BY AGENCY REPORTER
Organisers of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have said that they received 2,025 entries for its maiden edition holding in Lagos on November 9.
A statement by one of its officials, Vanessa Obioha, indicates that AFRIMA has finally closed submission of entries, while describing the number received as impressive.
It recalls that the call for entry was opened on May 15 and initially billed to close on July 5. However, the International Committee of AFRIMA extended the closing date to July 19 to accommodate more entries and also to give an equal chance to many who felt disenfranchised due to lack of Internet access.
The entry finally closed at 24.00 hrs CAT on July 21,2014.
“For the first time, AFRIMA insisted on submission of entries online in order to achieve transparency and get the artistes to adapt to modern and future forms of communication. A total of 2,025 entries were received on the AFRIMA website and Facebook page from artistes, record companies, music enthusiasts and music/entertainment journalists across the continent and in the Diaspora whose works were produced in the year under review, May 31, 2013-July 20, 2014,” it adds.
According to AFRIMA, being a continental award, music enthusiasts from across the continent submitted their works, while there were also some from non-African countries by Africans.
AFRIMA says, “This shows the global recognition of AFRIMA, which is in partnership with the African Union Commission and the host country’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation in Nigeria.”
It quotes the Director, Brand Communication and Sponsorships, Matlou Tsotetsi, as expressing excitement over the high record of entries.
“The International Committee is excited about the entries received. It is a reflection of the understanding and acceptability of the vision and ideals of AFRIMA’s intent to pursue and communicate to the rest of the world,” she says.
The submitted works are expected to be further screened by a 13-person jury panel that are part of the AFRIMA Academy of Voters comprising 527 members grouped into two layers of adjudicators spread across the five regions of Africa.
Prominent and seasoned music professionals like Oscar Kidjo, Rita Ray,Kiki Toure, Kawesa Richard, Delani Makhalima, Christian Syren, Rab Bakari are part of the jury.
