Senegal Unveiled As Host Country For AFRIMA

The Senegalese government has been unveiled to host the 8th edition of All Africa Music Awards, (AFRIMA) at a joint world media conference –host country unveiling– held at the Hotel King Fahd Royal Palace, in Dakar, Senegal.

The awards ceremony will now 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.

This also means that the voting deadline for the nominees will now be moved to January 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.

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.

There were also AU Commission officials; African music stakeholders; 8th AFRIMA nominees and African artists, 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.

The Head, of the Culture Division, Social Affairs Division, African Union Commission (AUC), Angela Martins, said that 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, 2023and 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,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Senegal’s Minister of Tourism and Air Transport, HE Mr. Alioune Sarr, represented by Phillipe Ba said, “Personally and on behalf of the Senegalese government, welcome to Sénégal, the home of the champions of football. Now Sénégal is also positioning herself to become the champion of music because we are hosting the 8th 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 the great success of AFRIMA in Senegal because our President, H.E. 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 concluded.

The four-day event continues on Friday, January 13, 2023, with the African Music Business Summit and the AFRIMA Urban Music Fest; while the main rehearsals and nominees’ exclusive party will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023; the event will climax on Sunday, January 15, 2023, with the live awards ceremony broadcast by 104 TV Stations to over 84 countries around the world.