By Abdulfatah Babatunde
The African Union Commission (AUC) has officially invited the governments of Nigeria and South Africa to take advantage of the hosting rights benefits of the next two editions of the prestigious annual All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
Adejuwon Osunnuyi, Communications Officer of the AFRIMA announced the AUC’s invitation in a Statement mailed to TheNewsZenith on Monday.
TheNewsZenith reports that AUC’s Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, signed the letter referenced HHS/CUL/16/170.23.
In the letter, AU said the call aligns with its policies for the strategic transformation of Africa through social integration.
This is as outlined in its Agenda 2063, the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance. It is also contained in the AU Plan for Action on Cultural and Creative Industry.
The AU describes AFRIMA as a global platform for celebrating and developing Africa’s diverse musical talents and cultural heritage, highlighting the significant opportunities hosting the prestigious awards presents for the selected host country.
“Since 2014, the African Union has been partnering successfully with AFRIMA to develop, celebrate and promote African music globally. This is for integration/inclusivity, economic prosperity and world peace.
“They are doing these under the seven core pillars, which include Music Awards, Music Festivals and AFRIMA creative Academy.
“Other pillars are Talent Discovery and Promotions, Music Business Hub, Advocacy and Advisory and Policy Debates,” the letter reads.
AFRIMA is the biggest and longest-running music award and platform in Africa. It has a huge global appeal, diaspora audience and youthful fans.
The main events of AFRIMA are usually broadcast live to over 84 countries around the world after a continental and global roadshow, with thousands of music artists, actors, celebritiesand members of the diplomatic corps among others.
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In a letter sent to Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, the AUC states: Nigeria, as a beacon in African music with huge young population, stands a promising chance to elevate it’s positive global presence.
“Should Nigerian accept to host AFRIMA, it will bolster her artistic, tourism, economic growth, fostering cultural exchange and job creation.
“It will also reinforce a positive perception of our continent’s rich cultural heritage on a global scale,” TheNewsZenith quoted AUC as stating.
The last edition of AFRIMA wtook place in Dakar, in partnership with the government of the Republic of Senegal.
AUC usually bestow hosting rights of AFRIMA are on any country that shows capacity to meet requirements and conditions.
The Acting Director for Social Development, Culture and Sports Division of AUC, Ms Angela Martins, confirmed the invitation extended to the two countries.
She said AFRIMA provides a unique opportunity for host country to showcase its rich cultural heritage. It will also help to develop its music sector, promote tourism and stimulate economic growth.
“This call to action comes as part of AU’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange, unity and economic development across Africa.
“We urge the governments of Nigeria and South Africa to seize this opportunity to strengthen intra-African collaboration (in line with AFCTA) within the music industry and enhance their international visibility positively,” she said.
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