Lagos Will Host 10th All Africa Music Awards in 2027
The 10th edition of the prestigious event will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from May 18 to 23, 2027.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Africa
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The African Union and the AFRIMA committee have announced the schedule for the 10th All Africa Music Awards, set to occur in Lagos from May 18 to 23, 2027. This milestone edition celebrates ten years of African musical excellence.
Why it matters
The event serves as a major showcase for the African creative sector, bringing international attention to artists through a series of global activations. Its return to Lagos highlights the city's role as a central hub for the continent's music industry.
The festival spans six days in Lagos, with the grand awards ceremony occurring on May 23, 2027. The #Road2AFRIMA10Xperience program will include promotional visits to international cities such as London, Paris, and Nairobi.
The players
African Union
The African Union is an intergovernmental organization consisting of 55 member states that promotes unity and solidarity across the African continent.
AFRIMA committee
The AFRIMA committee is the organizing body responsible for the production and management of the annual All Africa Music Awards.
The details
Artists can submit works produced between August 10, 2025, and January 10, 2027, with the submission window opening on October 11, 2026. Public voting is scheduled to run from February 21 until May 21, 2027, followed by the official nominees announcement on January 29, 2027.
Timeline
August 10, 2025: Start date for qualifying creative work production.
October 11, 2026: Submission entries open.
January 10, 2027: Submission entries close.
May 18 to 23, 2027: Main AFRIMA events take place in Lagos.
May 23, 2027: Grand awards ceremony.
Roadmap
This milestone reflects the long-term growth of the African music industry within the global entertainment landscape. The event follows the African Union's Agenda 2063 creative economy initiative by promoting cultural export and regional integration.
Travelers and music fans should prepare for increased tourism activity in Lagos during the festival week in May 2027. Fans should monitor the official voting portal starting in February 2027 to participate in the selection of award winners.
The takeaway
The 10th anniversary of this event highlights the maturing infrastructure of the continent's music industry. Enthusiasts can track the development of the awards through the pre-event #Road2AFRIMA10Xperience promotional tour visiting various global hubs.
Further reading
Learn more about the cultural significance of these developments in our Africa section.
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