Deadline for the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) closed with an impressive harvest of entries totalling 2,025.
The call for entries, which opened on May 15, was billed to close on July 5, but was extended to July 21 by the International Committee of AFRIMA.
Entries were submitted online on the AFRIMA website and Facebook page from artistes, record companies, music enthusiasts and music/entertainment journalists across the continent and in the diaspora whose works were produced in the year under review, May 31, 2013 to July 20, 2014.
Of the entries received, 38 were from music and entertainment journalists, others were from artistes, songwriters, video directors, music producers and record companies.
Being a continental award, music enthusiasts from across Africa submitted their works, but more exciting are the entries from Africans in non-African countries.
According to the organisers, this shows the global recognition of AFRIMA, which is in partnership with the African Union Commission and the host country’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation in Nigeria.
“The international committee is excited about the entries received. It is a reflection of the understanding and acceptability of the vision and ideals of AFRIMA’s intent to pursue and communicate to the rest of the world,” said AFRIMA’s Director, Brand Communication and Sponsorships, Matlou Tsotetsi.
The works will now be screened by a 13-person jury that is part of the AFRIMA Academy of Voters comprising 527 members grouped into two layers of adjudicators spread across the five regions of Africa.
The award ceremony, which the organisers said will be broadcast in 84 countries on 109 television stations across the world, will take place on November 9 in Lagos.