Although the calendar for the 2016 edition of the continental reward platform for the music industry, All Africa Music Awards will be formally unveiled in May at the African Union Commission (AUC) Secretariat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, organisers of the event have started a series of build-up activities with a recent courtesy visit to former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The flag-off of the 2016 Afrima agenda will coincide with the 10th anniversary of the African Union Youth Charter.
While reiterating the need to commercialise music and culture in order to create jobs and reduce poverty, Obasanjo commended AFRIMA and AUC for unifying Africa through music. He called on brands and governments in Africa to partner AFRIMA.
He recalled similar projects as president like All African Games (COJA 2003) and Festival of Art and Culture in Africa (FESTAC ‘77) as platforms for promoting African culture and unity that require huge resources to organise.
Earlier in his opening remark, the President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada said, “the meeting and visit was in recognition of the former president as the former Chairperson of the African Union (AU) between July, 2004 and January, 2006. He is an African global icon, a cultural enthusiast and champion of African renaissance.”
He intimated the former president with the objectives of the All African Music Awards, which is mainly to unite Africans through art, music, culture and entertainment as well as promote and reward upcoming and established talents on the continent.
According to Dada, “AFRIMA remains steadfast to the AUC’s values of promoting African unity and celebrating cultural uniqueness”, and thereby thanked the former President for receiving AFRIMA team at his residence and specially invited him to the 2016 AFRIMA in November.
A giant photo frame for his 79th birthday and Djembe drum were presented to the former President by the AFRIMA Director of Sponsorship and Communications, Matlou Tsotsesi with the support of the AFRIMA 2015 winner of Best RnB & Soul in Africa, Praiz and Communication Manager, ONE Campaign Africa, Nde Nfodinka (Wax Dey).
