The prestigious All Africa Music Awards will hold its eighth edition in Senagal from January 12-15, 2023.
A statement sent to The PUNCH noted that the government of Senegal had accepted and undertaken to host the 8th edition of AFRIMA at a joint world media conference held at the Hotel King Fahd Royal Palace, in Dakar, Senegal.
This will be the first time the main awards ceremony will be held in a francophone country.
With the new date for the awards ceremony, the voting deadline for the nominees has also been shifted till January 13, 2023.
The media conference was attended by representatives of Senega’s Minister of Culture and Communication, and Minister of Tourism and Air Travels; Special Adviser to the President of Senegal, Massamba Gaye, alongside local and international media professionals; AFRIMA delegates; African Union Commission officials; African music stakeholders; 8th AFRIMA nominees and African artistes, such as Iba One (Mali), DJ Neptune (Nigeria), DJ Moh Green (French-Algerian), Pape Diouf, Jeba, Sidy Diop, Adiouza, Zbest Family, Akhlou Brick Paradise, Jeba, Demba Guisse, Pa Gaye Mbaye, Kane Diallo, and Jamman from Senegal.
The Head Culture Division, Social Affairs Division, African Union Commission, Angela Martins, noted that the African Union was excited to have the awards hold in a francophone region. She said, “The AUC has been a strong partner and collaborator of the prestigious awards since its first edition in 2014. AFRIMA has grown to become the only continental platform that aims to promote and disseminate musical works and immeasurable talents of African musicians from both young and old generations.
“This prestigious platform gives expression and supports the implementation of the AU policy instruments in the creative economy, including the AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries.
“Allow me to join the international Committee of All Africa Music Awards in expressing gratitude and appreciation to the government of Senegal for accepting to host the awards. The hosting of AFRIMA by Senegal will happen at a time when the country will still be the Chairperson of the African Union. It is also an opportune occasion to close its chairmanship by promoting our rich arts, culture and heritage.”
In his acceptance speech, Senegal’s Minister of Tourism and Air Transport, Alioune Sarr, represented by Phillipe Ba, said, “Personally and on behalf of the Senegalese government, we welcome you to the home of the champions of football. Now, we are also positioning ourselves to become the champions of music. We are happy knowing that Sénégal becomes the third country and the first Francophone country to host this great event.
“I can tell you that our ministry and the Senegalese government will partner and collaborate with AFRIMA for a great success because our President, Macky Sall, is not only the president of the African Union but also wishes to position himself as the President of all African lovers of culture, which AFRIMA represents.”
On his part, Senegal’s Minister of Culture and Communication, Aliou Sow, represented by Ousmane Dione, the Director General de La Compaignie Nationale de Theatre, and Daniel Sorano, said, “I feel honoured to be representing the Minister of Culture, alongside my colleague at this event in preparation for the eighth edition of AFRIMA Awards. We are delighted to welcome this huge event to this country for the benefit of the young people of Senegal and the image of the country.”
AFRIMA’s President and Executive Producer, Mike Dada, added, “Officially tagged the ‘Teranga’ edition, it will encompass the good hospitality, warmth, generosity and sharing that is the core to Senegalese life. In addition to celebrating Africa in a magical way and promoting the values of Senegalese people globally, the youths, who are the central focus of the eighth edition will be exposed to opportunities in the creative economy and new music business models, monetisation in music, intellectual property rights and licensing as well as collaborations with other global African music superstars that will be participating in 8th AFRIMA in Dakar.”
The event is scheduled to commence on Thursday, January 12, 2023, with a courtesy visit to the President of Senegal, while a host city tour, school visit and gift presentation (as part of AFRIMA’s CSR), as well as a welcome soiree will be held on the same day. Other activities of the four-day event include the African Music Business Summit, and the AFRIMA Urban Music Fest.
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