African celebrities, diplomats, and key stakeholders in the creative industry converged in Lagos on Wednesday evening for the Welcome Soirée, marking the official opening of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) week.
The exclusive event, held at the Deputy British High Commission Residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, brought together AFRIMA nominees, industry leaders, global partners, and creatives for an evening of cultural exchange, networking, and a celebration of African music.
President of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, emphasised that the platform is designed to go beyond the music awards by fostering unity, collaboration, and positive narratives about Africa.
“AFRIMA remains committed to telling Africa’s authentic stories through music while positioning the continent as a competitive force in the global creative economy,” Dada said.
“Music is one of Africa’s most powerful means of expression and identity. Through AFRIMA, we are building bridges between nations, changing perceptions, and creating opportunities for African talents and professionals. Beyond celebration, AFRIMA serves as a strategic platform for cultural diplomacy, economic empowerment and global engagement for the African creative industry. Our goal is to ensure that African music continues to command respect, relevance and value on the global stage, while creating sustainable opportunities for the next generation.”
He stressed the importance of partnerships with governments, the media, and other stakeholders to sustain the growth of Africa’s creative ecosystem.
“Strategic collaboration remains critical to creating enabling policies, expanding opportunities and ensuring long-term value for creative talents across the continent. A united approach among key players will not only strengthen Africa’s creative economy but also position it competitively on the global stage,” he added.
The Welcome Soirée offered a rich cultural ambience and informal interactions, setting the tone for the series of events lined up for AFRIMA week. Since its inception, AFRIMA has played a key role in promoting African music, culture, and identity globally, while fostering unity among African countries.
Celebrities in attendance included Kunle Afolayan, Juliet Ibrahim, Koffi Olomide, and Falz, among others. AFRIMA is scheduled to hold from 7 to 11 January 2026.
