The African Union Commission (AUC) will unveil this year’s programs and
calendar of the annual continental awards, All Africa Music Awards
tagged “AFRIMA 3.0” at an AUC-AFRIMA music/cultural and media conference
scheduled to hold on May 21-25 during the commemoration of the 10th
African Union Youth Charter in Banjul, Gambia.
At the event, the AUC and the international Committee will reveal the
dates and timelines for submission of entry and Guidelines, adjudication
process, public voting and nominees’ announcement for the 2016 edition
of the awards as well as dates for this year’s main AFRIMA Award
ceremonies.
In a letter of invitation addressed to AFRIMA delegates from the African
Union Commission (AUC) signed by Dr Marie-Goretii Harakeye, the Acting
Director of Social Affairs, it states that the conference will bring
together award winning music stars, creative/entertainment industry
stakeholders, cultural enthusiasts government officials, corporate
sponsors, and media practitioners among others.
There will also be a robust and intellectual session on the theme:
“Using Music, Culture and Entertainment as Tools for a New Africa”. It
will be a forum for discussion on how to engage the values and spirit of
Pan-Africanism for greater collaborations in culture and music for
sustainable development, in line with the African Union cultural agenda
for peace, integration, democracy, economic advancement and social
development.
The 10th African Union Youth Charter Conference featuring a high level
roundtable and intergenerational dialogue and cultural presentations
will witness a convergence of participants including President, Islamic
Republic of Gambia, His Excellency, Sheikh (Dr.) Yahya Jammeh Babili
Mansa; Vice President Dr. Isatou NjieSaidy; Minister of Youth and
Sports, Hon. Alieu K. Jammeh; Commissioner for Social Affairs, Africa
Union Commission, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko; and President, Pan African
Youth Union, Ms. Francine Muyumba.
Others include Director, Culture Division, Africa Union Commission, Ms
Angela Martins, Chief Brand Strategist, PRM Africa and
President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; members of the
International Committee of AFRIMA; Africa Union Commission executives,
AFRIMA 2015 award winners representatives that include Award Winner in
the Best Collaboration category in 2015, AKA (South Africa); Revelation
of the African Continent, Adekunle Gold (Nigeria); Best African Rock,
M’vula (Angola); Best Artiste in African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall,
Stoneboy (Ghana); Best Female Artiste in Eastern Africa, Tsedenia
(Ethiopia); Best Artiste in North Africa, Ahmed Sultan (Morocco), and
Best Artiste in Central Africa, Stanley Enow (Cameroon) among others.
Speaking on the event, Mike Dada said: “The cultural and media
conference organized by the African Union Commission and AFRIMA holding
during the 10th African Youth Charter in Banjul is to provide a platform
for music practitioners, recording artistes, cultural experts, policy
makers, corporate sponsors and media practitioners working in the
creative and culture sectors to interface within Africa’s rapidly
evolving music scene and contribute to its transformation narratives.”
He said further: “Creative economy is still at its infancy in Africa, as
the continent’s economies remain heavily dependent on agriculture and
natural resources. However, the creative industries are providing Africa
with real economic traction, a hub of cultural heritage with the
opportunity to diversify while at the same time stimulating social,
cultural and political development.”
The event will be wrapped up with a meeting and courtesy visit to the
president of The Gambia, president Yahyah Jammeh and AFRIMA ‘Turn Up’
Party that will take place at the prestigious Senegambia Resort in
Banjul, the capital of Gambia.