The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), in partnership with the African Union (AU), will open submissions for its 10th edition on October 11, 2026, inviting artistes and music professionals across Africa and the Diaspora to enter their works.
The entry portal will remain open until January 10, 2027, ahead of the awards scheduled to hold in Lagos, Nigeria, from May 18 to 23, 2027.
AFRIMA will receive entries across 40 award categories covering Africa’s five regions and a range of music genres. Eligible entrants include artistes, songwriters, producers, video directors, DJs, dancers, choreographers, record labels, music executives and unrecorded artistes of African origin living on the continent or in the Diaspora.
Only works produced or released within the eligibility period of August 10, 2025, to January 10, 2027, will be considered.
All entries must be submitted digitally through the official AFRIMA website. Submissions sent by email or through other platforms will not be accepted.
The opening of the portal follows the unveiling of the 10th edition’s global calendar in Los Angeles, United States, on September 20, 2026.
It also follows a record 10,717 entries received for the ninth edition, reflecting participation from music professionals across the continent and beyond.
Lucy Ilado, AFRIMA International Jury member representing Eastern Africa and Kenya, encouraged emerging artistes and established music professionals to submit their work and follow the entry guidelines.
“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.”
Ilado also urged applicants to select the appropriate categories and ensure their submissions contain accurate information and working links to help the jury assess their work.
Adam Tiran, an AFRIMA International Jury member representing Southern Africa and South Africa, said the awards offered an opportunity to recognise new sounds, collaborations and emerging talent.
“The African music industry is changing rapidly. We are seeing new sounds, new collaborations, and a new generation of artistes and music professionals finding their own space in the industry. AFRIMA gives these voices another opportunity to be heard and recognised,” he said.
Tiran encouraged music professionals across Africa and the Diaspora to submit works that reflect the direction of African music and help connect the continent’s different regions.
Applicants must complete the online entry registration form and provide accurate details and working links to their music. Audio and video entries can be submitted through downloadable or streamable links on platforms such as YouTube and SoundCloud.
The entry form is available in English, French, Swahili, Arabic and Portuguese, with a Spanish translation also accessible.
Established in 2013 by AFRIMA’s International Executive Committee in partnership with the African Union, the awards aim to celebrate and promote African music, culture and creative talent globally.
AFRIMA says its broadcasts reach audiences in more than 84 countries.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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