artists gathered in Addis Ababa, the excitement was palpable.
“Lagos is not just a host city,” one African Union representative noted. “It is a stage where Africa’s unstoppable rhythm comes to life.”
This year’s theme, “Unstoppable Africa,” perfectly captures the continent’s global impact in music and culture. African artists are dominating global charts, headlining international festivals, and reshaping cultural narratives.
AFRIMA 2025 is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a celebration of the continent’s undeniable influence.
“African music is no longer a genre,” said AFRIMA’s President. “It is a global movement, and Lagos is the perfect place to showcase that power.”
As November draws closer, the anticipation for AFRIMA 2025 continues to build.
Music lovers across the continent are already marking their calendars, ready to experience the magic of Lagos—where the streets never sleep, the beats never stop, and the spirit of Africa is always alive.
The city’s legendary nightlife, vibrant culture, and iconic venues promise a show like no other.
“Lagos will light up like never before,” an excited Nigerian artist remarked. “This is the sound of an unstoppable Africa, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Submissions Are Now Open!
The stage is set, and the spotlight is ready to shine. From the bustling streets of Kinshasa’s art studios to the high-tech sound labs of Nairobi, from the spirited street performers in Dakar to the Afrobeats stars in Accra, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2025 has officially opened its doors to a new wave of talent.
The announcement came with a call that resonated across the continent: “Artists, producers, DJs, songwriters — if you’ve got a sound that captures the soul of Africa and speaks to the world, this is your moment.”
Mark your calendars because the submission portal officially opens on May 27, 2025.
This year, AFRIMA isn’t just about recognizing the best in African music; it’s about creating a stage for stories, beats, and voices that define the continent.
Musicians, whether you’re blending the old with the new, fusing traditional sounds with futuristic beats, or telling stories that touch the heart — this is your chance to be heard.
As the portal opens, artists from every corner of Africa and its diaspora can submit their work, vying for a place among the legends of the African music industry.
“We are not just celebrating music,” a voice echoed from the AFRIMA team. “We are celebrating the heartbeat of Africa.”
AFRIMA President, Mr. Mike Dada, took center stage at the unveiling event with a message of vision and impact.
“AFRIMA 2025 is not just an award ceremony. It is a movement, a celebration of the African spirit, talent, and resilience,” he declared. Mr. Dada didn’t stop there.
In a bold and groundbreaking announcement, he revealed AFRIMA’s ambitious plan to train 1.2 million young Africans over the next five years.
“We are investing in the future of African music, not just in awards but in skills, knowledge, and opportunities,” he emphasized.
His words were a promise to the continent’s youth, a commitment to empower them in fields ranging from music production to event planning, music technology, and beyond.
The excitement in the air was palpable as artists and industry insiders buzzed about the incredible opportunities this year’s edition would offer.
The AFRIMA stage has always been a place where dreams come alive, and this year, it promises to be even more.
With the submission portal opening soon, there’s a sense of anticipation and a call to every artist, from the underground sensation to the rising star.
“Don’t just watch from the sidelines. Be part of the sound of Africa. Let your voice be heard,” AFRIMA urged.
As the countdown begins, the African music industry is gearing up for a celebration of talent, innovation, and impact that will resonate far beyond the continent.
A Spectacular Launch with Meaningful Conversations
The announcement event in Addis Ababa was far more than a ceremony — it was a gathering of musical visionaries and cultural leaders.
The room buzzed with energy as industry heavyweights filled the venue. Notable attendees included Mrs. Angela Martins, Head of Culture Division at the African Union (AU) Commission; AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer, Miss Niyi; and music icons like Stonebwoy from Ghana, Nikita Kering from Kenya, and Eddy Kenzo from Uganda.
Steve Ayorinde, Janette Haddadi, and Mike Strano were also present, each bringing their unique insights to the occasion.
“This is not just an event,” Mrs. Martins declared, “It is a reflection of Africa’s cultural dynamism and a platform for our artists to shine.”
Her words echoed across the room, a reminder of the event’s significance.
Beyond the star-studded attendance, the event sparked thought-provoking conversations about the future of African music in a rapidly globalizing world.
The panel discussions went beyond praise and recognition, diving deep into how African sounds are influencing global charts. “Our music is not just a sound — it’s a voice,” Stonebwoy passionately stated.
The discussions touched on everything from the success of Burna Boy headlining Coachella to Tems co-writing with Rihanna and the global wave of Amapiano that has taken over dance floors in Berlin.
The room was alive with perspectives, each voice a testament to the impact of African music beyond the continent’s borders.
Here’s What’s Happening in Lagos This November
AFRIMA 2025 is set to be more than just an awards show — it’s a celebration of African culture on a grand scale.
This week-long festival will bring together the best of African music, arts, and creativity, transforming the city into a hub of cultural brilliance.
- Diamond Showcase spotlighting new and underground artists
- African Music Business Summit for movers, shakers, and innovators
- Nominees & Guest Soirees, Industry Parties, and After Parties
- AFRIMA Village Music Festival, a celebration of African sounds under open skies
- Host City Tour, Luncheon with Government Officials, and a Music Icons Night honoring veterans of the African soundscape
All the excitement, talent, and creativity of AFRIMA 2025 will culminate in a grand Main Awards Ceremony and After Party, an unforgettable night where music legends are made, dreams are realized, and the stage becomes a canvas for Africa’s unstoppable sound. It’s more than just a show — it’s a celebration of the continent’s best, where boundaries are shattered, and stars shine their brightest. “This is where Africa’s heartbeat meets the world,” an AFRIMA spokesperson declared, capturing the spirit of the night.
As the beat builds toward November, one thing is clear: Lagos is not just a host city — it is the epicenter of a musical revolution. From the bustling streets to the grand stage, the city is ready to welcome artists, industry leaders, and music lovers from across the globe. “We are ready, Africa is ready,” a voice from the AFRIMA team echoed, and with the 2025 edition, the rest of the world better be ready too. This is a moment where the world will experience the power, passion, and brilliance of African music.
So mark your calendars, set your playlists, and if you’re an artist, this is your moment. The submission portal opens on May 27, 2025. Whether you’re a rising star with a fresh sound or an established artist with a new masterpiece, this is your chance to share your music with the world. Because the sound of Africa isn’t just rising — it is unstoppable.
