AFRIMA Opens the Diamond Showcase Portal and Requests Applications from Up-and-Coming Stars
The 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has launched the application portal for its Diamond Showcase, the award organization’s platform for up-and-coming musicians, marking the start of the journey to find and honor Africa’s future musical stars.
The goal of the 9th AFRIMA Diamond Showcase is to provide up-and-coming African musicians with a genuine opportunity to showcase their music to a larger audience and make a significant step toward mainstream success.
A position on one of Africa’s most prestigious music venues is open to singers, rappers, DJs, producers, and instrumentalists from around the continent.
According to Janatte Haddadi, AFRIMA’s Regional Manager for Northern Africa, the Showcase is a unique and priceless chance for young artists who are prepared to advance. She clarified that AFRIMA is dedicated to identifying, developing, and promoting up-and-coming African musicians who, despite their great skill, are sometimes overlooked in their communities.
Applications will be accepted from November 18 to December 8, 2025, according to Haddadi, who urged all interested musicians to apply as soon as possible via AFRIMA’s official Instagram page or www.afrima.org/Diamond-Showcase.
Artists must submit a 45-second performance video in order to apply. The top 15 finalists, referred to as “The Diamonds,” will be invited to Lagos for the live Showcase once the AFRIMA Jury has reviewed all of the submissions.
“We want to find the brightest diamonds in the rough across Africa,” stated Haddadi. Young musicians are achieving incredible things with their music in little towns, large cities, and all points in between. Many of them have never had the opportunity to address those who have the power to influence their professional paths. To close that gap, we have the Diamond Showcase.
From January 6–7, 2026, the chosen finalists will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria, where they will perform every evening from 7:00 PM until 11:00 PM. One of the events before the 9th AFRIMA Awards is the Showcase.
The chosen individuals will be given the opportunity to play in front of prominent music executives, media outlets, and industry professionals, as well as an all-expense-paid trip to Lagos, unique AFRIMA presents, and mentorship opportunities.
Haddadi advised young people with potential to seize the chance. “Now is the time to act if you believe in your gift,” she stated. “Don’t hold off. Don’t be shy. Send in your entry. We are prepared to assist you in taking your first significant step, and Africa is eager to welcome its next great talents.
From January 7–11, 2026, Lagos, Nigeria will host the 9th AFRIMA Awards, which are unquestionably Africa’s worldwide music awards. Events will include the Africa Music Business Summit, the Diamond Showcase, the Music Village Concert, the Nominees Party, the Red Carpet, and the spectacular Awards Night. The ceremony will be streamed live to over 84 countries worldwide in collaboration with the African Union and Lagos State, the official host city.
