IN an effort to promote African music globally and foster cultural exchange, the African Union Commission (AUC) has extended an invitation to the governments of Nigeria and South Africa to host the prestigious All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) for the next two years.
In a letter signed by the AUC’s Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, the union listed the hosting rights benefits and the opportunities for social integration as well as cultural development presented by hosting such a prominent event.
The Acting Director for Social Development, Culture, and Sports Division, AUC, Ms. Angela Martins, confirmed the invitation and request to bid for the hosting rights extended to the two countries.
She stated: “This call to action comes as part of the AU’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange, unity, and economic development across the African continent.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has received the letter, a copy of which was sighted by journalists.
The letter read in part: “AFRIMA is the biggest and longest running music award and platform in Africa, with a huge global appeal, diaspora audience, and youthful fans. The main event events of AFRIMA are usually broadcast live to over 84 countries around the world after a continental and global road show, with thousands of music artists, actors, celebrities, members of the diplomatic corps, professionals in the creative space, tourists, media and fans from all over the world converging on the host country.
“Nigeria, as a beacon in African music with huge young population, should it accept to host AFRIMA, stands a promising chance in elevating the country’s positive global presence, bolstering artistic, tourism and economic growth, fostering cultural exchange and job creation, and reinforcing a positive perception of our continent’s rich cultural heritage on a global scale.”