Ahead of the ninth All Africa Music Awards in Lagos, industry leaders will gather for the Africa Music Business Summit. The event will bring together artistes, executives, investors, policymakers and media professionals to discuss how Africa can grow, protect and profit from its booming music industry.
According to the organisers, the summit will hold on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. This year’s theme, Connect, Build, Own Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution, focuses on turning creativity into long term economic value.
Discussions will centre on ownership, infrastructure, media, financing and building a strong music value chain across the continent. Sessions will explore how African talents can keep control of their work while earning sustainable income from it.
The summit will be hosted by CNN African Voices Changemakers presenter Larry Madowo, alongside Mojibade Sosanya. Panel discussions will be moderated by experienced professionals including Landry Gnamba from Cote d’Ivoire, Nde Ndifonka from Cameroon and Nigeria’s Victoria Nkong, while the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, will deliver the keynote address.
Several top voices in music, media, law and policy are expected as speakers. Confirmed names include Universal Music South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa CEO Sipho Dlamini, Morocco’s Karima Damir of Universal Music MENA, Francis Doku, Mustapha Ettouil, Georg Heritlitz, Olisa Adibua, Bizzle Oshikoya, ID Cabassa, Innoss B, Juma Jux, Stonebwoy and Didi B, among others.
One of the early sessions will focus on building creative economy infrastructure for revenue. Panelists will look at policies, systems and platforms needed to convert musical talent into steady income, including rights protection, branding and monetisation strategies.
Another key session, Recipe for Global Stardom, will examine what it takes for African artists to succeed internationally. Topics will include talent development, global positioning, touring, music distribution and how to build careers that last beyond short term hits.
Speaking ahead of the summit, AFRIMA Co Producer and Director Mike Strano said the Africa Music Business Summit has become a vital platform for shaping the future of African music. He noted that African music is now one of the continent’s strongest cultural exports, and the summit is designed to help creatives understand ownership, structure and sustainability so they can fully benefit from the value they create.
About the author
Spain vs Argentina Finalissima cancelled over Middle East crisis
The 2026 Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina has been cancelled due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the failure to agree on a new venue.Spain, winners of Euro 2024, and Argentina, Copa América 2024 champions, had been scheduled to meet on March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. UEFA confirmed in a statement that the game could not go ahead in Qatar because of the current political and security situation in the region.The announcement came after US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and rising tensions that officials said made hosting the match there unsuitable. Following Qatar’s withdrawal as host, UEFA, CONMEBOL and local organisers explored other options, including moving the match to Madrid or Buenos Aires.However, no agreement was reached, with the Argentine Football Association insisting the game be played on neutral ground rather than […]
I left acting for music, not because of trauma, says Ray Emodi
Nollywood actor and singer Ray Emodi has clarified that he did not leave acting because of trauma or family pressure, but to fully pursue his passion for music.He said recent reports suggesting that his exit from Nollywood was driven mainly by traumatic experiences were misleading and did not capture his true motivation. Emodi explained that music has always been his first love and that he had been combining it with acting for years before deciding to focus on it completely.According to him, continuing to split his time between both fields was holding him back from reaching his full potential as an artiste. He confirmed that he had faced difficult moments on some movie sets, including unsafe locations and stressful work conditions, but insisted that these were not the main reasons for his decision.He also noted that while he has spoken […]
Super Eagles friendlies with Jordan, Iran moved to Turkey
The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ planned friendly matches against Jordan and Iran have been moved from the Middle East to Turkey.The games, originally scheduled for Amman in Jordan later this month, were relocated because of rising tensions and security concerns in the region. Nigeria had been set to play Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31 in a four nation invitational tournament that also involved Costa Rica.However, Iran has since withdrawn from the event, meaning the Super Eagles will now only take on Jordan in the rearranged programme. According to updates from the Jordan Football Association, the tournament will now take place in Antalya, a major football and tourism hub in Turkey.Officials said the new venue offers a safer environment and easier travel for teams, match officials and supporters. The NFF sees the […]
Man United sink Aston Villa, boost Champions League hopes
Manchester United strengthened their push for a return to the UEFA Champions League with a 3–1 home win over top four rivals Aston Villa on Sunday.The result keeps United ahead of Villa in the league table and gives them a crucial advantage in the tight race for European places. United started brightly and took control of the game with sharp attacking play and high pressing.Their pressure paid off as they broke through Villa’s defence to grab the opening goal and settle early nerves at Old Trafford. Aston Villa responded and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, creating moments of danger for the home side.The visitors eventually levelled, reminding United of the stakes in a match that could shape both clubs’ seasons. United, however, refused to lose control and struck again to restore their lead, lifting the atmosphere inside the […]
Netanyahu mocks false social media rumours about his death
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mocked viral social media rumours falsely claiming that he had died.The claims spread online after his recent televised address, with some users even suggesting the video was generated by artificial intelligence. In response, Netanyahu posted a short video on his official X account, filmed at a cafe outside Jerusalem, to show he is alive and well.Receiving a cup of coffee, he joked in Hebrew, “I’m dead for coffee,” using a common phrase meaning he really loves coffee. He then raised his hands to the camera and asked viewers if they wanted to count his fingers, directly addressing online speculation that earlier footage showed him with six fingers.Social media users had shared slowed clips and screenshots of his last address, claiming what they called an “AI finger glitch” proved the video was fake. Netanyahu used […]
Tinubu has ended Southeast marginalisation, says Umahi
Minister of Works, David Umahi, says President Bola Tinubu has effectively ended the long standing political and infrastructural marginalisation of the Southeast region.He stated this while speaking at a public event where he reviewed federal projects and appointments linked to the zone. Umahi explained that, under Tinubu, the Southeast is receiving more federal attention than at any other time since the return to democracy in 1999.According to him, previous administrations did not give the region the level of inclusion and investment it is currently enjoying. He pointed to his own appointment as Minister of Works as a major signal of change, describing it as the first time since independence that someone from the Southeast is heading the ministry.Umahi said this position has allowed the region to have a stronger voice in national infrastructure planning and execution. The minister listed several […]
Related
One Battle After Another dominates Oscars 2026
The biggest names in cinema gathered in Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the Academy Awards, celebrating the most outstanding films and performances of the year. Political drama One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony, winning six awards including Best Picture and Best Director. The film’s director, Paul Thomas Anderson, secured his first Oscar after several previous nominations. In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, while Michael B. Jordan took home the Best Actor award for his performance in Sinners. Both had been widely tipped as strong contenders throughout the awards season. The Best Supporting Actress prize went to Amy Madigan for her role in Weapons. Meanwhile, Sean Penn earned Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another, adding another major honour to the film’s successful night. Among other major winners, animated film KPop […]
I left acting for music, not because of trauma, says Ray Emodi
Nollywood actor and singer Ray Emodi has clarified that he did not leave acting because of trauma or family pressure, but to fully pursue his passion for music.He said recent reports suggesting that his exit from Nollywood was driven mainly by traumatic experiences were misleading and did not capture his true motivation. Emodi explained that music has always been his first love and that he had been combining it with acting for years before deciding to focus on it completely.According to him, continuing to split his time between both fields was holding him back from reaching his full potential as an artiste. He confirmed that he had faced difficult moments on some movie sets, including unsafe locations and stressful work conditions, but insisted that these were not the main reasons for his decision.He also noted that while he has spoken […]
Veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan dies at 73
Veteran Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Toun Soetan has died at the age of 73, leaving the Christian music community in deep mourning.Her death was confirmed in a family statement and by close associates on Friday, March 13, 2026. Toun Soetan, also known as Evangelist Shouet, was widely celebrated as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus Darling Jesus, a song that has been sung in churches across Nigeria and beyond for decades.Through this and many other songs, she built a strong legacy of worship music that touched generations of believers. Reports indicate that news of her passing was first shared on social media by family members and fellow ministers of the gospel.Tributes quickly began to pour in from fans, church leaders, gospel artistes, and colleagues who described her as a devoted minister and a consistent voice in gospel […]
Asake filmed struggling to touch Black Stone in Mecca
Afrobeats star Asake has been seen in a viral video struggling to touch the revered Black Stone at the Kaaba in Mecca during a religious visit.The singer, who recently shared clips of himself performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, was surrounded by a large crowd of worshippers as he tried to reach the sacred spot. In the video, Asake is guided through the crowd toward the corner of the Kaaba where the Black Stone is located, but the heavy human traffic makes access difficult.At one point, he appears to gesture and speak with security personnel as he struggles to get closer, drawing mixed reactions from viewers online. The clip has sparked conversations on social media, with some fans expressing excitement at seeing the singer on pilgrimage and others debating his conduct in such a sacred and tightly controlled area.Many users also […]
Toyin Abraham opens up on impact of her political choice
Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has spoken about how her open political support during the 2023 elections has affected her life and career.She explained that her public stance, especially her support for President Bola Tinubu, attracted heavy criticism and online bullying from some Nigerians. According to her, many social media users have repeatedly attacked her over the state of the country and demanded that she reveal the promises she said were made to her about good governance.She noted that the backlash sometimes extends to her family, particularly her children, which she described as painful and unfair. Toyin Abraham stressed that she is an actress and filmmaker, not a politician or government official, and should not be held responsible for government actions.She added that, like every other citizen, she only exercised her right to support a candidate and make a personal political […]
Top five films to watch in Nigerian cinemas this weekend
Movie lovers in Nigeria have a rich mix of action, drama, comedy, and romance to enjoy in cinemas this weekend.From new Nollywood releases to gripping thrillers and emotional stories, there is something for every type of viewer. One of the key highlights is Onobiren, a Nollywood drama that follows Roli, a young woman from Warri whose move to Lagos forces her to confront tradition and expectations.The film explores themes of resilience, identity, and womanhood and features performances from Ruby Akubueze, Patience Ozokwor, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bisola Aiyeola, Norbert Young, and others. Headless is another strong option for viewers who enjoy thrillers with social commentary.The movie follows a film producer who is arrested after a human head is found in his car, leading to an investigation that raises questions about crime, influence, and hidden power networks. For fans of emotional family stories, […]