African Music Academy Award; Celebrating Pan-African Talent

The inaugural edition of the African Music Academy Awards has revealed its regional winners, showcasing the diverse musical talent across the continent and its diaspora. Established in 2014, the AMA aims to elevate pan-African music through education, professional initiatives, and dedicated awards. Notable figures like Angélique Kidjo and the late Manu Dibango are among its founding members, emphasizing its significance in the music industry.

72 national winners were initially selected, becoming members of the academy, who then participated in online voting to elect the regional winners. From June 1, these regional winners will vote for the overall winners, with results expected to be announced by June 20.

Wally Badarou, the president of the African Music Academy, highlighted the importance of these awards being presented by peers within the industry, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of talent across various categories such as songwriting, composing, performance, and production.

Here’s the complete list of African Music Academy Award regional winners for 2024:

North Africa:

•  Yacine Ouabed (Algeria)
• Younes Bahri (Algeria)
• Groupe Tikoubaouine (Algeria)
• Saliha Ould Moussa (Algeria)

East Africa:

• Angell Mutoni (Rwanda)
• Mike Kayihura (Rwanda)
• Bushali (Rwanda)
• Nzayisenga Sophie (Rwanda)
• Noopja (Rwanda)
• Masudi Kandoro (Tanzania)

West Africa:

• Smarty (Burkina Faso)
• Petit Jeano (Burkina Faso)
• Petit Miguelito (Benin)
• Max Solo (Burkina Faso)
• San Rémy Traoré (Burkina Faso)
• Somssaya (Burkina Faso)

Central Africa:

• Eric Nice (DRC)
• Thasi Ponda (DRC)
• Eric Nice (DRC)
• Jovi (Cameroon)
• Thasi Ponda (DRC)
• Christian Lepira (DRC)

Southern Africa:

• Coss Chiwalo (Malawi)
• Tiwonge Hango (Malawi)
• Cleo Ice Queen (Zambia)
• Pompi (Zambia)
• Damascus Phiri (Malawi)
• Samuel Chiwaka (Malawi)

Latin America Diaspora:

• Nekki (Chile)
• Esteban Copete (Colombia)
• Nidia Góngora (Colombia)
• Mauricio Tizumba (Brazil)
• Alexis Play (Colombia)
• Liliana Escobar - AE Agencia (Colombia)

Caribbean Diaspora:

• Joël Lutbert (Martinique)
•  Joël Jacoulet (Martinique)
• Maurane Voyer (Martinique)
• José Zebina (Martinique)
• Ali Angel (Martinique)

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These awards not only celebrate individual talents but also signify the unity and richness of musical expression across Africa and its diaspora.