At the host country unveiling, the Senegalese government accepted to host the 8th edition of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) at a Joint World Media Conference held at the Hotel King Fahd Royal Palace, in Dakar, Senegal on Friday 4th November, 2022.
The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) is an innovative awards platform that rewards the excellence in the African music industry and showcases the cultural and entertainment uniqueness of Africa to the rest of the world with partnership with the African Union Commission.
The award ceremony was scheduled to be held on December 8 to 11, 2022, but has been postponed to hold from January 12 to 15, 2023, in Dakar Senegal, as jointly announced by The International Committee of AFRIMA, The African Union Commission and The Republic of Senegal. This also changes the voting deadline for the nominees which will be shifted till January 13, 2023, at 23:00 (CAT). This is also a limelight for Senegal, as this is the first time the main awards will be held in a francophone country after past editions.
Many notable and high ranked personalities attended the conference, amongst others were; the Representatives of Senegalese Minister of Culture and Communication; and the Minister of Tourism and Air Travels, Special Adviser to the President of Senegal, Dr. Massamba Gaye alongside local and international Media Professionals; AFRIMA delegates; African Union Commission officials; African music stakeholders; 8th AFRIMA nominees and African artistes, Iba One (Mali), DJ Neptune (Nigeria), DJ Moh Green (French-Algerian).
Angela Martins, The Head Culture Division, Social Affairs Division, African Union Commission (AUC) said that the African Union is excited to have the awards hold in a francophone region, also stating that the awards is happening at a time when “Senegal will still be the Chairperson of the African Union and it is an opportune occasion to close its chairmanship by promoting our rich arts, culture and heritage.
Mike Dada, the President and Executive Producer of AFRIMA announced that the 8th edition of AFRIMA is officially tagged the Teranga Edition which encompasses the good hospitality, warmth, generosity and sharing that is the core to Senegalese life.
The 4-day event will commence on Thursday January 12, 2023 with a courtesy visit to the President of the Host Country, a host city tour, school visit and gift presentation (AFRIMA’s CSR) as well as a welcome soiree will be held the same day. The African Music Business Summit and AFRIMA Urban Music Fest will be held on Friday January 13, 2023, while the main rehearsals and nominees exclusive party will be held on Saturday January 14, 2023 with the live awards ceremony broadcast by 104 TV stations to over 84 countries around the world.