By Crystal Ugoeze
African music has evolved beyond creativity and talent into a fast-growing global business attracting investors and major industry players worldwide. This transformation will take centre stage in Lagos as stakeholders converge for the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS), a flagship event of the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
The summit is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (WAT) at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. It will bring together artistes, music executives, investors, policymakers and media professionals to explore strategies for growing, protecting and monetising Africa’s expanding music industry.
With the theme “Connect, Build, Own: Monetising Africa’s Music Revolution,” the summit will focus on transforming creativity into sustainable economic value. Key discussions will address ownership, infrastructure development, media partnerships, financing, and strengthening the African music value chain. Attendance is free, but participants are required to register via www.afrima.org.
The event will be hosted by CNN African Voices Changemakers anchor, Larry Madowo, alongside television host and actor Mojibade Sosanya. Panel sessions will be moderated by industry professionals including Landry Gnamba (Côte d’Ivoire), Nde Ndifonka (Cameroon) and Victoria Nkong (Nigeria). The keynote address will be delivered by the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Anna Westerholm.
Confirmed speakers include Sipho Dlamini, CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa; Karima Damir of Universal Music MENA; Ghanaian music executive Francis Doku; Moroccan music rights expert Mustapha Ettouil; Georg Heritlitz of Sweden; Storm Records founder Olisa Adibua; and Nigerian entertainment executive Bizzle Oshikoya.
Also expected are renowned producer and record executive ID Cabasa; Congolese star Innoss’B; Tanzanian artiste Juma Jux; Ghanaian dancehall star Stonebwoy; and Ivorian rapper Didi B, among others.
Early sessions will focus on building creative-economy infrastructure to drive sustainable revenue, with panelists examining policies, systems and platforms needed to convert talent into long-term income. Discussions will also cover creative ownership, branding, rights protection and effective monetisation strategies.
Another session, “Recipe for Global Stardom,” will explore pathways for African artistes to achieve international success, including talent development, global positioning, touring and music distribution. The role of media will be examined in a session titled “Global Media and Music: The Missing Link for Africa,” highlighting the importance of storytelling, exposure and international partnerships.
Financing will also take centre stage during a fireside chat on funding the African music ecosystem, focusing on investment models, access to capital and scaling creative businesses.
Speaking ahead of the summit, AFRIMA Co-Producer and Director, Mike Strano, described the Africa Music Business Summit as a vital platform for shaping the future of African music.
“African music is one of the continent’s strongest cultural exports today, but talent alone is not enough,” Strano said. “The summit is designed to help creatives and industry players understand ownership, structure and sustainability, so they can fully benefit from the value they create.”