AFRIMA 2018… Entry closes August 1, as artistes battle for honours

As music stars and stakeholders in the showbiz industries across Africa gear up for this year’s All Africa Music Award (AFRIMA), organisers have announced August 1 as deadline for submission of songs and videos to be nominated for the continental showpiece.

The event celebrates and rewards the music talents of the continent, while showcasing the African cultural heritage to a global audience for a positive narrative.

Organised by the African Union Commission in partnership with the International Committee of AFRIMA, organisers announced call for entries for the 2018 edition on May 25 and thereby opened its online portal- www.afrima.org to receive songs and videos recorded or produced by African music professionals either living on the continent or in the diaspora within the eligibility period of August 1, 2017 to August 1, 2018.

Established and emerging African music stars have been sending in their songs and videos to compete in the 36 regional and continental award categories to participate in the process, with the expectation of emerging nominees that will feature at the culturally resplendent 5th AFRIMA main awards ceremony scheduled for November 2018.

The high level of participation in the submission by Africa’s music industry is an indication that the 2018 nomination entries are set to surpass those received in previous years.

Meanwhile, AFRIMA recently announced the introduction of four new award categories to enable more creative professionals in the music and entertainment industry participate in the process, giving room for expansion and inclusiveness.

The newly introduced categories are Best African DJ; Best African Dance/Choreography; Best African Lyricist/Rapper of the Year and Best African Act in Diaspora.

Speaking on the countdown, AFRIMA Country Director, South Africa, Mr. Lekunutu Sekobo, advised African artistes yet to enter their works to take advantage of the few days remaining.

“I would like to urge all musicians, record labels, music producers, music managers and the recording industry of Africa at large to take full advantage of the few days remaining before submissions closes on the 1st of August.

I encourage you to submit your crafts or submit on behalf of your clients in any of the suitable award categories. Africans should embrace this initiative by AFRIMA and show full cooperation and support.

AFRIMA is the biggest platform where Africans are showing immense enthusiasm through music and art.”

He further added: “I would also like to call on the Department of Arts and Culture under Minister Nathi Mthethwa and the Department of Tourism under Minister Derek Hanekom not excluding corporate South Africans to embrace and give full support to AFRIMA’s vision for Africa’s Cultures Renaissance so we can overcome the challenges confronting our continent as former President Thabo Mbeki championed in his term of office”.

Once the AFRIMA submission portal closes on August 1, the screening and adjudication process commences on August 7 by the 13-man AFRIMA International Jury, who are experienced and expert African music professionals charged with the responsibility of painstakingly and carefully screening, categorising and assessing the works submitted and determining those entries possessing the merit to be named on the highly contested AFRIMA Nominees List.

Meanwhile, the Director, Brand Communication, AFRIMA, Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi has challenged African governments and corporate bodies to throw their weight behind the advocacy initiative of AFRIMA.