The night of Sunday, November 15, when this year’s edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) took place in Lagos, is one to remember for a long time to come.
Held in partnership with the African Union (AU), not only was it phenomenal, it also brought people from all over Africa together under one roof at the Eko Hotels and Suites.
Aside the many scintillating performances from the five regions of Africa as led by joint rendition of Paul Simon’s ‘Diamond on the soles of her shoes’ by Cobhams Asuquo and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, there were surprises and emotions at this year’s award ceremony.
Some of the big winners who took home the 23.9 Karat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy are Charlotte Dipanda from Cameroon (three awards) – Album of the Year, Best Female in Central Africa, and Best Artiste in African Contemporary. Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania also won three – Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa.
Cassper Nyovest from South Africa, has in his kitty two awards – Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa and Best Artiste in African Hip Hop, while Kenyan group, Souti Sol, got Best African Group/Duo/Band and producer of the Year.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the honour bestowed on the former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, as Pillar of African Arts and Culture, and AFRIMA legendary award to the Ladysmith Black Mambazo for still staying strong after five decades.
Artistes who recorded their names on the award winners’ list are Vanessa Mdee (TSA), Yemi Alade (NIG), AKA (SA), Stanley Enow (CAM), Flavour (NIG), Tsedenia (ETH), Darey Art-Alade (NIG), M’vula (ANG), Olamide (NIG), Wiyaala (GHA), Adekunle Gold (NIG), Kiss Daniel (NIG), Jose Chameleone (UGA), Praiz (NIG) among others.
The full list can be found on the organiser’s website.