FG Pledges Support For Creative Industry During AFRIMA's Patron Dinner: "Key to Our Nation’s Future"

FG Pledges Support For Creative Industry During AFRIMA's Patron Dinner: "Key to Our Nation’s Future"

  • The organisers of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) kicked off activities toward the 2025 edition of the continental music show with a dinner
  • Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, announced the commitment of the federal government to the creative industry
  • The president of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, said the award event will be held in Lagos from November 25 to November 30

Ahead of the 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), the organisers hosted a patrons’ dinner to celebrate the sponsors and partners of the continental music event on Thursday, August 14, in Lagos.

The dinner was attended by the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso; and former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

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Federal government drums support for AFRIMA
The federal government drums up support for AFRIMA during patrons' night. Photo: afrima.official
Source: Instagram

Also in attendance were the jurors of the award, who were selected across Africa. Messie Mboukou, the Central Africa’s creative heartbeat; Marwane Fachane, Northern Africa culture king; Hadja Kobele Keita, Diaspora plug keeping North America in the mix; Jackie, Eastern Africa queen of culture; Neza, Côte d’Ivoire’s creative powerhouse; Motolani Alake, West Africa’s music critic + A&R brainpower; Delani Makhalima, Southern Africa rep, repping Zimbabwe.

Addressing the guests, the minister of arts and culture said that the federal government remains committed to supporting the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) and the creative industry as part of its efforts in positioning Nigeria as the leading tourism destination in Africa.

Musawa noted that the future of Nigeria lies in the creative sector and pledged the government's full support for initiatives that promote arts, culture and entertainment. She said:

“The future of Nigeria lies in the creative industry. We are here to give all our support to AFRIMA. Nigeria’s creative industry holds the key to our nation’s future, and AFRIMA is a vital part of that journey. We believe in the power of creativity to shape Nigeria’s destiny, which is why AFRIMA has our full support as it represents the promise of Nigeria’s creative future.”

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On his part, the president of AFRIMA, Mike Dada, said the platform is leveraging music as a strategic tool to boost Africa’s presence in the global creative economy. He noted that AFRIMA’s mission goes beyond recognising musical talent to telling Africa’s authentic story on the world stage.

AFRIMA's jurors at Patrons' night
AFRIMA's jurors hosted during Patrons' night in Lagos. Photo: afrima.official
Source: Instagram
“Music remains a powerful unifying force capable of bridging cultural divides across the continent while positioning Africa competitively in the international market. Our goal is not just to celebrate African music, but to use it as a medium to shape perceptions, foster unity, and unlock economic opportunities across borders.”

Celebrities like comedian Ali Baba, Yaw, Uti Nwachukwu, Ice Prince, Orezi, Qing Madi,

On-air personalities, Olisa Adibua and Dada Boy Ehis, anchored the event.

AFRIMA received 10,717 entries for the 2025 edition, an increase from the 9,076 entries recorded in the previous edition. The award event will take place in Lagos from November 25 to November 30.

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The programme will include the Africa Music Business Summit, the Music Village Concert, the Nominees Party, and the awards ceremony, which will be broadcast to more than 84 countries.

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Previously, Legit.ng had reported that the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards nominees list was released, and Davido was strangely missing.

Afrobeats giants Burna Boy and Asake led the African representation with two nominations each, cementing their status as the genre’s current frontrunners on the world stage.

The 2025 edition of the awards will take place on September 7 at the USB Arena in New York, USA.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Sola Sanusi avatar

Sola Sanusi (Entertainment HOD) Sola Sanusi is the Head of the Entertainment Desk. She is an astute, veteran entertainment/lifestyle journalist with over two decades of experience in print and digital journalism. Sola has a degree in English from the University of Ilorin, Kwara state. She is a 2005 Celebrity Media Awards nominee and a 2012 Mother Drum Golden Awards Entertainment Writer Recognition recipient. 2025 Women in News: Global Leadership Accelerator fellow. She joined Legit.ng in 2015. Email: sanusi.bodunde@corp.legit.ng.

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