AFRIMA 2026 Entries Open October 11: What It Means For African Music Awards In Fresh Nigeria Music News

The gate don open again for African music.

The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, in partnership with African Union (AU) don announce say portal for 10th edition entries go officially open on October 11, 2026. The announcement follow their global calendar unveiling for Los Angeles on September 20, according to https://afrima.org and https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment.

Entry date na when?

Portal go open October 11, 2026 and close January 10, 2027. Na four months window for artistes, songwriters, producers, video directors, DJs, dancers, record labels and even unrecorded artistes of African origin for continent and diaspora to submit.

Only songs or works wey dem produce or release between August 10, 2025 to January 10, 2027 go qualify. Submission na only through www.afrima.org, no email submission.

After portal close, screening go happen January 11-14, adjudication January 15-22, nominees go drop January 29, 2027, public voting go run Feb 21 to May 21, 2027. Main award week na May 18-23, 2027 for Lagos, grand ceremony na May 23.

Why AFRIMA matter for Africa

AFRIMA no be just award night. For 10 years now na the biggest African music awards wey unite five regions of Africa and diaspora. Last edition alone get 10,717 entries — record-breaking. That one show say African music don global, but need structure to turn visibility to opportunity.

As President Mike Dada talk for LA, African artistes dey sell out arenas worldwide, but industry need to capture the money value. AFRIMA get 40 categories — regional and continental — so Afrobeats, Amapiano, Highlife, Bongo, HipHop, everybody fit enter.

What artists fit do next

Now wey date don drop, Nigerian stars like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Rema, Asake, Tems wey get songs inside eligibility window fit start dey prepare submissions. Producers and video directors wey shoot clean visuals self fit enter.

For fans, na time to watch who go enter first. Usually, Naija names full nomination list. With Lagos hosting 10th edition, Nigeria music scene go get extra spotlight.

Entry open October 11. If you be artist, no sleep on am — go ready your links, credits, and release proof.

Sources: http://AFRIMA.org, Pulse Nigeria