AFRICAN UNION TO UNVEIL AFRIMA 2016 CALENDAR IN THE GAMBIA

AFRIMA 2015 Best Artist in African Raggae, Ragga & Dancehall, Stonebwoy

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.