African artistes and music professionals in the Diaspora can now submit eligible works for the 10th AFRIMA, scheduled for May 18–23, 2027, in Lagos. Entries close January 10, 2027.
The African Union (AU) and the International Executive Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have officially opened entries for the awards’ 10th edition, inviting music professionals across Africa and the Diaspora to compete for continental recognition.
The entry portal opened on October 11, 2026, and will close on January 10, 2027, ahead of the main AFRIMA events scheduled for May 18–23, 2027, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The milestone edition is expected to bring together artistes, music executives, producers, songwriters and other creative professionals to celebrate African musical talent and strengthen the global reach of the continent’s music industry.
AFRIMA Opens 40 Award Categories
According to the organisers, entries are being accepted across 40 award categories spanning regional and continental honours, representing Africa’s five regions and diverse music genres.
Eligible entrants include artistes, songwriters, music producers, video directors, DJs, dancers, choreographers, record labels, music executives and unrecorded artistes of African origin living either on the continent or in the Diaspora.
However, submitted works must meet the official eligibility window: they must have been produced or released between August 10, 2025, and January 10, 2027.
Entries must be submitted digitally through the official AFRIMA website. The organisers have warned that submissions sent by email or through other platforms will not be accepted.
AFRIMA Jury Members Encourage Emerging Artistes
Lucy Ilado of Kenya, an AFRIMA International Jury member representing Eastern Africa, urged eligible music professionals, particularly emerging artistes, to take advantage of the opportunity.
Ilado said the awards offer a platform for new voices to gain visibility alongside established names from across Africa and the Diaspora.
She also advised entrants to study the available categories carefully, select the category that best matches their work and ensure that all information and submission links are accurate and functional.
Adam Tiran of South Africa, an AFRIMA International Jury member representing Southern Africa, said the African music industry was evolving through new sounds, collaborations and a new generation of creative talent.
Tiran encouraged music professionals to submit works that reflect the current direction and future potential of African music, describing AFRIMA as a platform for discovering talent, recognising excellence and bringing the continent’s regions closer together through music.
How to Submit Entries for the 10th AFRIMA
Applicants are required to complete the online Entry Registration Form accurately and provide working links to their submitted works. Audio and video entries should be supplied through downloadable or streamable links, including platforms such as YouTube and SoundCloud.
The entry form is available in English, French, Swahili, Arabic and Portuguese, with a Spanish translation also accessible.
Prospective entrants should confirm the relevant category, eligibility period and submission requirements before completing their applications. The official portal is available at www.afrima.org.
10th AFRIMA Follows Record 10,717 Entries
The opening of submissions follows the unveiling of the 10th AFRIMA global calendar in Los Angeles, United States, on September 20, 2026.
The organisers also reported that the previous edition received a record 10,717 entries, reflecting growing participation by music professionals seeking recognition on the continental and international stage.
Established in 2013 by AFRIMA’s International Executive Committee in partnership with the African Union, the awards aim to develop, celebrate and promote African music, culture and creative talent globally.
AFRIMA says its broadcast reaches audiences in more than 84 countries, connecting millions of viewers worldwide.
With the 10th edition scheduled for Lagos in May 2027, the entry window provides African music professionals with an opportunity to present eligible works for consideration as the awards mark another milestone in their history.
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