Open call: AFRIMA 2027 in Nigeria

Submissions will close on 10 January 2027, with the awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from 18 to 23 May 2027.

The awards will feature 40 categories covering music genres and regional and continental recognition across Africa’s five regions. Eligible entrants include artists, songwriters, producers, music video directors, DJs, dancers, choreographers, record labels, music executives and unrecorded artists of African origin living on the continent or in the diaspora.

Eligibility and how to enter

Works must have been produced or released within the eligibility period of 10 August 2025 to 10 January 2027.

Applicants must submit their entries digitally through the official AFRIMA website: www.afrima.org. Entries sent by email or through other platforms will not be accepted.

Applicants should:

• Complete the online entry registration form accurately.
• Select the category that best fits their work.
• Provide working links to the submitted material.
• Ensure audio and video entries can be streamed or downloaded through platforms such as YouTube or SoundCloud.

The entry form is available in English, French, Swahili, Arabic and Portuguese, with a Spanish translation also accessible.

AFRIMA received 10,717 submissions for its ninth edition. The opening of the 10th edition’s entry portal follows the unveiling of the awards’ global calendar in Los Angeles, United States, on 20 September 2026.

Lucy Ilado, a member of the AFRIMA International Jury representing East Africa from Kenya, encouraged emerging and established music professionals to submit their work and ensure that their applications meet the requirements.

“As we open entries for the 10th edition of AFRIMA, I especially encourage upcoming artistes and music professionals to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their work. AFRIMA provides a platform for emerging voices to be discovered alongside established names from across Africa and the Diaspora,” she said.

Ilado also urged applicants to review the categories carefully and provide accurate information and working links to support the screening and adjudication process.

Adam Tiran, a member of the International Jury representing Southern Africa from South Africa, said the awards offered music professionals an opportunity to gain recognition as the continent’s music industry continues to evolve.

“I encourage music professionals from across the continent and the Diaspora to use this entry window to put forward the work they believe represents where African music is today and where it is going,” he said.

Established in 2013 by AFRIMA’s International Executive Committee in partnership with the African Union, the awards recognise African music and creative talent. Organisers say the awards’ broadcasts reach audiences in more than 84 countries.

Key dates

• Entries open: 11 October 2026
• Submission deadline: 10 January 2027
• Awards programme: 18–23 May 2027
• Venue: Lagos, Nigeria
• Entry portal: www.afrima.org