AFRIMA Opens Entries for 10th Edition October 11

The countdown to the 10th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has begun, with the African Union (AU) and the AFRIMA International Executive Committee set to open the entry portal for the next edition on October 11, 2026.

The awards organisers are inviting artistes and other music professionals across Africa and the Diaspora to submit their works for consideration ahead of the 10th AFRIMA, scheduled to take place from May 18 to 23, 2027, in Lagos, Nigeria.

The entry window will remain open until January 10, 2027, giving artistes, songwriters, producers, video directors, DJs, dancers, choreographers, record labels and other industry professionals an opportunity to compete for recognition across 40 award categories.

The categories cover both regional and continental awards, reflecting the different sounds and music cultures across Africa’s five regions.

Works released or produced within the eligibility period, from August 10, 2025, to January 10, 2027, will be considered.

AFRIMA said all entries must be submitted digitally through its official website, with submissions sent through email or other platforms not accepted. Applicants are expected to complete the registration form correctly and provide working links to their audio or video entries through platforms such as YouTube or SoundCloud.

The organisers also noted that the entry process is available in English, French, Swahili, Arabic and Portuguese, while a Spanish translation is also accessible.

The opening of the portal comes weeks after AFRIMA unveiled its global calendar for the 10th edition in Los Angeles, United States, on September 20. It also follows the 9th edition, which received a record 10,717 submissions.

Lucy Ilado of Kenya, a member of the AFRIMA International Jury representing Eastern Africa, encouraged emerging artistes and other music professionals to make use of the opportunity.

She urged applicants to carefully study the categories and ensure that their submissions contain accurate information and working links to avoid issues during the screening and judging process.

Adam Tiran of South Africa, who represents Southern Africa on the AFRIMA International Jury, also described the awards as an avenue for new voices and sounds from across the continent to gain wider recognition.

He encouraged artistes and industry professionals in Africa and the Diaspora to use the entry period to showcase works that reflect the changing face of African music.

Established in 2013 in partnership with the African Union, AFRIMA has grown into one of the continent’s major music award platforms, celebrating African music, culture and creative talent.

The awards are currently broadcast to audiences in more than 84 countries, extending the reach of African music to viewers around the world.