Africa
Senegal to host 8th edition of AFRIMA
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, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
Ihekire said that the eighth AFRIMA would hold from Jan.12 to Jan. 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 to 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 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 AFRIMA in expressing gratitude and appreciation to the government of Senegal for accepting to host AFRIMA’s 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 Senegal 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 the 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.”