As the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), a pan-African initiative founded in 2013 by the International Committee of AFRIMA in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), continues to evolve into a symbol of unity, pride, and creativity.

This progression underscores the significance of the awards, not just as a celebration of talent but as a testament to the global impact of African music. Hence, the organisers’ of the awards firm believe in the power of music to inspire hope, foster unity, and celebrate African identity in the face of global challenges.

Speaking during a media parley at AFRIMA corporate office in Ikeja, Lagos on Monday, July 7, the President/Executive producer, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, noted that since its maiden edition in 2014, AFRIMA has served as a powerful platform to unite Africa through music, promoting inclusivity, economic empowerment, and global recognition.

He noted that in strategic partnership with the AUC, AFRIMA champions these goals through its seven foundational pillars: Music Awards, Music Festivals, Music Business Hub, The AFRIMA Kreative Academy (TAKA), Talent Discovery and Promotion, Foundation, CSR & CSA, Advisory and Policy Debates.

According to Dada, through the music awards, an annual event, AFRIMA recognise and celebrate the best in African music and showcase diverse range of African musical talents and cultural heritage via music festivals. He stated that the music business hub provides resources and support for music industry professionals, including legal advice, financial guidance, and networking opportunities.

“The AFRIMA Kreative Academy (TAKA) provides training and development opportunities for young African musicians and industry professionals, just as the platform actively searches for and promotes emerging African talents through its talent discovery and promotions strategy, helping them gain international recognition,” he said.

The President/ Executive Producer further noted that with its foundation, AFRIMA focuses on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and Community Support Activities (CSA) within its industry. These activities include promoting the music industry, supporting artistes, and engaging with communities through various events and initiatives.

He added that through the advisory and policy debates, the platform advocates for the rights of African artistes, promotes policies that support the growth of the African music industry and offers advice to policymakers.

Scheduled to hold from November 25 to 30 in Lagos, the week-long festival with an immense socio-economic impact will be broadcast live to 84 countries on 109 television stations across the world.

On the choice of Lagos as host city, Dada explained that it is hinged on the city’s status as the Mecca of entertainment, music and the film industry in the Middle East and Africa.

“The right of hosting for AFRIMA 2025 was ceded to Lagos State in recognition of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s hard work, focus, love for creative industry and association with entertainment, which is one of the pillars of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda,” he said.

According to him, this year’s ceremony promises to be an unforgettable experience, with performances by some of Africa’s biggest names, as well as emerging artistes who are making waves in the music industry.

He urged fans and attendees to look forward to a week-long celebration of music, featuring concerts, workshops, and networking sessions with industry professionals from across the continent.

Meanwhile, the international 13-man jury of AFRIMA has expressed excitement over the high number of entries submitted so far for the 2025 edition of the awards. According to the jury, since the entry submission portal opened on Monday, May 27, music professionals and recording organisations from all over Africa and the diaspora have been sending in their works.

The entries are coming from artistes, songwriters, music producers, video directors, disc jockeys (DJs), dancers, recording companies and labels, choreographers, and even unrecorded talents.

Expressing deep satisfaction with the response received since the AFRIMA 2025 entry portal opened, a member of AFRIMA’s international jury, Delani Makhalima, a renowned song writer and music producer from Zimbabwe, representing Southern Africa region, described the turnout as not only impressive but also a clear reflection of the growing influence of the awards across the continent and around the world.

“We are truly excited and encouraged by the massive turnout since we opened the portal. It tells us that African artists, producers, songwriters, and other creatives believe in what AFRIMA stands for. They see this as more than just an award; it’s a movement and platform that gives their work international exposure, connects them to the industry globally, and validates the quality of their craft,” he said.

Speaking in a similar vein, another jury member, Omar Essaidi from Morocco who is representing Northern Africa stressed that since 2013, AFRIMA, in partnership with the African Union (AU), has focused on promoting, developing, celebrating and rewarding African music and talents globally.