Olamilekan Abayomi
Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria are throwing their hats into the ring to host the 10th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). This prestigious event is a major platform for celebrating African music and promoting cultural exchange. Côte d’Ivoire’s capital, Abidjan, has already shown its readiness to host, with a successful stakeholders’ parley in February 2026, drawing government officials, industry leaders, and artists.
The event highlighted Abidjan’s capacity and cultural depth to host AFRIMA, with Deputy Director General of the Ivorian Bureau of Copyright, Serge Akpatou, expressing enthusiasm about the opportunity. Algeria, on the other hand, has also expressed interest, with Ambassador Mohamed Abdelaziz Bouguetaia stating that Algeria is open to hosting AFRIMA in the future.
AFRIMA has been a significant driver of cultural diplomacy and economic growth, showcasing African excellence and creating opportunities for creatives. Previous hosts, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, have seen measurable economic and cultural impact .
The 9th AFRIMA, held in Lagos, Nigeria, in January 2026, was a resounding success, with winners from Côte d’Ivoire, including Didi B, Milo, and Team Paiya, shining on the global stage .
Côte d’Ivoire’s bid is backed by its rich cultural heritage, from Coupe-Decale to emerging music scenes. Algeria, represented by DJ Moh Green, winner of Best African DJ, is eager to showcase its vibrant music scene.
AFRIMA’s adjudication process is thorough and structured, supervised by the African Union and audited by a reputable firm. This ensures transparency and fairness in selecting winners.
The 10th AFRIMA promises to be an unforgettable celebration of African music, with Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria vying for the hosting rights. Whichever country wins, it’s sure to be a fantastic showcase of African talent.
