As Burna Boy, Wizkid, Nasty C, Tiwa Savage, Nadia Nakai, Kanvee Adams, Stonebwoy, Salatiel, Aminux,  Nikita Kering,  Dj Spinall, Joeboy win big on the Continent

The 6th AFRIMA (All Africa Music Awards) night at the Eko Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria witnessed the continent’s biggest celebration of outstanding individuals and groups in the African music and creative industry. Some of the winners who emerged from the 36 awards category include; Kanvee Adams (Liberia); Stonebwoy (Ghana); Nasty C (South Africa); Owen & Tiana (Gabon); Salatiel (Cameroon) Manno Beatz (Chad); Aminix (Morocco); Nadia Nakai (South Africa); Mohamed Ramadan (Egypt); Nikita Kering (Kenya); Bráulio Alexandre (Angola); Director Kenny (Tanzania); Onesimus (Malawi); Abrham Belanyeh (Ethiopia); Rash (Kenya); Hillzy (Zimbabwe).

Other winners of the big night comprising of Nigerian artistes include Tiwa Savage; Burna Boy, Wizkid, Dj Spinall; Joeboy among others.

Some of the winners’ acceptance speeches brought tears and emotions as Nadia Nakai from South Africa says’, “We are One Africa, we should use our voice to preach peace & unity and not hate and separation. Don’t give up on us because we haven’t given up on you”

A mixture of joy and sober reflections filled the atmosphere as two of Africa’s living legend were bestowed with the 6th AFRIMA Legendary awards; international Congolese music veteran, Awilo Longomba; and Nigerian music icon, 2Baba. This category is dedicated to recognize individuals who have impacted positively on the world using their craft in the music, arts and culture industry. A category fully decided by the International Committee of AFRIMA.

This year has no doubt surpassed fans’ expectations as the stage was lit with electrifying performances from African music stars from across the continent.

This year’s events kick start with the Welcome Soiree which took place at the Sky Lounge rooftop of Eko Hotels; a ground welcome reception party for arriving artiste, nominees and delegates where Minister of Information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, represented by the Director-General of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Yakubu Mohammed welcomed artiste and guests relating a feel-at-home treatment and promised hospitality during their stay in Nigeria.

International Music Icon, Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) on stage at the 6th AFRIMA Music Village, Agege, Lagos, Nigeria

A major highlight of the 6th AFRIMA was the AFRIMA Music Village, with over 30 African superstars who entertained fans and music lovers’ at the 5,000 capacity Agege Stadium. A combination of African superstars and AFRIMA Nominees thrilled music fans to high-powered and high-octane music.

The next day was set for the African Music Business Summit (AMBS), which had in attendance music professionals and stakeholders in a panel of discussion on issues surrounding the business of music in Africa, and how to harness its full economic potentials. Panelist included Yoel Kenan, (Chief Executive Officer, Africori, South Africa); Eric Bally (Associate Producer, YUMA Production); DJ Moh Green (International DJ from Algeria); Sarah Boulos (Chairperson, Society for the Performing Arts, Nigeria.); Sipho Dlamini (Managing Director, Universal Music, South Africa); Seidu Idrissu (West Africa Agents, Sheer Publishing Africa, Ghana), among others.

Renowned Media Personality, Olisa Adibua (Nigeria); 6th AFRIMA Songwriter of the Year, Kanvee Adams (Liberia) and other Panelists at the 2019 Africa Music Business Summit, Lagos.

Olisa Adibua, Nigerian media personality and Associate Co-producer, AFRIMA, who was one of the panelists said “the issue is not about help, It Is Business, If you have a good product you don’t beg, investors will woo you. Show business is the business of show where the artiste provides the show and the investors fund and market the show. If the investors don’t find your work marketable, no amount of begging will change that position.”

The business summit was followed by Nominees’ party, held a night before the main awards ceremony, with theme ‘Fire and Ice’. Nominees from across the continent were given a feel of Africa in the Nigerian way at Landmark beach.

CEO, Coyah Production, USA, Hadja Kobele Keita, and Partner PriceWaterHouseCoopers, PwC, Nigeria, Udochi Muogilim

To wrap up the awards night was the After-Party, which set the ultimate celebratory mood in place as winners of the night, music stars and guests let loose into the night till the following morning.

The 6th AFRIMA has been able to bring together music artiste, music professionals and stakeholders in one place while using music as a channel in propelling African music to the entire globe.

The awards ceremony was broadcast live to over 84 countries on DSTV channel 198, GOTV channel 29, Africa Independent Television (AIT), Silverbird Television (STV), Nigezie, HIP TV amongst others. And proudly sponsored by the Pan African Bank, Ecobank and Africa’s Telecom Giant, MTN, Africa’s media network company, AIT and Raypower FM; and global beverage brand, Coca-cola among others.