The Government of Senegal has accepted to host the 8th edition of All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, as this will be the first time the main awards ceremony will be held in a francophone country after past editions.
The Head Culture Division, Social Affairs Division, African Union Commission (AUC), Angela Martins disclosed this information to the Press at a joint world media conference at the Hotel King Fahd Royal Palace, in Dakar, Senegal.
He stated that the awards ceremony will be held from January 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 African union commission and The Republic of Senegal. This also means that the voting deadline for the nominees will now be shifted to January 13, 2023, at 23.00 (CAT).
“The African Union is excited to have the awards held 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 All Africa Music Awards in expressing gratitude and appreciation to the Government of Senegal for accepting to host AFRIMA 8th Edition on 12th to 15th January 2023 and for making history by being the 3rd AU Member State to host the Awards. The hosting of AFRIMA by the Republic of Senegal will happen at a time when Senegal will still be the Chairperson of the African Union and it is an opportune occasion to close its chairmanship by promoting our rich arts, culture and heritage.
“As you are aware, 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” he said.
In attendance at the conference were the representatives of the Senegalese Minister of Culture and Communication; Minister of Tourism and Air travels, Special Adviser to the President of Senegal, Dr Massamba Gaye alongside local and international media professionals; AFRIMA delegates; African Union Commission officials; African music stakeholders; 8th AFRIMA nominees and African artistes, Iba One from 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; Jamman from Senegal among others.
