Lagos is in full celebration mode as the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) heads toward its grand finale tomorrow, with Africa’s biggest music stars locked in a fierce battle for top honours.

The week-long celebration, which began last Wednesday, will climax with the Main Awards Ceremony on Sunday at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, featuring performances from over 25 A-list artistes and DJs. The event will be broadcast live to audiences in more than 84 countries worldwide.

AFRIMA Week officially kicked off with a Welcome Soirée for nominees and guests, hosted by the British High Commission in Nigeria. Other key events included the Africa Music Business Summit, the AFRIMA Music Village at Ikeja City Mall, and several industry networking sessions, reinforcing AFRIMA’s role beyond awards into music business and cultural exchange.

Over 1,216 artistes, delegates, and production professionals are expected in Lagos for the event. Speaking at the Welcome Soirée, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, said the turnout reflects the growing global influence of African music.

“This year’s AFRIMA has once again demonstrated the immense power and global pull of African music… You can imagine how that number can impact our economy, how much benefit Lagos’ tourism capacity demonstrates. It is huge for us and we are happy to work with the Lagos State Government and other partners to bring this benefit to our economy and our city,” he said.

Dada added that AFRIMA views music as more than entertainment, stressing its role in unity and development.

“First, music is a powerful tool for integration and inclusion. Second, it is a catalyst for peace… And of course, music is a driver of economic growth within the creative industry,” he noted.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, highlighted the global success of African music, saying Afrobeats is “now dominating the charts in the UK and across the globe,” while reaffirming the UK’s commitment to creative industry partnerships with Africa.

Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, described Lagos as “Africa’s cultural capital,” pledging continued government support for creatives to thrive globally.

On the competitive front, the spotlight is firmly on Burna Boy, Davido, and DJ Maphorisa, who are tied with five nominations each. Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness and Davido’s 5ive are both vying for Album of the Year, alongside nominations for Song of the Year and Best Collaboration.

DJ Maphorisa is also in contention for Best African DJ and Album of the Year, while Morocco’s El Grande Toto remains a strong challenger with Salgoat. Nigeria’s fast-rising street-pop act Shallipopi is another name to watch, earning four nominations including Artiste of the Year.

As anticipation peaks, all eyes are on Lagos as AFRIMA prepares to crown Africa’s finest musical talents.