Voting for nominees continues as Senegal prepares to host AFRIMA

The eighth edition of the All Africa Music Awards has been scheduled to be held in Dakar, Senegal, from January 12 to 15, 2023.

The Communications Manager, AFRIMA, Chinonso Ihekire, who confirmed the development in a statement, said Senegal would be the first Francophone country to host the prestigious awards, adding that the deadline for voting of nominees had been shifted till 11pm on January 13, 2023.

Ihekire said the Senegalese government accepted to host the award ceremony at a joint world media conference held at the Hotel King Fahd Royal Palace in Dakar, Senegal, on Friday, November 4, 2022.

“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, the African Union Commission and the Republic of Senegal.

“This also means that the voting deadline for the nominees will now be shifted till 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.

“Had in attendance at the conference were the representatives of Senegalese Minister of Culture and Communication; and the 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,” the statement said.

The Head Culture Division, Social Affairs Division, African Union Commission, Angela Martins, was quoted to have said the African Union was excited to have the awards staged in a francophone region.

The statement read in part, “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.

“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.”

In his acceptance speech, Senegal’s Minister of Tourism and Air Transport, Alioune Sarr, who was represented by Phillipe Ba, said Senegal was 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,” he said.

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