Excitement is sweeping across the continent as the African Union Commission and the International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) gear up to unveil the host city for the 2025 edition of the prestigious awards. The official announcement is scheduled for May 13 at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
At the heart of the suspense are two heavyweight contenders: Lagos, Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment capital, and Gauteng Province in South Africa, home to the vibrant cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Soweto. Both have been shortlisted after a competitive bidding process that assessed their infrastructure, cultural credentials, and readiness to host Africa’s biggest celebration of music.
According to a joint statement, the AU formally extended invitations in 2024 to both countries, engaging directly with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, urging them to explore the vast cultural and economic benefits of hosting the event.
Lagos: The Global Beacon of Afrobeats
Lagos is widely hailed as the birthplace of Afrobeats, a genre that has taken the world by storm. In addition to its pulsating nightlife and music ecosystem, the city boasts robust infrastructure upgrades including urban rail systems, modernized water transport, and a booming hospitality sector. These elements, stakeholders argue, position Lagos as a compelling destination for AFRIMA 2025.
Gauteng: Home of Amapiano and Global Events
On the other hand, Gauteng Province brings to the table a formidable legacy of hosting world-class events. The region is credited with globalising Amapiano and Kwaito, and has previously hosted mega-events such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Its blend of cultural richness and logistical capacity makes it an equally strong candidate.
Leaders Back the Bid
Both Sanwo-Olu and Lesufi have voiced enthusiastic support for their respective bids, highlighting the potential for tourism growth, youth empowerment, job creation, and enhanced international profile.
AFRIMA’s Chief Experience Officer, Adenrele Niyi, emphasised that the awards go far beyond music.
“Hosting AFRIMA brings more than music it brings global visibility, boosts local economies, and leaves a long-lasting legacy through outreach programs and industry summits,” she said.
With an estimated broadcast reach of over 400 million viewers globally, the winning city stands to gain unprecedented exposure and influence in the global cultural landscape.
Previous hosts including Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal have reported enduring benefits in terms of tourism, international partnerships, and cultural revitalisation.
As the continent awaits the final decision, one thing is certain: AFRIMA 2025 will be a monumental celebration of African rhythm, creativity, and unity regardless of where the spotlight lands.
