Nigerian Artistes Dominate List Of Nominees For Africa Music Awards

Nominees for the various regional categories of the 2016 Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) have been announced.

The 3rd edition of the music awards, which is taking place in Lagos, South-west Nigeria, kicks off with jury members from different regions in Africa.

Nigerian music seems to be dominating, as artists such as Aramide, Tiwa Savage, Shey Shay in the female category and Wizkid, Flavor and Tekno, in the male category, have topped the on-going nominations for the West African category

The AFRIMA is not relenting on its key focus areas, which is to produce an international platform to celebrate the African cultural heritage and values.

It is also a avenue to create sustainable growth of the African music industry, as a contributor to national and continental economies.

Hence, in partnership with the African Union, (AU), it is promising to create a brand that lives up to the expectations of its internal and external stakeholders.

The 2016 edition therefore, is expected to be the biggest music event in Africa so far.

Producer AFRIMA, Mike Dada says, the idea is to change the narrative of Africa, through the instrumentality of music, art, culture, entertainment and tourism.

Another jury member reiterated that the AFRIMA platform was an opportunity to have a real taste of the African diversity.

“When we speak about diversity, we speak academically, we actually never experience the diversity until you join a team of people like these.

“You start seeing differences in perspective, levels of knowledge and all these different colours that shape our understanding of the African continent,” he said.

On what the AFRIMA stands for, the AU Head Of Culture, Angela Martins, said: “For us The AFRIMA platform brings together, African musicians for continental integration and to celebrate our rich music and heritage”.