In Africa, music is seen as inseparable from human existence. It carries long traditions and values that are associated with the people and represents part of their identities.

Whether in making or listening to it, music is linked to life and cultural experiences. As such, feel good experiences need to be created for the millions of followers of African music all over the world for them to understand and appreciate Africa’s culture. The birth of AFRIMA was necessitated by the urgent need to inspire generations and celebrate African music.

Prior to the awards debut in 2014, debates and strategies had taken place from 2010 to create an African entertainment and cultural brand that will live up to the expectations of its internal and external stakeholders. Deliberations and conferencing included regional directors and strategists from the SADEC, Eastern Africa, Central Africa, Northern Africa and Western Africa. In October 2013, the entire awards concept was born and launched.

Nigeria, a beautiful West African country known for its energy and warm hospitality won the right above 13 other countries to host AFRIMA for three consecutive years from 2014 to 2016. After another successful bid, Nigeria won the right to host AFRIMA in 2017, while Lagos State, Nigeria, won the bid to be the Official Host City of AFRIMA 2016 and AFRIMA 2017.

In 2018, the Republic of Ghana won the hosting right for the 5th Edition of AFRIMA calendar of events, which was, tagged 5th AFRIMA-Ghana 2018. The main awards ceremony was held n Accra, Ghana in partnership with the National Government of Ghana via Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Ghana.

The 6th All Africa Music Awards returned to Lagos, Nigeria and the annual main awards programme of events held in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information & Culture, Nigeria as well as other government agencies and corporate organisations.