 |
| Image: Facebook |
Côte d’Ivoire has officially signalled its readiness to host a future edition of the prestigious All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), with Abidjan proposed as the host city for the continental celebration of African music and culture.
The announcement was made during the Road to the 10th AFRIMA media and stakeholders’ engagement held in Abidjan, an event that brought together government officials, music industry leaders, artistes, cultural stakeholders, and members of the media. The gathering focused on discussions around the impact of AFRIMA on Africa’s creative sector, as well as the long-term vision for the awards.
Addressing participants, Serge Akpatou, deputy director-general of the Ivorian Bureau of Copyright (BURIDA), highlighted AFRIMA’s growing influence in advancing Africa’s music industry. He noted that the awards have played a vital role in elevating African artistes, increasing global visibility for the continent’s sound, and promoting awareness about intellectual property rights.
According to him, Côte d’Ivoire possesses the infrastructure, cultural heritage, and organisational capacity required to host a global-scale event like AFRIMA. He expressed strong optimism that Abidjan could successfully stage the ceremony if given the opportunity.
“Abidjan has the capacity and cultural depth to host a future edition, and we sincerely hope that opportunity will come,” Akpatou said.
Also speaking at the event, Hein Sie, who represented the minister of culture and Francophone affairs, described AFRIMA as a powerful tool for cultural exchange, diplomacy, and economic growth. He stressed that hosting such an event would further strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s position as a leading cultural hub in Francophone Africa.
“Côte d’Ivoire is proud of its artistes who have excelled on a platform like AFRIMA, and we are ready to support initiatives that position our country as a creative force,” he said.
The engagement attracted a vibrant mix of artistes and industry professionals from across the continent. Among the Ivorian stars present were Didi B, Milo, Morijah, and Team Paiya, all of whom emerged winners at the 9th edition of the awards. They were joined by Beninese singer Axel Merryl and Algerian DJ Moh Green, adding further continental representation to the event.
Representatives of the AFRIMA international executive committee were also in attendance, including associate producer Victoria Nkong and international jury member Messie Mboukou. Their presence reinforced the significance of the engagement and underlined AFRIMA’s commitment to inclusivity across Africa’s diverse cultural regions.
Speaking on behalf of AFRIMA, Mboukou explained that the Abidjan engagement formed part of a broader strategy to deepen ties with Francophone African countries ahead of the landmark 10th edition. He said the initiative was designed to foster collaboration, build trust, and encourage greater participation in the awards process.
“This gathering is not only about celebration. It is about dialogue, transparency and building stronger bridges between artistes, the media, cultural institutions, policy makers and AFRIMA,” Mboukou said.
He further emphasised the importance of continuous collaboration with Francophone Africa, noting that inclusivity remains a core pillar of AFRIMA’s vision.
“As we approach the 10th edition, continuous collaboration with Francophone Africa is vital for us not be left out in the AFRIMA movement,” he added.
Addressing concerns about credibility and fairness, Mboukou outlined the rigorous processes that guide AFRIMA’s adjudication system. He stressed that the awards operate under strict transparency standards to preserve integrity and public trust.
“The adjudication process is thorough and structured. It is supervised by the African Union and independently audited by a globally reputable auditing firm. After nominations are decided by the 13-man AFRIMA Jury, the AFRIMA Academy of voters and public vote, and the final results are exclusively collated independently by the professional auditors. No one can manipulate the outcome,” he said.
The 9th edition of AFRIMA was held in Lagos on January 11, attracting widespread attention and celebrating outstanding achievements in African music. Meanwhile, anticipation continues to build for the 10th edition, as organisers are yet to announce the host nation.
With Côte d’Ivoire’s formal expression of interest, Abidjan has now emerged as a strong contender, raising expectations that the iconic music celebration could soon make its way to Francophone West Africa.
#AFRIMA
#NollywoodTimes
#CIV
No comments:
Post a Comment