By TAIYE BAIYEROHI
LAGOS- The International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Republic of Senegal have unveiled plans for the eighth edition of AFRIMA.
Chinonso Ihekire, Communications Manager, AFRIMA, said in this a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
Ihekire said that the eighth AFRIMA would hold from Jan.12 to 15, 2023, in Senegal.
“The government of Senegal has accepted and undertaken to host the eighth edition of AFRIMA.
“The awards ceremony will now be held from Jan. 12 to 15, 2023, in Dakar, Senegal; shifting the previous date up by four weeks as jointly announced by the International Committee of AFRIMA, the AUC and the Republic of Senegal.
“This also means that the voting deadline for the nominees will now be shifted till Jan. 13, 2023, at 23.00 (CAT).
“This will be the first time the main awards ceremony will be held in a francophone country after past editions,” he said.
Angela Martins, Head Culture Division, Social Affairs AUC, said that the African Union was excited to have the awards hold in a francophone region.
“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 talent 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 AFRIMA in expressing gratitude and appreciation to the government of Senegal for accepting to host AFRIMA eighth edition on Jan. 12 to 15, 2023.
“And for making history by being the third AU member state to host the awards,” She said.
She noted that the hosting of AFRIMA by the Republic of Senegal would happen at a time when Senegal would still be the Chairperson of the African Union.
Martins said it was an opportune occasion to close its chairmanship by promoting African rich arts, culture and heritage.
“Senegal is known for its huge investment in the arts, culture and heritage.
“The hosting of the AFRIMA gathering is thus a step in the right direction to bring back the beautiful city of Dakar to the map as one of the capital cities of music in Africa and around the world,” she said.
In his acceptance speech, Senegal’s Minister of Tourism and Air Transport, Mr Alioune Sarr, said: “Now Sénégal is also positioning herself to become the champions of music because we are hosting the eighth AFRIMA.
“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 (tourism) and the Senegalese government will partner and collaborate with you (AFRIMA) for a great success of AFRIMA in Senegal.
“This is 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 exudes,” he said.
Senegal’s Minister of Culture and Communication, Aliou Sow, 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 in Sénégal.
“We are honoured to welcome this huge event to this country for the benefit of the young people in Senegal and the image of the country.
“The eighth AFRIMA in Senegal is officially tagged the Teranga edition which encompasses the good hospitality, warmth, generosity and sharing that is core to Senegalese life,” he said.
Also Mike Dada, AFRIMA’s President and Executive Producer, said that the values of Senegalese people would be celbrated globally through the AFRIMA platform.
Dada said youths, the central focus of the eighth edition, would be exposed to opportunities in the creative economy and new music business models, monetisation in music, intellectual property rights and licensing.
“They will also be exposed to collaborations with other global African music superstars that will be participating in the eighth AFRIMA in Dakar,” he said.
Matar Diop, AFRIMA’s Country Director in Senegal, said: “I am excited that the International Committee of AFRIMA and the African Union listened to our plea and pitch to bring AFRIMA to Senegal for the benefits of the tourism and music industry in Senegal.
“I thank the President and the government of Republic of Senegal for supporting this project that will change the creative industry and the tourism landscape of Senegal for good.”
As the whole world gears toward the eighth edition of the awards, AFRIMA, African music lovers are encouraged to keep voting intensively for their desired winners, using the voting portal live at www.afrima.org. (NAN)
